Kittitas County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington, and its county seat is Ellensburg. The population of Kittitas County was estimated to be 45,241 in 2019, making it the sixth least populous county in Washington State. Kittitas County covers an area of around 4,814 square miles and has a mostly rural population with a few larger cities such as Ellensburg and Cle Elum.
According to definitionexplorer.com, the history of Kittitas County dates back to 1883 when it was established from parts of Yakima and Thurston counties. The county was named after the Kittitas people who were native to the region prior to European settlement in the area. The most significant economic activity in Kittitas County is agriculture, with wheat being the primary crop grown throughout the area.
Kittitas County has many attractions for visitors to enjoy including several parks such as Iron Horse State Park or Cle Elum Lake Park which offer a variety of outdoor activities like camping, hiking, fishing, and boating. In addition, there are several museums located throughout the county including the Ellensburg Historical Museum which showcases local history and artifacts from around Central Washington or The Upper Kittitas County Historical Museum which features exhibits on Native American culture and artifacts from early settlers in the area.
Famous people from Kittitas County include musician Kenny G who spent much of his childhood growing up in Ellensburg as well as former NFL player Ryan Leaf who attended high school in Cle Elum before going on to play football at Washington State University. Other notable figures include astronaut John Herrington who grew up on a ranch near Easton before joining NASA’s Space Shuttle program and singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile who was born and raised in Ravensdale before becoming an internationally renowned musician.
Kittitas County is an amazing place to visit or live with its beautiful scenery, rich history, a wide variety of attractions and activities for all ages as well as its famous residents. Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation opportunities or just want to explore some local museums or take part in some cultural events like Barhamsville Day Festival then this is definitely one destination worth checking out.
Climate and weather in Kittitas County, Washington
According to liuxers.com, Kittitas County, Washington is known for its mild climate and four distinct seasons. Located in the Cascade Mountain Range, Kittitas County experiences a variety of weather conditions throughout the year.
The summers in Kittitas County are typically warm and dry with temperatures ranging from mid-60s to mid-90s (Fahrenheit). This is the best time of year to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. The nights can be quite cool due to the elevation of the county so it’s important to bring warm clothing if you plan on spending time outdoors during this season.
Fall brings cooler temperatures with highs ranging from 40s to 70s (Fahrenheit). This is a great time for outdoor activities as well as taking in some of the stunning fall foliage throughout the county. The nights are quite chilly so it’s important to be prepared with warm layers when heading outdoors during this season.
Winters in Kittitas County are cold and snowy with temperatures averaging between 20s and 40s (Fahrenheit). Snowfall can vary greatly depending on elevation but generally speaking there will be at least one major snowstorm each winter season. This is a great time for skiing or snowshoeing in the area as well as enjoying some cozy indoor activities like curling up by a fire or visiting one of the many local museums or attractions throughout the county.
Springtime brings warmer temperatures and blooming wildflowers throughout Kittitas County. Highs range from 40s to 70s (Fahrenheit) making it an ideal season for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and hiking. The nights can still be chilly so it’s important to bring layers when heading outdoors during this season.
All in all, Kittitas County offers something for everyone no matter what season you visit. From mild summers perfect for outdoor recreation to cold winters great for skiing or snowshoeing – there’s something here that everyone will enjoy.
Transportation in Kittitas County, Washington
Kittitas County, Washington offers a variety of transportation options for both locals and visitors. The county is served by a number of highways, including Interstate 90 and US Highway 97, as well as a number of state routes. Additionally, the county is served by several public transit systems, including Seattle Metro Transit and Kittitas County Public Transportation Authority (KCPTA).
For those who prefer to drive their own vehicle, Kittitas County offers plenty of parking options. In Ellensburg, the central business district is home to numerous parking lots and garages. Additionally, many businesses have dedicated parking areas for customers. For those visiting or living in rural areas of the county, there are a number of unpaved roads which make driving easy and convenient.
For those looking to travel by bus or train, Kittitas County has several options available. Amtrak’s Empire Builder runs through the county with stops at Ellensburg Station and Cle Elum Station. KCPTA operates several routes throughout the county that connect Ellensburg with nearby towns and cities such as Cle Elum and Yakima. Additionally, Greyhound buses provide service from Seattle to Ellensburg with stops in numerous other towns along the way.
For air travel, there are two airports located in Kittitas County: Bowers Field Airport located near Ellensburg and Grant County International Airport located near Moses Lake. Bowers Field Airport serves general aviation while Grant County International Airport serves commercial airlines such as Alaska Airlines and Allegiant Air with flights to cities such as Seattle/Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Spokane International Airport (GEG).
Finally, for those looking to explore Kittitas County on two wheels there are plenty of cycling paths throughout the area. The John Wayne Pioneer Trail runs through Kittitas Valley from Easton to Vantage offering cyclists an opportunity to take in some breathtaking views while enjoying a leisurely ride through nature’s beauty. Additionally, many rural roads throughout the county offer cyclists an opportunity for exploration without having to worry about traffic congestion or dangerous conditions on main roads.
Kittitas County offers residents and visitors alike plenty of transportation options no matter how they choose to get around. From highways perfect for driving your own vehicle to public transit systems that make exploring new places easy – there’s something here that everyone can enjoy.
Cities and towns in Kittitas County, Washington
Kittitas County, Washington is a beautiful area located in the central part of the state. It is home to about 45,000 people and encompasses an area of 2,300 square miles. The county seat is Ellensburg, but there are many other cities and towns located within its borders. See popular cities in Washington.
The largest city in Kittitas County is Ellensburg, which is also the county seat. This city has a population of about 18,000 and offers plenty of amenities such as restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment venues. It also has several universities including Central Washington University and the University of Washington’s branch campus. Ellensburg also serves as the gateway to Kittitas Valley.
Other cities in Kittitas County include Cle Elum with a population of about 3,000, South Cle Elum with a population of around 1,000, Roslyn with a population of about 1,200 and Thorp with a population of around 500. These smaller towns offer visitors quaint shops and restaurants along with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Kittitas County also includes several unincorporated communities such as Easton which has a population around 500. This small town houses some historical buildings like the old Easton Schoolhouse which was built in 1910-11 and still stands today as an example of early education in the area. Another unincorporated community is Ronald which was once home to some coal mining operations that were established during World War II to supply coal for nearby military bases.
Finally, Kittitas County includes many rural areas perfect for exploring on foot or by bike or car. There are plenty of trails throughout this region offering breathtaking views that can only be seen here in Kittitas County. From its vibrant cities to its charming rural areas – there’s something here for everyone.