Yakima County, Administrative division in Washington State, US
Yakima County spans south-central Washington, connecting desert areas, mountains, and farmland between the Cascade Range and Columbia Basin. The landscape is dominated by fruit orchards, hop fields, and river valleys that define the region's character.
The establishment of Yakima County in 1886 marked the start of organized governance in an area where Native American tribes had long lived. Early development was shaped by railroad connections and later by irrigation technology that enabled agriculture to flourish.
The Yakama Nation's traditions continue to shape daily life in the region, while farming communities have built an agricultural identity centered on orchards and hops. The visible landscape reflects how these groups use and value the land for their livelihoods.
The area is easy to navigate by car via highways and offers access to rivers and trails for visitors. It helps to plan around the region's seasonal weather changes when deciding when to visit.
The county produces roughly three-quarters of the nation's hops, making it the hub of the brewing industry in North America. This concentration stems from ideal growing conditions and a farming tradition spanning more than a century.
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