Cities and Towns in Kittitas County, Washington
Founded in 1883, Kittitas County is one of 39 counties in the state of Washington. Historically, Kittitas County was formed from Yakima County. The city of Ellensburg is the county seat. With FIPS code of 37, Kittitas County has a population of 44,337 and area of 2,297 square miles (5,949 km²).
List of all cities in Kittitas County, WA alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Alpental, WA | 98068 | 425/564 |
Cle Elum, WA | 98922 | 509 |
Doris, WA | 98950 | 509 |
Easton, WA | 98925 | 509 |
Ellensburg, WA | 98926 | 509 |
98950 | 509 | |
Hyak, WA | 98068 | 425/564 |
Kittitas, WA | 98934 | 509 |
Liberty, WA | 98922 | 509 |
North Bend, WA | 98068 | 425/564 |
Rocklyn, WA | 98941 | 509 |
Ronald, WA | 98940 | 509 |
Roslyn, WA | 98941 | 509 |
Snoqualmie, WA | 98068 | 425/564 |
Snoqualmie Pass, WA | 98068 | 425/564 |
South Cle Elum, WA | 98943 | 509 |
Suncadia, WA | 98922 | 509 |
Teanaway, WA | 98922 | 509 |
Thorp, WA | 98946 | 509 |
Thrali, WA | 98926 | 509 |
Vantage, WA | 98950 | 509 |
Major Cities and Towns in Kittitas County, Washington
1. Ellensburg
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 12.79 square miles
- Population: Approx. 20,000
- Zip Codes: 98926
- Latitude: 47.0115° N
- Longitude: 120.5480° W
Location and History:
Ellensburg is the county seat of Kittitas County, located in the heart of Washington state. Situated along the Yakima River, it lies at the eastern foot of the Cascade Range. The city’s history dates back to the mid-19th century, when it was originally settled as part of a trade route for miners and travelers moving through the area. The arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad in the 1880s helped Ellensburg become an important regional hub for agriculture, especially wheat and hay farming. The city’s location in the Kittitas Valley made it a key transportation and commercial center. Today, Ellensburg is known for its vibrant arts community, historic downtown, and as the home of Central Washington University. The annual Ellensburg Rodeo, one of the largest and most famous in the region, reflects the city’s deep ties to Western traditions and agriculture.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Ellensburg is home to Central Washington University (CWU), which provides higher education in a variety of fields including business, arts, and education. CWU also contributes to the city’s lively cultural atmosphere, with frequent music, theater, and dance performances. The Ellensburg School District serves the city’s K-12 students with schools like Ellensburg High School and Morgan Middle School. Major landmarks in the city include the Kittitas County Historical Museum, which preserves the area’s history, and the iconic Ellensburg Rodeo Arena, where the Ellensburg Rodeo is held annually. The Central Washington University campus is a major feature, and the historic downtown area offers charming shops, galleries, and restaurants. Additionally, the nearby Cascades provide access to outdoor recreation, including hiking and skiing, making Ellensburg an ideal location for both cultural and outdoor activities.
2. Cle Elum
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 3.64 square miles
- Population: Approx. 2,000
- Zip Codes: 98922
- Latitude: 47.2015° N
- Longitude: 120.9377° W
Location and History:
Cle Elum is located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains along the Cle Elum River, about 40 miles north of Ellensburg. The town’s history is rooted in the timber and mining industries, with settlers first arriving in the late 19th century. Cle Elum became an important railroad stop, providing a gateway for transporting timber and coal from the region to other parts of the state. As the timber industry declined, the town’s economy shifted towards recreation and tourism, thanks to its proximity to the Wenatchee National Forest and nearby lakes. Cle Elum is known for its beautiful mountain views and outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and snow sports. The city has retained its small-town charm while benefiting from growth in tourism and outdoor recreation. It serves as a key stop for travelers heading toward the larger mountain resorts and recreational areas in the Cascades.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Cle Elum is served by the Cle Elum-Roslyn School District, which includes Cle Elum High School and the nearby Roslyn School District. The area is also home to the Central Washington University – Cle Elum Campus, which provides educational opportunities for local students. Major landmarks in Cle Elum include the historic downtown district, which features buildings dating back to the early 1900s, and the Cle Elum River, which provides recreational opportunities for boating and fishing. The nearby Lake Cle Elum and the Washington State Horse Park are popular destinations for visitors. Additionally, the nearby Snoqualmie Pass, a well-known ski resort, draws visitors for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Cle Elum’s surrounding wilderness areas, such as the Wenatchee National Forest, offer a wide range of outdoor activities, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers.
