Recreation Programs

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• Spring Quarter Hours of Operation

  OPR Summer Quarter hours
  
  Summer Hours
  Sunday: 9am-5pm
  Monday: 9am-5pm
  Tuesday: 9am-5pm
  Wednesday: Closed
  Thursday: Closed
  Friday: 9am-5pm
  Saturday: 9am-5pm
  
  Summer Quarter closures include Juneteenth, Monday, June 19; Independence Day, Tuesday, July 4 & Labor Day, Monday, September 4.

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

• Special Gear Rental Periods

  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.
• Equipment Rental Links

  

  River Floating Equipment

  

  Camping & Backpacking Equipment

  

  Winter Equipment

  

  Climbing Equipment

  

  Sports Equipment

• Guided Trips & Events

  OPR Trips

  *All trips include the required gear necessary. For example, a standup paddle board trip includes, standup paddle board, paddle, personal flotation device (PFD), leash, fins & pump. Some clothing is available for rent if students need it. See the rental page to learn more about available clothing.

  Typical year round programs & trips include:

  Fall Quarter
  Hiking
  Backpacking
  Rafting
  Mountain Biking
  Standup Paddle Boarding
  Fireside Chats

  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

• Yakima River

  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.

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  What to Bring

  • Personal Flotation Device (PFD) / 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!

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  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.

• Useful Links

  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
  Trailforks

  River Flow Resources
  Dream Flows
  Professor Paddle
  USGS Current Water Data

• Forms

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

• Banff Mountain Film Festival

  Banff Mountain Film Festival

  Date: Thursday, December 1, 2022
  Doors open at 6pm and the film starts at 7pm.
  Cost: $16 CWU students, $20 non-students, $20 general admission day of the film.
  Welcome to the 2022-23 World Tour. 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 Recreation Film Festivals