Yakima : Washington

Yakima is a county seat of Yakima County, located in South Central Washington where the Naches and Yakima Rivers meet.  Yakima is on the Yakima River, in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and leads the way to the Cascade Mountains.

The Yakima Valley is famous for forest products, manufacturing aircraft parts and supplies; and machinery used in food product packaging. Agriculture is the main occupation of the people which flourishes through producing and processing tree fruits, hops, mint, vegetables, and livestock, dairy and wine. The extended growing period and rich soil provide the perfect conditions to produce grapes necessary for wine making. Yakima wines and vineyards are very popular today.

Yakima has a mild and dry climate with cool winters and hot summers. The region receives very little snowfall with an average annual snowfall of  20-25 inches. The climate of Yakima is modified by the Cascade Mountains. There are usually 300 days of sunshine in Yakima.

Elevation: 1066 feet

Land area: 20.1 square miles

Latitude: 46.60 N

Longitude: 120.53 W

Population: 81,214 as on 2005

Local festivals include:

    * Central Washington State Fair
    * Volleyball Festival

Attractions:

    * Yakima Valley Museum
    * Washington's Fruit Place Visitor Center
    * Yakima Electric Railway Museum