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Spend a Day in Roslyn, WA
Roslyn, Washington is a local community with historic, small-town vibes. Located just 80 miles east of Seattle, it is nestled in the Cascade Mountains and offers excellent outdoor recreation opportunities in addition to premier dining, shopping, and historical explorations. Founded in 1886 as a coal mining town, the city still remains fairly small with its population peaking at 1,003 in 2012. However, its focus has drifted from being a mining town to being a tourism town with an economy based on forestry. In addition to this, it is noteworthy to mention that both The Runner Stumbles, Northern Exposure, and The Man in the High Castle were filmed in Roslyn. If you are planning to visit this charming town, make sure you look into the following itinerary suggestions:
THE BRICK SALOON
Operating since 1889, the Brick Saloon is the oldest continuously operating bar in Washington. It offers a wide array of attractions such as an original 23′ running water spittoon, a basement jail cell, tasty pub fare, and live music nights are held regularly. The Brick Saloon definitely embraces and showcases the colorful mining history. Located at 100 W Pennsylvania Ave, it is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, 11:00 am to 11:00 pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:00 am to 10:00 pm on Sundays. Just keep in mind that the kitchen closes at 9:00 pm, and minors are only allowed in the Family Dining Area until 9:00 pm as well.
BASECAMP BOOKS & BITES
If you are looking for a gathering place with a friendly atmosphere, then Basecamp Books & Bites is just for you! Located at 110 W Pennsylvania Ave, it is just at the heart of historic Roslyn. As the name suggests, it is a bookstore, gift shop, restaurant, and bar all in one place! In addition to this, Basecamp Books & Bites has exceptional trails nearby, and they offer a selection of regional maps and outdoor recreation guides. They also offer a large array of fun, exciting events that you can check out, such as Weekly Wednesday Trivia, Summer Movie Nights, tap takeovers, and so much more.
ROSLYN HISTORICAL MUSEUM
This museum offers a remarkable opportunity for both visitors and residents to see the rich history and cultural diversity of the town. Roslyn was once a city that represented over twenty nationalities and overcame its differences and hardships through the uniting factor of coal. This has shaped the community greatly and still continues to do so, as the effects can be seen even today. During the winter, the museum is open on Saturdays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, but it is important to keep in mind that it is community-run, and sometimes volunteers have things that come up causing altered hours of operation. As such, it is best to give them a call at (509) 649-2355 in order to make sure that they will be open during your planned visit time. Admission is $2.00 per person, and donations are welcome as they help the museum to remain open. You can even embark on a fun scavenger hunt while you visit the museum. Print out the game and participate to make your experience even more enhanced!
COAL MINES TRAIL
This mellow trail runs through Roslyn and spans from Cle Elum to Ronald, a total of about 5.5 miles one way. There is only a 453-foot elevation gain, and it is a suitable trail for hiking, biking, running, and even horseback riding. It is a well-maintained, wide dirt road that passes by multiple old coal mining slag piles and fan houses. In addition to this, there is no parking pass required, and there is a lot at the entrance of the trail. The trail is accessible year-round and is good for all skill levels. Dogs are also welcome on this trail, so long as they are kept on a leash and picked up after. If you want to see the beautiful river and some historic ruins, this trail is perfect for you!
ROSLYN CEMETERY
Though most people do not tend to write down a cemetery on their bucket list of things to do on vacation, this is definitely a worthy exception. The Roslyn Historical Cemeteries are formed by twenty-six separate, though adjacent cemeteries that form the complex. Each cemetery has its own uniqueness and is full of rich history as it is a reflection of the mix of ethnicities that settled there. It is nestled in the hills above Roslyn, and it is potentially one of the most distinctive and diverse cemeteries in Washington State.