Roslyn, Cle Elum, and the Upper Kittitas County area sit at the doorstep of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Teanaway Community Forest, and Snoqualmie Pass — making this one of Washington State’s premier outdoor recreation destinations. Whether you’re here for summer hiking, fall fishing, or winter snowmobiling, there’s something for everyone year-round.
Hiking Trails near Roslyn & Cle Elum
- Pete Lake Trail — 11-mile moderate out-and-back near Roslyn with river views and alpine scenery. Dog and horse-friendly. Best May–November. Cle Elum Trails guide
- Cooper River Trail — 6.8-mile moderate out-and-back near Ronald featuring Cle Elum Lake views. Leashed dogs welcome. Cle Elum Trails guide
- Coal Mines Trail — Historic trail accessible from I-90 Exit 84 (Howard Carlin Memorial Trailhead). A great family hike through Cle Elum’s coal mining heritage. Cle Elum Trails guide
- Hex Mountain Trail — 6.9-mile difficult hike near Cle Elum Lake featuring stunning wildflower meadows. Cle Elum Trails guide
- Red Top Lookout — 1-mile moderate hike to an operational 1952 fire lookout with panoramic Cascade views. Suitable for all skill levels. Best June–October. Cle Elum Trails guide
- Davis Peak — Challenging summit hike offering a 360° panorama of more than 10 Cascades peaks. Cle Elum Trails guide
- Iron Bear–Teanaway Ridge Trail — 7.8-mile route through spectacular wildflower meadows above the Teanaway Valley. Best June–October. Cle Elum Trails guide
- Baldy Mountain — 4.2-mile moderate out-and-back with river views. Accessible year-round for hiking, birding, and nature trips. Cle Elum Trails guide
- Thorp Mountain Lookout — 7.4-mile moderate hike through huckleberry fields and alpine forest to a fire lookout with lake views. Best June–October. Cle Elum Trails guide
Mountain Biking & Multi-Use Trails
- Suncadia Resort Trails — 40+ miles of paved and unpaved trails for mountain biking, hiking, running, and snowshoeing through 6,000+ forested acres. 3600 Suncadia Trail, Cle Elum. suncadiaresort.com
- Rat Pack Trail — 4-mile downhill mountain bike-only track open April–October. Access via Ewok Trail or Alliance Road. Cle Elum Trails guide
- Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail — 253-mile linear state park trail on a former railroad corridor passing through Cle Elum. Open for hiking, cycling, and equestrian use. Cle Elum Trails guide
Winter Sports & Snow Activities
- Suncadia Resort — Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on 40+ miles of groomed and natural trails. 3600 Suncadia Trail, Cle Elum. suncadiaresort.com
- Jack Creek Snowshoe Route — 14.7-mile mostly flat route ideal for snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Cle Elum Trails guide
- Snoqualmie Pass Ski Areas — Multiple ski areas at Snoqualmie Pass (approx. 25 miles west via I-90), including The Summit at Snoqualmie.
ATV, Snowmobile & Off-Road Rentals
- Motortoy Rentals & Tours — ATV and snowmobile rentals and guided off-road tours in the Cle Elum area. 71 Airport Rd, Cle Elum, WA 98922. (509) 674-6807
- The Last Resort — Snowmobile, kayak, and jet ski rentals at the gateway to Cle Elum Lake. 14254 Salmon La Sac Rd, Ronald, WA 98940.
Fishing
- Troutwater Fly Shop & Guides — Gear, guided trips, and local knowledge for fly fishing the upper Yakima River, Cle Elum Lake, and surrounding waters. 113 E 1st St, Cle Elum, WA 98922.
- Cooper River & Cle Elum Lake — Popular destinations for fly fishing and spin fishing. Access via Salmon La Sac Road (Highway 903) north from Roslyn.
- Yakima River — World-class trout fishing on the upper Yakima. Access via Highway 970 east from Cle Elum toward Teanaway Junction.
Horseback Riding & Equestrian
- Kittitas Valley Trail Riders — Central Washington horseback riding club offering group trail rides, poker rides, and equine events throughout the Kittitas Valley and Cascade Mountains.
- Three Peaks Outfitters — Guided horseback rides through the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Fire Gate O18 Bullfrog Rd, Cle Elum, WA. (509) 674-9661
- Flying Horseshoe Ranch — Historic 1904 homestead offering equestrian stays, family ranch experiences, and group events. 3190 Red Bridge Rd, Cle Elum, WA 98922.
Public Lands & State Parks
- Teanaway Community Forest — 50,241-acre state-owned forest with nearly 400 miles of free-flowing streams. Open for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, and horseback riding — no fee required. Access via Teanaway Road from Highway 970.
- Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest — Encompasses the majority of trail systems in the Roslyn and Cle Elum area. NW Forest Pass required at most trailheads. fs.usda.gov/okawen
- Palouse to Cascades State Park — 253-mile linear state park trail for non-motorized use, passing through Cle Elum. Washington State Parks