Scenic Roadtrips

Did You Know?: Washington State was one of the first states in the country to establish a system of scenic highways.

Scenic roadtrips in Central Washington offer scenic, cultural and historic landscapes.

Not sure where to start? Pick one of the great options below!

Have you cruised any of these paths? Give us your recommendations!

Barn Quilt Trail

P.O. Box 861

Cle Elum, WA. 98922

Call: 509 312-9185

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. This is also a unique and exquisite way to promote the community and local sponsors, through the creative skills and talents of its community members.

Barn Quilts are usually 4×4 or 8×8 (depending on the size of the barn and proximity to the road) and will display traditional quilt blocks or modern designs and will have special significance to the farm or ranch. The Barn Quilts will stay on the barns all year long. The Barn Quilt Trail will be a self-guided tour with a map of the trail and information about each barn’s history, quilt block, and the sponsor of the Barn Quilt.

The Barn Quilts are new to Kittitas County and will be a fun, educational, and exciting scenic adventure for everyone to enjoy. Barn Quilts of Kittitas County, a non-profit, was registered with the state on June 19th, 2012 and the first Quilt Barns were painted and installed during the 2012 summer. . If you haven’t yet been… click below for your map and being the Barn Quilt adventure today!

Peoh Point

This scenic point offers spectacular panoramic views of the Cle Elum Valley. Elevation is 4,020′. The road leading to Peoh Point is gravel for the first eight miles, the last two miles are a primitive road.

From Ellensburg drive west on 1-90 and take the Cle Elum Exit 84. Drive on South Cle Elum Rd to Madison St. and turn right. Turn left on 6th Street. Stay on this road as it curves around and becomes West-side road. Continue past Mohar Road. Turn left on USFS Rd 3350 (also South Cle Elum Ridge Road), signed ‘Peoh Point’. Continue for 8 miles. Near the top, look for a cattle guard and a sign directing you to Peoh Point just before a 5-way intersection. (first dirt road to left with a marker saying 3350 and 115). Follow this primitive road for 2 miles to the point. Peoh Point is not accessible during winter snow and spring muddy season.

Red Top

This scenic area is also considered one of the best by valley rockhounders. It has incredible views of the Stuart Range from the fire lookout which is usually open for visitors. Agates, crystal and geodes are found in this region. It is a beautiful area where hiking and picnicking are also available.

Take Highway 97 north just past Liberty. Take the first left after the Mineral Springs Resort on Blue Creek Road. After about 2 miles turn left onto Hovey Rd. Proceed down the trail to the lookout and other access points.

Roslyn to Salmon la Sac

Roslyn, WA

Visitors have always used the Salmon la Sac area north of Lake Cle Elum as a gateway to vast high Cascade forests.

Native Americans created the first trails through the Salmon la Sac area, and used the area for layovers on journeys into higher mountain areas.

Later, after the formation of the Cle Elum Mining District in the late 1800s, the area connected miners to nearby claims that held deposits of gold and other minerals.

State Route 10

When staying in Ellensburg, you shouldn’t miss a chance to drive Highway 10, where the Upper Yakima River Canyon winds its way through pasture, steep cliffs and wooded areas. From downtown, head west on University Way. Take a right on to Reecer Creek Road. Take an immediate left on Highway 10. It twists all the way up to Cle Elum, giving the motorist views of some of the most scenic areas around.

Teanaway Road

Cle Elum, WA

The Teanaway Road ofers dazzling views of the Teanaway River and valley. Spring comes early to the area, and trees changing colors during the fall are spectacular. The area offers camping, hiking, fishing, horseback riding and other opportunities to explore the backcountry. The picturesque Swauk-Teanaway Grange on Ballard Hill Road ofers a number of activities throughout the year, including a popular hunters breakfast, bluegrass concerts and a holiday bazaar. While the paved portion of the Teanaway Road is in good condition, high-clearance vehicles are advised for the unpaved portion of the road about 15 miles into the valley.

Vantage Highway

Now, don’t act all surprised that I’ve posted yet another old highway alignment. This one however is rather nice and much twistier than the parallel Interstate 90 a few miles to the south.

This one is quite a bit of fun, actually. It winds along the valleys that lead down to the Columbia River and passes some rock quarries and a large windmill installation on the north side of the road.

There’s lot of fun to be had on this expanse of lightly-traveled chipseal, but apparently there’s been a number of accidents as well. Some WSDOT pages I’ve seen indicate that this road has been designated a “Safety Corridor” so it would be wise to keep your speed down to a reasonable level and keep an eye out for other traffic in additional to one’s usual vigilance for law enforcement.

Yakima River Canyon

14700 Canyon Rd

Ellensburg, WA 98926

Call: (509) 933-2100

Welcome to the Yakima River Canyon, where Highway 821 parallels the gentle Yakima River for 27 miles, through massive basalt cliffs and rolling desert hills. Follow this scenic pathway for glimpses of rich wildlife and plant communities, echoes of a historical past and many opportunities for recreational enjoyment.

This canyon has been designated as a state scenic route and offers excellent wildlife viewing, fishing in a Blue Ribbon trout stream, family river rafting and camping.