Except for its fruits and marijuana stores, I don't see much to recommend in Yakima. Every day has been hot (over 100), and the smoke from the Norse fire manages to settle here. Air quality is described as "unhealthy", staying indoors is the recommendation.
I went to White Pass, and I spent one day to explore the south side, then the next day to explore the north side. On both days, it went from hazy and smoky to perfectly blue skies when I reached the huge Rimrock Lake caused by a dam on the Tieton river. The latter is popular for river rafting as its slope seems pretty even with just enough turbulence to make it interesting. I recovered my resupply package at the Cracker Barrel which is in fact part of the gas station. They were somewhat disorganized, but did not mind hikers, and there were lots and lots of hikers milling around.
I parked next to Leech Lake for free with my senior inter-agency pass.
Then I crossed the highway to start my hike after filling out a wilderness permit, with water bottles and snack in my day pack. It all started with a small bridge over a swiftly running creek.
There were not too many hikers, but I met several groups of horses which are allowed on the PCT unlike bikes. I don't mind pulling aside to let them pass, but they sure kick up a lot of dust, and you need to wait until it settles to continue. I saw one hiker with a mask over her mouth and nose which made perfect sense, as it was that bad. Although it was mostly shady, I didn't go very far because of the heat, and I just was not that much into it today. I snapped a couple of selfies on the way back with my beekeeper's hat that I wore because I had forgotten both my cap and sunglasses.
Back in Yakima, I learned that the 410 to Chinook Pass was going to stay closed indefinitely because of the Norse fire. So that's one crossing I won't be able to visit.
The next day was more successful, although traffic and parking was much worse this being the start of the Labor day weekend. I went north instead of south following the PCT markers which are few and far between when you need them most. But Guthook PCT Guide resolved quickly which way to go.
After 4-5 zig-zags (depending on whether you count the turns or the straightaways between them) steadily climbing through the forest, you get to patches of meadows with flowers shimmering in the breeze.
Then you get to an unmarked junction. Going left takes you almost immediately to Deer Lake with many tent sites available. Going right takes you after half a mile to another charming lake Sand Lake which was my destination for the day.
I turned around, and walked back to White Pass.