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 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 HK$1,480 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
HK$1,480
HK$1,894 total
26 Mar - 27 Mar
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! (1,001 reviews)
Area was beautiful. Our mattress, comforter and pillows were all lumpy and uncomfortable. Food and drinks were insanely high. One white russian $22 before the tip. Price gauging ruins any trip yet people must pay it. Check-in at 4 pm is really late. We travel often and it’s never been so late. Overall ...

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026

Suncadia Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Residence
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 HK$689 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
HK$689
HK$762 total
26 Mar - 27 Mar
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! (1,001 reviews)
Staff at the Quality Inn were pleasant and helpful. The rooms are very clean, if a little worn. I love that there's a little cafe right across the street - so nice to be able to walk to dinner after a long drive!

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026

Quality Inn Cle Elum-Ellensburg
Best Western Snowcap Lodge

Best Western Snowcap Lodge

2.5 out of 5
809 W Davis St Cle Elum WA
The price is HK$1,144 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
HK$1,144
HK$1,264 total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Breakfast had a lot of options! We were running late and came down around closing time, they had cleaned things up but still had everything availabile and warm and no one rushed us out. Alexis and Zach were our front desk staff during our stay and honestly was the best customer service experience ...

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

Best Western Snowcap Lodge
See all 817 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.
Suncadia Escape — Snow shoes, Sleds, Bikes

Suncadia Escape — Snow shoes, Sleds, Bikes

Cle Elum WA
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Cle Elum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 outdoor pickleball courts and a garden. Popular attractions Swiftwater Cellars and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (194 reviews)
All the amenities were in good order, and the extras (bikes, stroller, etc) were appreciated! Check in was easy. Hosts were very responsive

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026

Suncadia Escape — Snow shoes, Sleds, Bikes
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 ...
Year-round outdoor getaway with shared pool, private patio, full kitchen & WiFi
Suncadia Private Home Sleeps12, Fire Pit, Hot Tub, Pets, FreeBikes, 5StarReviews

Suncadia Private Home Sleeps12, Fire Pit, Hot Tub, Pets, FreeBikes, 5StarReviews

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! (356 reviews)
Fun place for an extended family weekend getaway

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Suncadia Private Home Sleeps12, Fire Pit, Hot Tub, Pets, FreeBikes, 5StarReviews
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

horse in pasture with white fence in Washington state

Washington State Horse Park

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

Washington State Horse Park
Late afternoon at Plantes Ferry park along the Spokane River with the monument to early settlers in view in Spokane, Washington, USA.

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

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

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
Foggy winter day at Cle Elum Lake, Washington State

Cle Elum