Outdoor Pursuits and Rentals

OPR Summer hours begin on Sunday, June 12, 2022. Summer hours are 9am - 5pm Sunday through Saturday. OPR Summer closures include Monday, July 4 & Monday September 5. OPR is open for Juneteenth, Sunday, June 19 as well as the observed university day of Monday, June 20.

Please call 509-963-3537 or email outdoorpursuits@cwu.edu to find out more.

The Outdoor Pursuits & Rentals Shop offers special deals for holidays and school breaks when the rental shop is closed. Listed below are the special rental periods and deals. For specific questions, please call 509.963.3536.

• Martin Luther King Day - Free day with any weekend rental.
• President's Day - Free day with any weekend rental.
• Spring Break - Pay the weekend price for the full week.
• Memorial Day - Free day with any weekend rental.
• Juneteenth - Free day with any weekend rental.
• Fourth of July - Free day for any rentals over the 4th.
• Labor Day - Free day with any weekend rental.
• Thanksgiving Break - Pay the weekend price for all of break
• Winter Break - Schedule an appointment with OPR to pickup your equipment during Winter Break.

OPR Trips

Fall Quarter
Hiking & Backpacking
Mountain Biking
Standup Paddle Boarding
Fireside Chats
Rafting
Banff Mountain Film Festival

Winter Quarter
Snowshoeing
Cross Country Skiing
Backcountry Skiing
Snow Tubing
Ski & Snowboard Shuttles

Spring Quarter
Hiking
Mountain Biking
FREE Bicycle Maintenance Clinics
Standup Paddle Boarding
Fireside Chats
Rafting

Training & Certifications
AIARE Avalanche Level 1 Course
Swiftwater Rescue Course
Wilderness First Responder

Instagram Live
Tuesday & Thursday at 12pm
Every Tuesday & Thursday at 12pm during the Fall, Winter & Spring Quarters, OPR will bring you live content via Instagram. The topics will be outdoor focused, but could be just about anything. Tune into @CWURecreation to watch.

Enjoy a scenic float down the Yakima River, take in the stunning views of the canyon and valley, and watch for wildlife along the banks of the river. Be adventurous, see what the nature around the Lower Kitittas Valley has to offer.

Action Stage - (33.5 feet - 35.5 feet.) At this stage, the river is near bank full at Ellensburg. Lowland flooding is possible in the low areas along the river. If the water level is above 33.5 feet, please consider your recreation options carefully and know that you are responsible for your own safety while on the river.

The Yakima water level is always very closely monitored by the USGS. You are able to see what the water level for each of the stages in real-time. Yakima River's real-time water levels.

What to Bring

• PFD (Personal Flotation Device) / Life Jacket & WEAR IT!
• Water
• Food
• Waterproof sunblock
• Chapstick
• Proper footwear with snug straps that will not fall off
• Inexpensive sunglasses
• Swimsuit
• And the pump. When the raft hits the cold water it can lose pressure over the duration of the float. During a break in your float, keep the raft out of direct sunlight and give it a couple pumps before heading back out!

Caution:

Rafting is a potentially hazardous activity. Always raft with a group and seek training prior to floating the river on your own. Moving water is a powerful element and awareness of potential hazards may allow you to have a more safe and enjoyable experience. OPR offers a Swiftwater Rescue course annually each Spring for those interested in getting more training.

On the Yakima River, OPR equipment is prohibited floating the stretch between the Upper Bridge at KOA campground to the Lower Bridge at Irene Rinehart Park (People's Pond), and from the Lower Bridge (People's Pond) down to South Ringer Loop launch. AVOID THESE AREAS!!! These areas are potentially hazardous and are off limits for OPR equipment. The Ringer Loop Road is closed in the middle because it was washed out by the Yakima River a few years ago. Please avoid putting your water vessel in the river at North Ringer Loop. North Ringer Loop is the little grassy park with the picnic table that is near the Yakima River RV Park. This section of river is within the prohibited stretch referenced above. For the Ringer Loop put-in, you should drive to the second road named Ringer Loop Road and drive to the WA state managed parking area with boat launch to put your water vessel in the river. At this site, there is a Bureau of Land Management sign labeling this area South Ringer Loop. Please note a Discover Pass or day use fee is required here. For a list of Yakima River put-ins & take-outs and FAQ on our rental gear and floating the river, click here.

Please send inquiries via e-mail outdoorpursuits@cwu.edu. Or contact Outdoor Pursuits and Rentals by phone at (509) 963-3537.

Trip Resources
Local Trip Planning
Yakima River Floats
Ellensburg’s NOAA weather

Winter Resources
Washington State Dot Mountain Passes
PNW Avalanche Forecast
Nationwide Avalanche Forecast
American Avalanche Association
American Institute for Avalanche Research & Education

Hiking, Mountaineering & Climbing Resources
Washington Trails Association
Caltopo - Backcountry Mapping Website
Mountain Project
Summit Post
Turns All Year

River Flow Resources
Dream Flows
Professor Paddle
USGS Current Water Data

Outdoor Activities Waiver - Hiking Trips
Outdoor Activities Waiver - Winter Activities
Rafting and Kayaking Waiver
Climbing Trip Waiver
Medical Information Form

Banff Mountain Film Festival

Date: TBD
Doors open at 6pm and the film starts at 7pm.
Cost: $12 CWU students, $16 non-students, $16 general admission day of the film.
Welcome to the 2021-22 World Tour. Featuring audience favorites from the 2021 Festival and special tour edits. Each year, a collection of the best films celebrating outdoor culture is seen by more than 390,000 in 40 countries at over 840 screenings, including Central Washington University. There will be door prizes. To purchase tickets in advance, visit Wildcat Tickets. To watch the previous year's trailer, visit https://www.cwu.edu/rec/film-festivals.