Recreation

With its geographic location in the center of Washington State, Kittitas County is host to a variety and diverse collection of recreation and activities to suit just about anyone, whether you are a resident or a visitor. Its vast landscape includes forests, mountains and lakes in the northwestern region, hills and valleys in the central area and expansive shrub-steppe in the southeastern area where the Columbia River lies in which the Yakima River runs through the entire county. Kittitas County is also home to the cities of Ellensburg, Cle Elum, So. Cle Elum, Roslyn, Easton, Ronald, Thorp, Kittitas, and Vantage, where schools (including Central Washington University), shopping, dining, city parks, museums, galleries, movie theatres, sporting events, music and theatre shows, and local events and festivals are available for all to enjoy and frequent. There are also six state parks within the county boundaries.

In the forested parts of the county, where Snoqualmie Pass, Easton, Ronald, Roslyn, Cle Elum and So. Cle Elum are located, people can go snowmobiling, downhill and cross country skiing, and snowshoeing in the winter. During the summer months, there are miles of trails available for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking and Off-Road Vehicles. Lakes such as Lake Easton and Lake Cle Elum are filled with boaters and swimmers to pass the time; and many campgrounds are available for use. Suncadia, located near Roslyn, is a world class resort and has a fantastic Arnold Palmer-designed golf course.

The cities of Ellensburg, Thorp and Kittitas are located in the central region of the county. Ellensburg is the largest city in Kittitas County and is also the county seat. Amongst the hills and valleys, the Yakima River runs throughout the county; however because of the more gentle waters in this central area, many outdoor enthusiasts choose this section of the river for play. The river provides Blue Ribbon fly-fishing and river rafting; and its surrounding areas provide scenic areas to hike and view wildlife (bald eagles, hawks, big horn sheep, and deer) or to just take a stroll. The county is also home to four wildlife areas and refuges. These wildlife areas also provide ample outdoor activities for all seasons.

The Columbia River winds through the southeastern area of the county where boating in the Columbia River is a popular choice for many, as well as participating in motorized sports such as dirt biking. Near the town of Vantage, the Frenchman Coulee area is a popular destination for rock climbers who climb the spectacular basalt pillars. The area also sees hikers, fishermen, and campers alike.

In addition to the diverse outdoor recreation available within Kittitas County, the people and families who make their home in the towns and cities here also find ample non-outdoor activities to participate in throughout the year. Each town holds a wealth of history in their own right, providing museums, libraries, observatories, historic downtown districts, historic homes, coal and gold mining towns, and scenic drives to explore. For those who enjoy art, music, and theatre, Central Washington University, plays hosts to many plays, recitals, concerts, speakers, and comedians throughout the year. Art galleries, museums, restaurants, unique shops, and spots to enjoy a cool beverage with friends are all available. For those with families, there are community swimming pools and recreation centers, movie theatres, children’s theatre, a childrens activity museum, city parks and a skate boarding park. Among most of the towns, a variety of local events and festivals such as BrewFest, Spirit of the West, Coal Miners Festival, 4^th of July celebrations, antique and threshing bee, Art Walks, various Trail Riders Poker Rides, triathalons, farmers markets, heritage festival, fishing derby’s, Jazz in the Valley, Croatian Picnic, film festivals, Ellensburg Wine Festival, car shows, and the Ellensburg Rodeo and Kittitas County Fair are held and provide good old fashion community socials for all ages.