3. Roslyn
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 1.34 square miles
- Population: Approx. 1,000
- Zip Codes: 98941
- Latitude: 47.2125° N
- Longitude: 120.9745° W
Location and History:
Roslyn is a small town nestled in the Cascade Mountains, known for its historical ties to the coal mining industry. The town was established in the late 19th century as a coal mining town, and it quickly grew into one of the largest coal-producing areas in Washington. At its peak, Roslyn had a large immigrant population, primarily from Europe, working in the mines. The town thrived until the coal industry began to decline in the 1920s. Today, Roslyn is a charming, historically preserved town, with many of its original mining-era buildings still intact. The town has shifted from an industrial base to a residential and tourist destination, with visitors drawn to its rustic charm, outdoor recreation, and proximity to Cle Elum and other parts of Kittitas County.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Roslyn is part of the Cle Elum-Roslyn School District, with Roslyn School serving local students. The town has a strong sense of community and is home to several small businesses, restaurants, and cafes. Major landmarks in Roslyn include the Roslyn Cemetery, where many early settlers and coal miners are buried, and the Roslyn Historical Museum, which showcases the town’s rich mining heritage. The iconic brick buildings in the downtown area, many of which date back to the early 20th century, help preserve the town’s mining past. Roslyn is also famous for being a filming location for the popular television show Northern Exposure, and its quaint streets continue to attract visitors looking for a small-town escape. The nearby hiking and recreational areas, including the Coal Mine Trail, offer a glimpse into the region’s industrial history and natural beauty.
4. South Cle Elum
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 1.07 square miles
- Population: Approx. 500
- Zip Codes: 98943
- Latitude: 47.2040° N
- Longitude: 120.9720° W
Location and History:
South Cle Elum is located just south of Cle Elum, along the banks of the Cle Elum River. This small town was historically tied to the railroad industry, with the construction of the Northern Pacific Railway making it a key transportation hub in the late 19th century. The town was established to serve the railroad workers and their families, and the community was built around the railway yard and the industries that supported it. As the railroad activity decreased, South Cle Elum’s economy shifted, but it has maintained its rural character. Today, it remains a small, close-knit community that serves as a peaceful residential area and a gateway to the outdoor recreation opportunities in the surrounding mountains and forests.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
South Cle Elum is served by the Cle Elum-Roslyn School District, with students attending nearby Cle Elum schools. The town’s landmarks include the historic South Cle Elum Depot, which has been preserved as a part of the Iron Horse State Park. This depot is a part of the John Wayne Pioneer Trail, which runs through the town and offers opportunities for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. The town is also near the Cle Elum River and provides access to the nearby wilderness areas for outdoor recreation, including fishing and wildlife viewing. The nearby Snoqualmie Pass offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and summer visitors enjoy hiking and exploring the surrounding mountains. South Cle Elum is a tranquil community that serves as an excellent base for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the region.
5. Kittitas
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:
- Area: 0.83 square miles
- Population: Approx. 1,500
- Zip Codes: 98934
- Latitude: 46.9880° N
- Longitude: 120.5169° W
Location and History:
Kittitas is a small town located in the central part of Kittitas County, along the Kittitas Valley, a region known for its agricultural significance. The town was founded in the late 19th century, with settlers attracted by the fertile soil and access to water from the Yakima River. Kittitas was once a key stop along the Northern Pacific Railroad, which helped transport the area’s agricultural products, particularly hay and grain, to larger markets. Though the town’s economy has diversified over the years, agriculture remains a key part of life in Kittitas. The town is also known for its strong community spirit, with a slower pace of life and close ties to the surrounding farming and ranching industries. Kittitas is part of the broader Yakima Valley agricultural region and is situated in an area that is rich in natural beauty and outdoor opportunities.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Kittitas is served by the Kittitas School District, with Kittitas High School being the primary institution for secondary education in the town. The town’s small size and rural setting offer residents a strong sense of community. Major landmarks in Kittitas include the historic Kittitas Depot, which serves as a reminder of the town’s role in the railroad industry. The nearby Kittitas Valley is known for its agriculture, with visitors often coming to tour local farms and vineyards. The town is located near several outdoor recreation areas, including the Manastash Ridge, which is popular for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. Kittitas is a gateway for visitors seeking to explore the natural beauty of the central Washington region, including opportunities for fishing, hunting, and camping.