Area Activities

Hiking, Jogging, and Walks Kittitas County is a hiker’s paradise with terrain for every preference, from deep forest to open desert. To the west of Suncadia is the Salmon la Sac area with over 60 square miles of forested valleys, rivers, and looming peaks. The view from the Thorp Mountain lookout is unparalleled. To the northeast, each of the Teanaway. Valley’s three branches has fine hiking. Taneum Creek to the south is popular, especially the North Fork trail that follows the creek. In the Blewett area, try the self-guided nature walk at the pass. In the winter, the Umtanum Trail south of Ellensburg and trails near Vantage are reliably snow-free. Two hikes merit special mention: The Coal Mines Trail connects Ronald, Roslyn, and Cle Elum and can be accessed at several locations on the northern side of the valley. Informational plaques tell of coal history. Also, the marvelous Iron Horse State Park rambles from the Columbia River to Seattle, following the old Northern Pacific rail bed. It can be accessed at numerous places, including South Cle Elum and Easton. For more information contact the Cle Elum Ranger District at (509) 852-1100.

Salmon La Sac Originally named after the French term for “Salmon in the sack”, this gorgeous area is a short distance from Roslyn and offers an amazing view of the Washington greenery. Salmon La Sac has a 10.1-mile-long hike that will take you deep into the tranquil forest, highly recommended for experienced hikers or those up to the challenge. Salmon La Sac has also been described as a wonderful place for snowshoeing and winter fun.

Lake Cle Elum A reservoir made from a natural lake; Lake Cle Elum is the perfect place for families looking to head to the beach in the mountains. During the summer months, Speelyi Beach offers warm sands and beautiful waters. Just a short drive past the town of Ronald, Washington; enjoy the most of the natural beauty Washington state can give.

Cooper Lake This alpine freshwater lake is just north of Suncadia and Cle Elum that offers serene fishing experience. If you are reeling for some good fishing spots, look no further than Cooper Lake. This body of water is stocked full of fish annually during the months of May and June with rainbow trout about 1.5 pounds each. For more information on fishing at Cooper Lake, check out the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website for the latest scoop.

Day Trips The scenic area region straddling Blewett Pass begins approximately 15 miles northeast of Cle Elum along Highway 97 (970). Hike trails like First Creek, Iron Creek, or Pipe Creek, or take the Forest Service’s interpretative trail at the pass. Along with tremendous views, rare Ellensburg blue agates are found near the Red Top Mountain lookout. Explore the historic “living ghost town” of Liberty or take the scenic Old Blewett Highway for stunning views of the Mount Stuart range.

Grand Coulee and Rocky Reach Dams The awe-inspiring Grand Coulee Dam is one of the world’s engineering marvels. There are daily tours and an interpretive center, with laser shows in summer. If time is an issue, the smaller Rocky Reach Dam near Wenatchee is at least an hour closer. The visitor center is open from April through November.

Leavenworth The picturesque Bavarian village of Leavenworth lies just an hour from Suncadia, on the other side of Blewett Pass. With locals in lederhosen, the sounds of polka, and a backdrop of dramatic alpslike mountains, Leavenworth has the feel of Switzerland. Festivals take place year-round with live outdoor entertainment on summer weekends.

Wine Country Central Washington is rapidly becoming one of North America’s premier wine regions. A wine country tour begins in Yakima and extends to Walla Walla. Dozens of premium wineries such as Hogue Cellars, Columbia Crest and Barnard Griffin are open for public tours and sales, with wine tasting and special events throughout the summer and fall. Yakima Canyon Drive The Yakima River canyon along Highway 821 south of Ellensburg (Canyon Road) was one of the nation’s first National Scenic Highways. It never disappoints! Surrounded by steep desert mountains, the river corridor itself is lush with vegetation and wildlife. Several hiking trails are available, especially Umtanum Creek. Expect high mid-summer temperatures.

Other Great Day Trips • Visit Liberty, a historic town site once a thriving gold rush community, now a “living ghost town” with only a few inhabitants. Small gold mines are still active in the area. Liberty is about 20 miles east on Highway 97. • Tour the historic Thorp Grist Mill, a meticulously restored water-powered flour mill built in 1881. The mill is located east of Cle Elum on I-90, where the mountains and forest make a scenic transition to rolling sagebrush hills. • Also, near Thorp, the famous Roosevelt Elk Herd can be glimpsed in winter at Joe Watt Canyon (I-90, exit 101). • The Badger Pocket Bison Range outside of Ellensburg operates year-round and offers tours with prior reservations.