Where is Ronald, Washington?
Ronald, WA at a Glance
Ronald is a small unincorporated community in Kittitas County, Washington, situated on SR-903 approximately 1.1 miles north of Roslyn and 2 miles north of Cle Elum. The community sits at the south end of Lake Cle Elum and serves as a gateway to upper SR-903 recreation areas including Lake Cle Elum, Salmon la Sac, and Hex Mountain. Its zip code is 98940.
Quick reference:
- County: Kittitas County
- Status: Unincorporated community
- Zip code: 98940
- Coordinates: 47.24°N, 121.02°W
- Distance from Roslyn: 1.1 miles north on SR-903
- Distance from Cle Elum: ~2 miles north
- Distance from Seattle: ~87 miles east
- Access road: SR-903 (only paved route)
About Ronald, WA
Ronald was established as a coal mining company town in the late 1800s, developed alongside neighboring Roslyn by the Northwestern Improvement Company, a subsidiary of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Like Roslyn, the community was built to house miners and their families and is named after Alexander Ronald, a Scottish coal operator involved in the development of the area’s mines.
Today Ronald is a quiet residential community and a practical stopping point on SR-903 for visitors heading toward Lake Cle Elum, Salmon la Sac, and the Cle Elum River corridor. The community is served by KCFPD #6 (Kittitas County Fire Protection District 6), which covers Ronald, Lake Cle Elum, Salmon la Sac, and areas north to Hex Mountain.
Things to Do Near Ronald, WA
Lake Cle Elum — A reservoir on the Cle Elum River just north of Ronald, offering fishing, boating, and swimming access in summer.
Salmon la Sac & Hex Mountain — Continue north on SR-903 past Ronald to reach the Salmon la Sac campgrounds, trailheads, and the Hex Mountain trail — a popular hike with panoramic Cascade views.
Coal Mines Trail — The paved multi-use trail connecting Roslyn and Cle Elum passes near Ronald, following the old coal railroad corridor. Flat and accessible for cyclists, walkers, and families.
The Last Resort — Ronald’s primary business hub: mini-grocery store, gas station, vacation rentals, and the Roadhouse restaurant. Phone: (509) 649-2222.
Ronald General Store — General store serving the Ronald community on SR-903.
For dining and services, see roselum.com’s full dining directory for Roslyn, Ronald, and Cle Elum.
Driving directions to Ronald, WA from:
Frequently Asked Questions About Ronald, WA
Where is Ronald, WA?
Ronald is an unincorporated community in Kittitas County, Washington, located on SR-903 approximately 1.1 miles north of Roslyn and 2 miles north of Cle Elum. It sits at the south end of Lake Cle Elum.
What zip code is Ronald, WA?
Ronald, WA has the zip code 98940.
How do you get to Ronald, WA?
Take I-90 East to Exit 80, then follow SR-903 North through Roslyn. Ronald is approximately 1.1 miles past the Roslyn city limits on SR-903. There is no other paved access road. See SR-903 road information for current conditions.
What is there to do in Ronald, WA?
Ronald is a gateway community. Visitors pass through en route to Lake Cle Elum, Salmon la Sac, and upper SR-903 recreation areas. The Last Resort provides fuel, groceries, and lodging. For dining, see the Ronald, Roslyn, and Cle Elum dining directory.
Is Ronald WA a city?
No. Ronald is an unincorporated community — it does not have its own city government. It is part of Kittitas County and is not incorporated as a city or town.
What fire department serves Ronald, WA?
Ronald is served by Kittitas County Fire Protection District 6 (KCFPD #6), based in the Ronald area. District 6 covers Ronald, Lake Cle Elum, Salmon la Sac north to Hex Mountain, and parts of Suncadia.