About this spot
Smiley Face Rock — also called Pac-Man Cliff — sits on the Yakima River along State Route 821 in the Yakima River Canyon between Selah and Ellensburg. From I-82 exit 26, follow SR 821 north about 15.5 miles to a small roadside pullout; the rock is a short scramble across the highway. It offers a lower ledge and a higher perch, roughly 20-40 feet depending on route (heights unverified). The pool below runs deep, but current and submerged rock have caused serious injuries and at least one confirmed drowning death here. No formal closure exists, but this is an unsanctioned roadside spot — park fully off the shoulder and expect no lifeguards or cell service.
Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.