Outdoor Activities - Central Washington Outdoor

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Known for its natural beauty and abundance of outdoor adventures, Central Washington is the ultimate year-round exploration destination for outdoor activities. Whatever adventure you come seeking, Central Washington is sure to exceed all your expectations. Explore our best outdoor activities below to begin planning an epic Central Washington adventure.

Plan to Play Pact

Central Washington offers a wealth of natural beauty and outdoor experiences, and we encourage you to have an amazing time while showing our lands and people plenty of love, kindness, and respect. Please join us in taking this pact to be mindful and respectful of the extraordinary landscape of Central Washington. Be a part of the change and join the movement by taking the pact and following our guidelines for responsible recreation.

1000 STEPS

Introducing 1,000 Steps at The Lodge at Suncadia. 21 flights of stairs connecting The Lodge to the Cle Elum River, providing resort guests and owners with convenient access to river activities...

BIKING

If bike riding is your "happy place," check out Central Washington! Whether you prefer hitting the asphalt on two wheels or your preferred road is mostly dirt, there are so many rides...

BIRDING

Central Washington is one of the best locations for birders in the Pacific Northwest. Tucked away far from any major cities, in the cold winter months we host some of the region's hottest birding...

CAMPING

There are few ways to commune with nature that compare to sleeping under the stars. Central Washington is a must-visit camping mecca. With campgrounds sprinkled...

EXCURSION VENDORS

Make a splash during your time in Central Washington by booking a thrilling rafting excursion on the Yakima River. We have top-notch guides ready to take you out on the local waters.

FARMER'S MARKET

Taste the bounty of our beautiful agricultural community. Farmers markets and fresh-picked produce stands and markets are top-notch in Central Washington. Seasonal offerings are ripe for ...

FISHING

Fishing spots in Kittitas County are plentiful and waiting to be discovered on your next getaway. Our location in Central Washington is near many water bodies - many of which are accessible.

GALLERIES

Central Washington's history is just as diverse as the region itself. Born in the golden days of the coal mining and railroad industries, local history now includes a nationally acclaimed rodeo...

GOLFING

18 Holes in beautiful natural settings, excellent conditions and great affordability is what you'll find in Central Washington. No matter what your skill level, you'll feel like you hit a hole-in-one!

HIKING & TRAILS

Fresh air, breathtaking views, and adventure abound! You don't have to be an expert outdoorsperson to enjoy the trails in Central Washington. Kittitas County is home to great outdoor escapes...

HISTORY & CULTURE

Central Washington is jam-packed with coal mining, railroad, timber, agriculture, education and many more intriguing topics. Visit a wide variety of museums and historical sites that have emerged...

HORSEBACK RIDING

Central Washington is made up of some of the most unique and varied terrain in the Northwest. Numerous desert-like areas, long stretches of valley, and mountain ranges, mean a horseback...

HUNTING

Escape to a choice hunting spot in Central Washington. This area, part of hunting District 8, has abundant hunting opportunities and is best known for the Yakima elk herd.

MUSEUMS

Central Washington's history is just as diverse as the region itself. Born in the golden days of the coal mining and railroad industries, local history now includes a nationally acclaimed rodeo.

ON THE WATER

Being out on the water is an experience many people wait all year to have. Central Washington is bursting with options of lakes, rivers, and streams! So whether you like to tube, swim or relax...

PARKS

Nothing beats a lovely park on a beautiful day -- and Central Washington is both full of parks and heavy on the sunshine. From Japanese Gardens and Wind Farms to Memorial Parks.

ORDER ONLINE

Shop Kittitas County Online aims to build bridges between our region and the people who love it, supporting our local business owners and artisans through a platform that allows them...

RETAIL SHOPPING

Central Washington knows how to shop and we'll show you where! Ellensburg is a place just past where the highway speeds by. It is a downtown rich with historic architecture.

ROCK HOUNDING

Some of the wonder found in Central Washington is right at your feet -- in the rocks and minerals! Discover the crystals, agate, and jasper found in Dry Creek in Cle Elum and at Green Canyon.

SCENIC ROADTRIPS

Did You Know?: Washington State was one of the first states in the country to establish a system of scenic highways. Scenic highways pass through the varied terrain of Central Washington reflecting...

BARN QUILT TRAIL

Kittitas County is the first in Washington State to have Barn Quilts and a tour. The Barn Quilts are a beautiful way to honor Kittitas County’s agriculture industry and the farm / ranch families that settled in the area.

VINEYARDS

Central Washington is the Gateway to Washington's wine country - so be sure to start with us! Varietals grown or produced in the Kittitas Valley include: Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Riesling...

WILDLIFE VIEWING

Outdoor enthusiasts can delight at the robust variety of wildlife in Central Washington. The Yakima Canyon southeast of Ellensburg, in different seasons, can provide dramatic views of eagles...

WINTER ACTIVITIES

If you wait all year for that first snowflake to fall, then Central Washington is for YOU! When the cold and snow start, recreation options really heat up in Central Washington!