Joyride: Take a Walk on the Dry Side
Less than two hours from Seattle on the dry side of the mountains, Kittitas County is a perfect weekend getaway for people looking to escape the rains—and crowds—of Puget Sound
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The first itinerary is for hikers—the second for a brewpub excursion (see below)!
Whether you want to get your heart pounding with a strenuous climb up a mountain or would prefer a gentle stroll through the woods, Kittitas County has something for you.
As you drive into Kittitas County on I-90, stop at the Hitching Post (1) for gas or snacks. This small family-run country store, right off the interstate in Easton, has everything you need for a day on the trails. Start off your hiking excursion with a stroll along the Coal Mines Trail (2) that follows the old railway right-of-way between Cle Elum and Roslyn. No pass is required at the Roslyn Trailhead.
Once you have finished your walk through the woods, head into Basecamp Books and Bites (3) in Roslyn for a coffee, lunch, or just to pick up some hiking guides. This charming store and café has indoor and outdoor seating, gifts, and books. Enjoy!
Work up a Sweat!
Take a climb up the Jolly Mountain Trail (4). This 4.8-mile-long trail climbs steadily through numerous clear-cuts before the final ascent to the top of Jolly Mountain. Make sure you get an early enough start and are prepared for changing weather conditions. The trail starts near the Cayuse Campground, which is closed for the season, but there is adequate roadside parking in the area.
If you are looking for an easier trail for the afternoon, head over to the Suncadia Resort and take advantage of the Cle Elum River Conservancy trail system (5). The trail starts near the Suncadia Lodge and descends down a gentle slope to the valley floor where it follows the Cle Elum River with benches and river access to help you enjoy your afternoon. Although Suncadia is a private resort, all of the trails and grounds are open to the public.
A Longer Stay…
At the end of your afternoon hike—get a room! Among the many lodging options in Cle Elum and Roslyn, you can pick from a night in luxury at the Suncadia Lodge (6). There are numerous dinner options in the Cle Elum/Roslyn area. The Red Arrow Drive-In (8) offers diner-style treats including their signature Arrow burger or homemade chili, and the pizzas at Roslyn Village Pizza (9) are made with fresh sauce and dough and are some of the best pizzas you’ll find anywhere.
Continue to Explore
In the morning, start your day off right with a coffee and pastry at Pioneer Coffee in Cle Elum, and then head into the lower Kittitas Valley to try some hikes in the Ellensburg area. As you drive down I-90, you will notice the dramatic change as you head from the forests of the upper county to open expanses of farm land and shrub steppe. If you need hiking supplies or just want advice, stop by Mountain High Sports in Ellensburg, a locally owned and operated store with everything you need to enjoy the outdoors. For the second day, if you want a climb, try one of the trails that take you from the end of Cove Road up to the top of Manastash Ridge (12), the most popular trail system in the Ellensburg area. One popular route takes you up the Westburg Trail, the most direct route and one that provides spectacular views of the valley below. Save some strain on your knees and come back down on the Boy Scout or Cascade Trails, which follow a gentler route between two folds in the ridge.
Check out the interactive map to help pick your route. Local hiking groups and WDFW have worked together on a collaborative process to improve these user-built trails. This route is a workout but not nearly the challenge of Jolly Mountain. As a not very fit woman, I can make it to the top in just over an hour—and you will pass everything from children to seniors enjoying the hike. No pass is required as the trailhead is on the county road, not state, lands.
Another popular hike in the lower valley takes you to Umtanum Falls (13). Take Umtanum Road up to the top of the Manastash Ridge and enjoy a 3-mile round-trip hike to the falls.
Before heading back, end your day at the Hayday Bake & Brew for a coffee, pastry, or meal. This fun café has some amazing desserts, as well as soups and savory dishes. If the weather is good, you can sit out in their outdoor patio on Wilson Creek.
Take a Sidestep - Brewpub Tour!
Kittitas County is home to many breweries and brew pubs. If you are looking for a low-key weekend, try some of the offerings on tap. You can just hit the breweries or combine it with one of the many hikes or other outdoor activities.
Start your weekend at Snoqualmie Pass at Dru Bru (1) and enjoy a pint while soaking in the mountain colors.
Head down to the Roslyn/Cle Elum area and check out the Roslyn Brewing Company (2) or Cle Elum’s Mule and Elk Brewing Company (3). If a tavern is more your style, Mike’s Tavern (4) offers good food and a wide selection of good beers. If you are looking for a souvenir to remember your weekend, stop by Mac-A-Bee Gifts in Cle Elum. You can spend the night at the charming Hotel Roslyn (7), or head down to Ellensburg and check out the Hotel Windrow, the city’s first downtown hotel.
If you want to continue your beer tasting in Ellensburg, offerings include Whipsaw Pretty Fair Beer (8), the Iron Horse Brew Pub (9), Ellensburg Brewery & Tilted Tree Cidery (10), or Dark Moon Craft Beer (11). And while you are in Ellensburg, stop by Ellensburg Floral (12) for unique gifts and flowers.
