hiking experiences
Communities in Kittitas County offer readily accessible hiking, and stunning views with a little effort. Most local residents have a favorite hike, whether it’s along the Yakima River, up to a lookout in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, or to a beautiful waterfall.
Outdoor tips for Kittitas County • The weather can change quickly. Be prepared with extra clothing, fire starter, emergency shelter and extra food. • Let someone know where you are going and when you are expected back. Cell service is not available in many backcountry areas. • Check on passes beforehand. State-owned recreation sites often require a Discovery Pass. Forest Service sites require a Northwest Forest Pass. BLM passes are required on many locations in the Yakima River Canyon.
Sandstone formation, known as a frog slab, in Teanaway
For up to date information on local trails and interactive maps go to centralwashingtoncolor.com/travel-maps/ The Washington Trails Association and its website also offer updated trail reports and information.
easy-breezy n COAL MINES TRAIL CLE ELUM TO RONALD This trail runs from Cle Elum to Roslyn and Ronald, and was established in 1994 in dedication to the pioneers who first settled in the area. A walk on the trail affords visitors a first-hand look at the coal-mining heritage through the remains of Roslyn’s mines, at the railroad depot site and barn, and at Powder House Road where dynamite was stored. The flat, easy trail is open to walkers, horses, bicyclists, cross-country skiers and snowmobiles. Mines in Roslyn operated from the late 1880s to 1963.
n GINGKO PETRIFIED FOREST STATE PARK VANTAGE The Trees of Stone interpretive trailhead, located two miles west of the Gingko Petrified Forest State Park interpretive center in Vantage, guides visitors through an ancient fossil bed with nearly twodozen petrified logs exposed along this one-mile loop trail. Along the trail you will find ice-rafted erratics remaining from Ice Age floodwaters thousands of years ago. Part of the trail is paved, with a longer loop through the shrub steppe. Drive east from Ellensburg on Interstate 90 to exit 136 for Huntzinger Road. Turn left and drive 2.3 miles past Vantage on the Old Vantage Highway to the trail parking lot.
n IRENE RINEHART RIVERFRONT PARK ELLENSBURG This Ellensburg city-owned park along the Yakima River is accessed off Umptanum Road. It’s a prime bird watching area, and an easy stroll. Take Main Street South until it turns into Canyon Road. Take a left at Umptanum Road (there is a Subway and McDonalds at this intersection.) After about a mile, the park entrance will be on the right.
CENTRAL WASHINGTON | VISITORS GUIDE
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