Location: Cle Elum
Top Things to do in Cle Elum
The 10 Best Things to Do in Cle Elum, United States
Cle Elum is a city in Kittitas County, Washington, United States. The population was 1,872 at the 2010 census. Only an hour and a half by car from Seattle, Cle Elum is a popular area for camping and outdoor activities.
Restaurants in Cle Elum
1. Swiftwater Cellars
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 133 reviews
Reviewed By MarineAir10 - Vancouver, Washington
The building and decor are great, but the upscale atmosphere is the best part. The good was good, not great. On a Sunday night when the restaurant was all. But empty, the service was spotty at best. For the buck, you should get a lot more bang.
2. The Brick Saloon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By travelers1008 - WA
We stopped in for lunch on the way to Suncadia. Very friendly service and good bar food. Looks like they have fun live music nights, too. March 2016.
3. South Cle Elum Rail Yard National Historic District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Railhistoryfan - Philadelphia
Starting in 1906, the Milwaukee Road RR started construction of a rail line from the midwest to the Pacific Coast. This audacious project was completed in three years. The railroad picked South Cle Elum as the site for a station, yard, offices, locomotive shops and more. A few years later they added electrification to the line and a substation was built. Alas, the railroad line has been abandoned and the track pulled up. The substation has been saved, the station is now a museum and restaurant and the former bunkhouse is now an inn. Most of the rest of the buildings have been demolished. The state and a foundation restored the yard area, preserving the foundations and created an educational trail. You could spend up to two hours here studying the signs and walking around. The museum is only open on select Saturdays. The station restaurant is open most days and you can stay at the former bunk house which is now a B&B. The park/ trail is well marked and very enjoyable. Highly recommend to history fans, railroad buffs and those looking for a leisurely walk.
4. Roslyn Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By dkzapopan - Rosemead, California
Worth the drive. We really enjoyed the experience. Prices are very reasonable, popcorn was buttery :). Highlight was sitting in the "Loge." they had a basket with warm blankets and pillows for guest. Theater is really small, cozy, quaint and FUN.
5. Caboose Bar and Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By DIANE R - Napavine, Washington
This is a must when I visit. As soon as my grandson knows I'm coming he knows we will go to Taco Tuesday. Wonderful chicken and beef tacos and a great choice of adult beverages to go with them.
6. Three Peaks Outfitters - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By RichardSeattle_WA - Seattle, WA
For my wife's birthday I surprised her with an overnight trip into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area in the Cascade Mountains with Three Peaks Outfitters. What a wonderful trip! Michele, the owner, was fantastic in working with us. My wife had last minute medical issues and Michele was so accommodating. Michele's skill and knowledge of the area was amazing. We rode about 5 hours into the wilderness and she took care to make rest stops and provide lunch on the go. Lake Waptus, where we camped was breathtaking in it's beauty. Michele's dutch oven cooking was superb and more than ample. The trip was all inclusive. While we were only able to do two days we would liked to have done much more. If anyone is looking for a trip into the Cascade wilderness, we can't recommend Three Peaks enough. They are everything there website says and more. Fantastic!!!!
7. Happy Trails Horse Adventures
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By BallardDancer - Seattle
My husband and I have ridden twice in the past 2 weeks with Happy Trails. Happy Jack Price, the owner, is a very patient, kind and thorough instructor and ride leader. My husband has been preparing for a 6 day backcountry riding adventure in the California High Sierra. Jack spent a couple of hours teaching us the details and fine points of how to approach a horse, put on the saddle and bridle, adjust the stirrups, and so on.
Then we hit the trail for a half day ride on our first trip. We had a great experience. The horses we rode, Mandy and Bess, were easy going and extremely well trained. Mandy is half Shire, half quarter horse. Bess is 100% Percheron. Both are BIG horses (Shire and Percheron are draft horse breeds.) Jack led our ride and made helpful teaching suggestions to help us communicate effectively with the horses (via the reins and our legs/heels) and ride safely up and down steep inclines; Lloyd, Jack's employee, brought up the rear. Jack also pointed out MANY interesting natural and historical sights along the trail, such as where the bull elk wallow, where the black bears have marked their territory, and so on.
Our second ride was an all-day ride; we covered 11 miles, and boy, I was sure tired! But we stopped every hour and a half to stretch our legs, which made it possible for me to spend so much time in the saddle.
As far as safety goes, riding horses comes with risks, even merely riding around in an arena (I have had a horse bolt/run away with me inside an enclosed arena, a very scary experience.) These trail rides are out in the countryside and forest areas. There is wildlife that can surprise/spook a horse. My mount, Mandy, was spooked by a deer when we were almost back at Happy Trails, and shied (suddenly jumped sideways) without warning as we rode along. No one's fault! That's what horses do. Our experience is that these are sure-footed, even tempered and well trained horses, and we plan to ride with Happy Jack again.
The facilities at Happy Trails include a very clean porta-potty. There is nice cold drinking water in the "clubhouse" (an old trailer) and water for hand washing. The horse manure is cleaned up regularly--it is not an unkempt operation. It is dusty, but that's just the environment of this area. If you love horses and riding, definitely go for it at Happy Trails! If you are interested but not sure, talk over your interests and concerns with Jack. My experience is that he wants you to have a good time and will do his darndest to meet your needs.
8. Roslyn Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Carrie_clb_111 - Larkspur, California
We took a group of 11 to this tiny museum and the docent was able to keep all ages engaged. We loved learning about the history of mining in the area and following the tour we visited the local cemetery. It is a superb stop and doesn't take too long to visit.
9. Roslyn Candy Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Gabe E - Ronald, Washington
Fantastic place to visit and enjoy excellent chocolate, candies and great hard ice cream. Two of my favorite chocolates are the Salted Caramel and Dark Chocolate Bars. Given the array of chocolates, candies and ice cream there is something(s) for everyone.
10. Glade Spring Spa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By TraveltheGlobe09
This is a spa associated with the Suncadia Resort. I had a wonderful visit. By booking a 50-minute treatment, I was able to enjoy the spa facility for the entire day. The facilities include a ladies only area that had a mineral pool, sauna, and steam room. There was a co-ed area that had three mineral pools of different temperatures and a sauna. There was a comfortable relaxation area with oversized bean bag chairs and an inviting fireplace. I recommend this spa and I hope to return for a visit next year.
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