The campsite for the run is Eagle's Park, which is located alongside the Yakima River. The campsite provides lots of shade and privacy. Unfortunately, due to its proximity to the river, the campsite is also prone to flooding, which can extend into June. When the campsite is flooded (which it was in '97 and '99), the Opener is held in Toppenish, a settler's town located about five miles away.

The alternate site is at the Toppenish Fairgrounds. This location has neither shade nor privacy. The location is at the eastern edge of town, making most approaches for newcomers difficult.

The other problem with the Toppenish location is that it is smack dab in the middle of Indian land. While not to disparage the entire Yakama Indian Nation, the tribal cops and other untrained bumpkins with guns have a few things to learn about civil rights, due process, and probable cause. It is not uncommon for the Toppenish Police Chief to be at odds with the Tribal Police concerning treatment of non-tribal members. During the 1997 Spring Opener, the State Patrol had to intercede on the biker's behalf to prevent tribal officers from taking pictures of Opener attendee's while in their campsites. Numerous substantiated reports of harassment by tribal police smelling of alcohol were reported as well. Hopefully this will change with the banishment of alcohol on the reservation. This should be further reason to avoid Toppenish.

Zillah, on the other hand, is 180° from Toppenish. The town is considerably smaller, but is openly friendly towards us. The stores, taverns, police, and townspeople are all friendly. The local kids put on a pancake breakfast in the park which can't be beat, the town hosts a parade, and the police let the bikers handle their problems as long as it doesn't affect others.

The Ride Out

To get to Zillah from the Seattle area, you have two great options. I recommend you take the quick route out, and the scenic route back, as you want to get out to Zillah as quickly as possible to get a good campsite.

The quick route will take you on I-90 eastbound out of Seattle up through Snoqualmie Pass. If you've never run this route before noon in early June, WEAR CHAPS AND COLD WEATHER GEAR. While you won't encounter snow, you will more than likely encounter rain, drizzle, fog, and mist. I recommend that your group stops at the summit rest stop to meet up with your chase trucks, get coffee (and maybe a helper such as Brendans), and get rid of some of the earlier coffee.

I personally recommend your next stop in Ellensburgh. Here you can both gas up and strip off those heavy clothes you used for the pass. Also, it is a good idea to get off the bike for a little bit before your next stretch of road. Take the Yakima River Canyon Road exit and gas up at one of the numerous stations.

Taking the Yakima River Canyon Road south out of Ellensburgh, you'll quickly leave behind the green mountains and waterways of Western Washington. You know that you're in Eastern Washington by the difference not only in geography, but in traffic. The Canyon Road is an awesome ride, scenic for those wishing for some sights, and challenging for those that like to put themselves and their bikes through the paces. The speed limit is a comfortable 45, but this author knows of some people that happily exceed that amount. Your sight distance is limited at times, so if you are not familiar with the road, do not go faster than you can see and stop. If you are with a large group, I recommend splitting up the group and meeting at the turnoff for an old, abandoned tunnel on the east side of the road (as you are coming out of the canyon). This site has a long road leading to it, and you can't miss it.

Once out of the canyon, you will approach I-84. You want to proceed east, through Yakima, and on to the Zillah exit. The town is to the left (north), and the park is on the right (south), across the river, about a half mile down the road. The turnoff for the park comes quickly, just as you are about to exit the treeline for farmfields. If you find yourself surrounded by farm land, you've gone to far.

Party Time!

Well, almost… you still have to find yourself a campsite. Numerous ABATE chapters from around the Northwest stake out certain areas, as well as Confederation of Clubs affiliates. Usually those groups will mark off their areas with police/caution tape for their members who are arriving later. If you want shade (nod your head yes), you had better get there by Friday noon.

Once you set up camp, take a look around. There are bands Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, but the main events are definitely on Saturday. Zillah is a good trip to get your goodies and, of course, replacement adult beverages. The only place to buy liquor is in the town drug store, located across the street from the park, but beer can be obtained from the mini-marts along 84, or at the town supermarket (locally owned – and cheaper!)

"Social hour", as I call it, tends to happen around the time when most normal, average people would eat dinner. Instead, bikers tend to walk around and see the sights. And talk. And sit down in your camp. And stay most of the night. Opener is just like that.

The games on Saturday are a lot of fun for those that participate. Following the games, you can join the parade (sans helmet) into Zillah, which is a lot of fun. The entire town (and the surrounding communities) comes out to see the bikes. It certainly is a warm welcome compared to Toppenish. The local citizens then hold a bike show (you're entered when you park), but I don't know if a trophy is given out, as I always make a beeline for the Stonehenge Tavern, eating hot pizza and drinking cold beer.

Word of warning: If you stay in Zillah after the parade for more than a half hour, bring your lid. You will need it for the ride back.

Saturday night brings in the locals. Our headliner act usually draws the attention of the populace and they swamp the Opener looking to party. Everybody winds up having a great time. The evening's festivities wind up with the traditional (abbreviated) T-shirt fashion show.

The Ride Home

Heading back out of Zillah to Seattle, you may want to take the southern route through Mt. Rainier. SR 410 is a magnificent route, mainly a two lane highway, and you will wind up back at I-5 around the Tacoma dome. There are infrequent places to effectively stop on the way back, so if you spot a place, STOP! Enjoy the ride!

Follow the links below for more information:
Zillah, Washington
Toppenish, Washington
Yakima Valley Information
ABATE of Washington Events Information

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