Activities

The Upper County is the gateway to a vast wilderness area. Few other areas offer the abundance of recreational opportunities available here. The cities are located at the foot of the Cascade Mountains. With access to thousands of acres of mountain forest and high country lakes and streams, the area is a summer paradise for backpackers, campers and fishermen. In the winter, the hills and mountains draw cross-country skiers, snowmobilers and showshoers to find their own paths or follow the many groomed trails in the Wenatchee National Forest and across state and private lands. For overnight campers, there is a state park at Easton, in addition to the many Forest Service and private campgrounds in the area.

In the towns, museums retell our colorful history. Cle Elum, Roslyn and South Cle Elum all have parks available for public use.

Good old-fashioned fun is scheduled throughout the year. Please see the Events Calendar for information on upcoming events.

Camping

The Wenatchee National Forest provides year-round recreational opportunities, from hiking and swimming in the summer to snowmobiling and cross country skiing in the winter. The Cle Elum Ranger Station is conveniently located just up the street from our Chamber office.

Cle Elum Ranger Station (US Forest Service)

A step over the threshold of the Carpenter House is a step into the past. This 1914 mansion, with its spacious rooms, tiny alcoves and third-floor ballroom, holds the story of Cle Elum's first successful banker and his family. High Country Artists shares this historic house, and its art displays provide visitors an added experience.

Cle Elum Historical Telephone Museum

This museum was established in 1966 when Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Company deeded its former office building to the Cle Elum Historical Society. At that time Cle Elum became the last in the telephone company's service area to be changed over from manual phone service to automatic dialing.

Roslyn Museum

This museum houses an extensive collection of photos and mining memorabilia from the town's past. Also preserved are items relating to the popular television series Northern Exposure, which was filmed in Roslyn. The museum also features the collection, "Roslyn Cemeteries," which compliments the unique ethnic cemeteries.

South Cle Elum Depot

The Friends of the South Cle Elum Depot (FSCED) have restored this former Milwaukee Railroad depot and power substation. The buildings are ready for public entry by appointment only and make a fascinating side trip.

Parks

Cle Elum City Park

Picnic tables, BBQ grills, restrooms, shelter, playground equipment and horseshoe pits furnish this treed park just north of downtown Cle Elum.

Roslyn City Park

This park next to downtown Roslyn provides picnic tables, gazebo shelter, restrooms, softball field and tennis court.

South Cle Elum Firemen Park

Near the Yakima River, this park provides picnic tables, shelter, BBQ pits and restrooms.

Iron Horse State Park

This former main line right of way of the Milwaukee Road stretches more than 100 miles across the Cascade Mountains, providing access to hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, bird watching, fly fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Lake Easton State Park

Located on the shores of Lake Easton and open year-round for camping, this park has beautiful mountain views and hiking trails to explore in the summer and cross country and snowmobiling trails to enjoy in the winter.