South Cle Elum Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

This substation was built in 1919 when the 208 mile section from Othello to Tacoma was first electrified. It converted 100,000-volt AC current to 3000-volt DC current, which was then fed to the locomotives via a catenary above the track. These locomotives were more powerful than their steam-powered forefathers, required less maintenance and service, and even recharged their batteries via regenerative braking.
This substation was built in 1919 when the 208 mile section from Othello to Tacoma was first electrified. It converted 100,000-volt AC current to 3000-volt DC current, which was then fed to the locomotives via a catenary above the track. These locomotives were more powerful than their steam-powered forefathers, required less maintenance and service, and even recharged their batteries via regenerative braking.
This retired fire truck serves as the sign for Smokey's BBQ. The restaurant is set up in the old train depot, and you'll need to enter from the boarding platform out back. While I can't say this was the best bbq I've ever had, it still hit the spot for us and we'll be making it a regular stop whenever we drive across the pass. We ordered the basic pork + beans + cornbread plate and a shake, though next time I'll be ordering the Train Wreck - an open-face sandwich where the meat, beans, onions, cheese and coleslaw are piled atop sliced cornbread and then smothered with bbq sauce!
This train depot was built in 1909 as part of a railway expansion into the Pacific Northwest. Depots and rail yards were built 100 to 150 miles apart (240km) as crew rest stops and an engine service stations. Originally this yard consisted of the depot, roundhouse, turntable, ash tank, water tank and bunkhouse. When the line was electrified in 1920 the substation (seen in the background) was added. By 1980 The Milwaukee Road was near bankruptcy. They sold off most of their property and transferred the line itself to the state. Today, a 100 mile stretch of that line forms the John Wayne Pioneer Trail, a non-motorized trail open to the public, including a 2.3 mile long (3.7km) tunnel under Snoqualmie Pass (remember to bring your flashlight).
Suncadia Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Residence

Suncadia Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Residence

4 out of 5
3600 Suncadia Trail Cle Elum WA
The price is 5.227.531 ₫ per night from 15 Jan to 16 Jan
5.227.531 ₫
6.688.535 ₫ total
15 Jan - 16 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa resort in Cle Elum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Fantastic family winter vacation at Suncadia!

Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026

Suncadia Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Residence
Stewart Lodge

Stewart Lodge

2.5 out of 5
805 West First Street Cle Elum WA
The price is 1.363.886 ₫ per night from 16 Jan to 17 Jan
1.363.886 ₫
1.507.052 ₫ total
16 Jan - 17 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cle Elum. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
The hotel looks a little old and dated, but the rooms are large, clean & updated quite nicely! We really enjoyed our one nights stay. We stayed in a downstairs room in the back building (#3). Be forewarned it seems a lot of construction workers stay here during the week and they start their big diesel ...

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026

Stewart Lodge
Quality Inn Cle Elum-Ellensburg

Quality Inn Cle Elum-Ellensburg

2.5 out of 5
906 E 1st St Cle Elum WA
The price is 1.540.677 ₫ per night from 18 Jan to 19 Jan
1.540.677 ₫
1.702.448 ₫ total
18 Jan - 19 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cle Elum. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (999 reviews)
The staff was amazing. The young man at the front desk was accommodating and professional. The breakfast was a very basic hotel breakfast. Hard boiled eggs, waffles, yogurt, oatmeal, packaged pastries, juice, bagels, cereal, toast…but it got the job done. My only complaints are that it dumped about ...

Reviewed on 29 Dec 2025

Quality Inn Cle Elum-Ellensburg
See all 844 properties in South Cle Elum
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Deck & Fire Pit: Yakima River Retreat in Cle Elum

Deck & Fire Pit: Yakima River Retreat in Cle Elum

2 out of 5
Cle Elum WA
Stay at this cottage in Cle Elum. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Swiftwater Cellars and Roslyn Museum are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
The Little Jewel of Cle Elum
This place is a such a gem! It is cozy, well thought through and is the perfect stay for a quick getaway. I definitely plan to rebook this place. My friends and I booked this place since it was the middle point from Seattle and the gorge. We came for a music festival. For all you music lovers I highly ...

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Deck & Fire Pit: Yakima River Retreat in Cle Elum
See all properties in South Cle Elum
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cle Elum Lake

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Cle Elum Lake during your travels in Cle Elum. Discover the area's mountain views and seek out the hiking trails.

Cle Elum Lake

Swiftwater Cellars

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Swiftwater Cellars during your travels to Cle Elum. Savour the area's restaurants and cafes.

Swiftwater Cellars

Washington State Horse Park

You can take time to visit Washington State Horse Park during your travels to Cle Elum. While in this romantic area, you can savour the restaurants and cafes.

Washington State Horse Park

Roslyn Museum

You can browse the exhibits at Roslyn Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Roslyn. While in this romantic area, you can enjoy the restaurants.

Roslyn Museum

Centennial Park

Centennial Park is just one of the places to see in Cle Elum, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this romantic area, you can savour the restaurants and cafes.

Centennial Park

Fireman's Park

Explore the great outdoors at Fireman's Park, a lovely green space in South Cle Elum. Discover the restaurants in this family-friendly area or seek out the cycling trails.

Fireman's Park

Cities near South Cle Elum

Gold course trail with pine trees and homes after the rain

Cle Elum