Adventure Awaits
Upper Kittitas County, Washington, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of recreational activities year-round. From hiking and mountain biking in the stunning Cascade Mountains to fishing and kayaking in the pristine lakes and rivers, adventure awaits at every turn. In the winter, the area transforms into a snowy wonderland, perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Whether you're seeking tranquility in nature or an adrenaline rush, Upper Kittitas County has something for everyone.
Discover the Great Outdoors of Upper Kittitas County, Washington
Adventure Awaits:
Nestled along the eastern slopes of Washington's Cascade Mountains, Upper Kittitas County is a recreational paradise waiting to be explored. From sparkling alpine lakes and rushing rivers to miles of forest trails and snow-covered mountain landscapes, this region offers something for outdoor enthusiasts in every season.
Centered around the communities of Cle Elum, Roslyn, South Cle Elum, Ronald, and Easton, Upper County combines spectacular natural beauty with the welcoming atmosphere of historic mountain towns. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a family adventure, or simply looking for a new place to explore close to home, the opportunities are almost endless.
Lakes, Rivers and Water Adventures
Water lovers will find plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors throughout Upper County. Cle Elum Lake, Lake Kachess, and Lake Easton provide beautiful settings for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming.
The Yakima River and its surrounding waterways are popular destinations for fishing, particularly for anglers looking to experience some of Central Washington's scenic fly-fishing opportunities. The region's rivers and lakes also offer peaceful places to enjoy a picnic, watch wildlife, or simply relax along the shoreline.
Lake Easton State Park is a particularly popular destination, offering camping, hiking, boating, fishing, swimming, and family-friendly recreation surrounded by forest and mountain scenery.
Hiking, Biking and Exploring the Mountains
For hikers and mountain bikers, Upper Kittitas County provides access to
thousands of acres of public lands, forest trails, and mountain recreation
areas. The Teanaway Community Forest is one of the area's outdoor
treasures. Its expansive landscape features mountain views, wooded trails,
open meadows, and opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, mountain
biking, and wildlife viewing. The developing Towns to Teanaway trail system
is creating additional connections between Cle Elum, Roslyn, Ronald, and
nearby public lands, making it easier to explore the region on foot or by
bicycle. Another popular destination is the Palouse to Cascades State Park
Trail. Following the historic Milwaukee Road railroad corridor, this remarkable
trail stretches across Washington and offers opportunities for hiking, biking,
horseback riding, and exploring the history of the region's railroad heritage.
Camping and Outdoor Getaways
For those who want to spend more than a day exploring, Upper County offers numerous camping opportunities.
From developed campgrounds to more rustic forest camping, visitors can find places to pitch a tent, park an RV, or spend a night beneath the stars.
Lake Easton State Park and the campgrounds surrounding Cle Elum Lake are popular choices for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Forest Service recreation areas throughout the region provide additional access to mountain lakes, rivers, and wilderness adventures. With clear mountain air, beautiful scenery, and plenty of room to explore, camping is a wonderful way to experience everything Upper County has to offer.
Winter Brings a Different Kind of Adventure
When the snow arrives, Upper Kittitas County transforms into a winter playground. The nearby Snoqualmie Pass area offers downhill skiing and snowboarding, while surrounding forest lands provide opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sledding, and winter hiking.
Popular snow-play and winter recreation areas around Salmon La Sac, Teanaway, Lake Easton, and Cle Elum attract visitors looking to enjoy the outdoors during the colder months. Whether you're following groomed trails or finding a quiet place to enjoy a snowy mountain landscape, winter offers an entirely different perspective on this beautiful region.
Wildlife, Scenic Drives and Small-Town Discoveries
Outdoor recreation isn't always about hiking miles into the wilderness. Sometimes the best adventures are found along a scenic country road, beside a mountain stream, or while watching wildlife in its natural habitat.
The forests and open landscapes surrounding Upper County support a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, birds, and other native species. The region also offers beautiful scenic drives, photography opportunities, and places to enjoy the changing seasons.
After a day outdoors, visitors can explore the historic downtown districts of Roslyn and Cle Elum. These communities offer a glimpse into the area's coal-mining and railroad history, along with local shops, restaurants, museums, and welcoming small-town character.
A Recreation Destination in Every Season
One of the greatest attractions of Upper Kittitas County is its ability to offer something different throughout the year. Spring brings wildflowers and flowing streams. Summer means boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. Autumn paints the mountains and forests with beautiful seasonal colors. Winter brings snow-covered trails and opportunities for cold-weather adventure. Whether you're a longtime resident or visiting for the first time, Upper County offers countless ways to enjoy Washington's outdoors.
From a quiet afternoon beside a lake to an adventurous weekend in the mountains, there's always another trail to discover, another view to enjoy, and another reason to come back.
Additional resources
Upper Kittitas County isn't just a place to visit. It's a place to get outside, explore, and make memories.
MyAroundTown.com — From the Cascades to the Columbia River.
