Surrounding the Inn

The Zillah Lakes are private waters owned and managed by the Zillah Lakes Development.  Fishing is catch and release only with a non-barbed hook. This gives the fish the best chance of surviving being caught and put back in the water. The lake has up to 6 lb. Bass and some pretty nice Trout as well. The huge fish you’ll see are the sterile carp that were planted years ago that eat the vegetation as it grows. We say, Carp Diem!

Life jackets are available and encouraged, especially for children. If you don’t see them on the dock, just ask Doug or Pam. If you’re interested in a guided fishing excursion,  see Guest Services page for more information. See our Fishing Gallery for pictures of guests and their catches.

Guests enjoy the views across the lake from their patio, lakeside seating, the pergola or the dock.

Four different types of boats are also available for the use of guests – row boat (4 persons), paddle boats (2 persons), paddle board and kayak (1 person). Boats can be used for bass/trout fishing (catch & release), or just to enjoy the serenity of the lakes.

Use of the boats by Zillah Lakes Inn guests is complimentary. See pictures of our guests enjoying the various boats and watercraft at Zillah Lakes Inn in our Boating at Zillah Lakes Gallery.

The walking trails and wildlife of Zillah Lakes are the pride and joy of the greater community. Whether you are looking for a short nature trail walk or an adventurous trek to the town of Zillah, we’ve got you covered. There is a nature access trail that skirts the community along a creek and back toward the community entrance.

For a trek (2.5 miles one way) to the town of Zillah you can take advantage of the newly built 10-foot wide, paved path next to Vintage Valley Parkway. There are a couple of eateries and a bakery when you get to town. El Porton, Subway, and Buhrmaster Bakery.

Zillah Lakes Inn is on a migratory path so you will see different species throughout the year. The Yakima Valley, especially Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge and the Zillah Lakes area are known for rare and interesting bird sightings. From early Spring through early Fall we have busy nesting boxes along the Yakima River with Osprey rearing their young. The parents fish in the lakes and river and it is something to behold. Just one reason we keep the lakes catch and release for humans.

Year round birds you’ll likely see are Great Blue Heron, Coopers Hawk, Kestrel, and the Red Tail Hawk and the occasional Bald Eagle. Binoculars are available in all lakeside rooms and at the pergola. Enjoy our Zillah Lakes Wildlife Viewing Gallery.

Guests can enjoy the use of our lakeside Outdoor Kitchen, located next to the Pergola with seating for 6 around the firepit.  The kitchen are includes a table for four, full-size refrigerator, lighted counter space, water dispenser, BBQ and grill. Additional seating at three picnic tables on the adjacent lawn.

Guests can book the kitchen, see Guest Services page for pricing. Guests are expected to clean the kitchen and grill after use.

Enjoy your morning coffee or a glass of wine at the lakeside dock. Bring a book, or just savor the lake view. Sit back with a pair of binoculars and watch the wildlife and relish the peaceful country atmosphere.

Be sure to bring your camera down to the dock so you can capture some spectacular pictures of the birds. See birds at the lake in our Wildlife Gallery.

The wide open vistas at Zillah Lakes Inn enable some incredible, spectacular sunsets viewing from the inn.

Every day throughout the year there are new surprises and new beauty to enjoy and photograph while you enjoy a quiet lake-side glass of wide on your patio or at the pergola with other guests.