Kittitas County: Trails, Nature, and History

For a trip to Kittitas County, you can choose from a range of nature and cultural experiences, each with a different focus. At Lake Easton State Park, a wooded campground combines access to the water with activities that vary significantly by season. Other places highlight agricultural history, petrified wood, or trails along a historic railroad corridor.

Water, Forest, and Seasonal Activities

Lake Easton State Park covers 697 acres and offers 24,000 feet of freshwater shoreline access at Lake Easton. Activities in summer include hiking, biking, and water sports; in winter, skiing and snowshoeing are available. A boat launch has a 20-foot dock. Motorboats are limited to 10 horsepower. If you plan to use the boat launch, check seasonal conditions before you go.

Olmstead Place Historical State Park shares the story of settler families, agricultural history, and the use of farming equipment. The park includes the Altapes Interpretive Trail along Coleman Creek. In winter, you can cross-country ski and snowshoe in the park’s fields; suitability depends on snow conditions. The seasonal differences are specific: Lake Easton offers skiing and snowshoeing in winter, while Olmstead Place offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Trails Through Landscape and History

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park is a National Natural Landmark with hiking trails and interpretive experiences. The Trailside Museum and Trees of Stone Interpretive Trail use signs to provide information about petrified wood. The trail passes among petrified logs in their original setting. The park has three miles of hiking trails in total. You can focus your visit on both the information about petrified wood and the trails among the logs.

Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail is suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. For more than 251 miles, it follows sections of the historic railroad corridor of the Chicago-Milwaukee-St. Paul-Pacific Railroad, known as the “Milwaukee Road,” east from Cedar Falls near North Bend to the Idaho border. The central section runs east through Ellensburg and crosses the Columbia River on Beverly Bridge. Surfaces and closures may vary by section, so check current advisories before planning your specific route.

The Manastash Ridge Trails system is a network of user-built trails on state-managed lands and welcomes visitors from throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The Umtanum Suspension Bridge, built around 1925, offers another kind of historic connection and is a notable Kittitas County landmark. It connects the BLM’s Umtanum Recreation Area with canyon trails, public lands, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Wenas Wildlife Area.

Nearby Yakima River Canyon includes 27 miles between Ellensburg and Yakima, passing through rolling desert hills and basalt cliffs. You can watch wildlife there. The Yakima River State Scenic Byway provides access to five developed river access points in the canyon. South of Ellensburg, the nonmotorized trails at the Ringer Road Trailhead offer views of the wildlife and birdlife along the banks of the Yakima River.

Historic Places and Regional Culture

Kittitas County Historical Museum is located in historic downtown Ellensburg. The Ellensburg Historic District is known for its art galleries, historic storefronts, and well-preserved 19th-century architecture. Individual shops and exhibits may change; if you want to visit specific galleries or exhibitions, check what is currently available in advance. Ellensburg is accessible via I-90, US Highway 97, and I-82. Check road conditions before you travel.

Roslyn Historic District is a National Historic Landmark associated with the history of coal mining and its preserved buildings. The Coal Mines Trail also recalls this history, connecting Roslyn, Cle Elum, and Ronald. Thorp Mill is a restored gristmill that offers tours and educational programs. Check current tour arrangements before your visit.

Liberty is considered the oldest mining site in Washington State. At Liberty Recreation Site in Kittitas County, camping is available near Williams Creek. If you’re interested in Liberty’s mining history, you can include the camping options at Liberty Recreation Site near Williams Creek in your trip plans.

Events Throughout the Year

The Kittitas County Fair is a five-day event held every Labor Day weekend. Development of the permanent venue for the combined county fair and rodeo began in 1923 with construction of the rodeo arena and the first permanent buildings on the fairgrounds. If you want to plan your trip around the event, check the dates for the year in question.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Snoqualmie Pass, Ellensburg, Ronald, Kittitas, Cle Elum, Skagit County, Yakima, Spokane.

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