Enjoy A Scenic Drive — Spring Hype 2020

ENJOY A

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D C I R N I VE E C Story by Ashley Murawski Design by Jenae Harris

We’ve been trapped indoors all quarter and we must get outside at some point. One way we can safely venture out is by taking a scenic drive. Kittitas County has a variety of scenery to choose from — mountainscapes, pastures, vast farmlands and green forests. Turn on some good tunes and hit up some gorgeous lookouts while maintaining physical distance from other adventurers.

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Vantage Highway

Reecer Creek Road to Lion Rock

Vantage Highway is a backroad that leads to the Columbia River. Something great about this drive is that it is a straight shot to the location. Just hop onto Vantage Highway and drive for 35 miles to reach the destination. During the drive you will go through a wind turbine field and hills of sagebrush. This is the drive for cruising and sightseeing. Check out the basalt cliffs along the way. Once arriving at the Columbia River there are spots where you can park your car and enjoy views of the river.

This is the drive to take if you want a view of the Kittitas Valley. Go west on University Way in downtown Ellensburg. Once you reach Reecer Creek Road stay on the route for miles, and once you reach the hills, continue up. Part of this drive is paved but once you head up the hill get ready for some rugged terrain.

Wildflowers are all along the sides of this drive to create even more stunning views. These views include forest that stretches on for miles, making it the perfect place to set up a picnic. Remember to maintain physical distancing while taking in these breathtaking views.

Yakima Canyon

Suncadia

This drive is a local’s favorite featuring winding roads that lead all the way to Yakima. During the drive you can observe the Yakima River flowing parallel to the route. There is always the possibility of seeing Bighorn sheep, eagles and deer. Just follow S. Main Street to S. Canyon Road and enjoy the views. Along the drive there are a couple places you can stop and explore while maintaining physical distance. Try the Umtanum Suspension Bridge where you can look down to the river below. Or continue the drive to reach the graffiti cave on the side of the highway. The graffiti cave has some amazing art that is great for photo opportunities. The canyon will give you cliff views as well, and the drive is around 25 miles.

The famous resort near Cle Elum is a scenic forest drive that won’t take up your whole day. Along the way you could possibly spot some deer and wildlife.

One of the highlights of this drive is the stunning real estate you see, which is so beautiful you’ll think you’re on an HGTV show. There are two ways to head to Suncadia, take I-90 toward Seattle and take exit 84. Or take the backroads starting on Highway 10 until the road ends then take a left onto US-97. This road turns into Route 903 then First Street, taking you through downtown Cle Elum. Take a right onto Oakes Street, then a left onto Second Street. Continue the route until you take a left onto Bullfrog Road. Once reaching the roundabout you will be at Suncadia Resort and it’s time to venture out.

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