South Cle Elum

Travel 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$1,474 per night from 17 Feb to 18 Feb
HK$1,474
HK$1,885 total
17 Feb - 18 Feb
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)
Blinds in the room were very hard to open and close. And the bathroom needs some night sensory lighting.

Reviewed on 12 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 HK$405 per night from 20 Jan to 21 Jan
HK$405
HK$447 total
20 Jan - 21 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! (1,002 reviews)
Better than expected breakfast

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

Stewart Lodge
Best Western Snowcap Lodge

Best Western Snowcap Lodge

2.5 out of 5
809 W Davis St Cle Elum WA
The price is HK$1,138 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
HK$1,138
HK$1,258 total
25 Jan - 26 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Room was clean. Both the bed and sofa bed seemed a little old and could be nicer. Breakfast was great!

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

Best Western Snowcap Lodge
See all 851 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.
Year-round outdoor getaway with shared pool, private patio, full kitchen & WiFi

Year-round outdoor getaway with shared pool, private patio, full kitchen & WiFi

Cle Elum WA
Stay at this golf condo in Cle Elum. Enjoy a fitness centre, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Swiftwater Cellars and Roslyn Museum are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (33 reviews)
Amazing location- condo backs to the golf course which was so fun for a snowy weekend! Fantastic layout- the two bedrooms and baths are on separate sides of the kitchen which is excellent for travel w kids or two couples. Well stocked- had everything we needed. Price couldn’t be beat! We had family ...

Reviewed on 26 Dec 2025

Year-round outdoor getaway with shared pool, private patio, full kitchen & WiFi
Suncadia Sleeps12, Hot Tub, Fireplace, Fire Pit, Free Snowshoes/Snow Sleds, Pets

Suncadia Sleeps12, Hot Tub, Fireplace, Fire Pit, Free Snowshoes/Snow Sleds, Pets

Cle Elum WA
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Cle Elum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Swiftwater Cellars and Washington ...
10/10 Exceptional! (335 reviews)
The property is very nice and the hosts were very kind and accommodating. I would stay there again.

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026

Suncadia Sleeps12, Hot Tub, Fireplace, Fire Pit, Free Snowshoes/Snow Sleds, Pets
3065 STUDIO with VIEW!!! Hike🏔bike, golf 🏌🏻@ Suncadia!

3065 STUDIO with VIEW!!! Hike🏔bike, golf 🏌🏻@ Suncadia!

Cle Elum WA
Stay at this apartment in Cle Elum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and a snack bar/deli. Popular attractions Swiftwater Cellars and Roslyn Museum are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (96 reviews)
The resort was so beautiful and room was so clean and spotless. Had everything we need to cook and for a the perfect place for an overnight stay. I would definitely recommend this place!

Reviewed on 12 Dec 2025

3065 STUDIO with VIEW!!! Hike🏔bike, golf 🏌🏻@ Suncadia!
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

Teanaway Valley Wildlife Area

You can take time to visit Teanaway Valley Wildlife Area during your travels to Cle Elum. Discover the area's mountain views and seek out the hiking trails.

Teanaway Valley Wildlife Area

Tillman Creek

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

Tillman Creek
Gold course trail with pine trees and homes after the rain

Cle Elum