South Cle Elum, WA

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
The price is ₩257,755 per night from Mar 12 to Mar 13
₩257,755
₩329,792 total
Mar 12 - Mar 13
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa resort in Cle Elum. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
The stay was great. Restaurant and bar staff great as usual. Check in was almost 2 hours late and I called the front desk 2 times during our stay for questions and no one answered.

Reviewed on Feb 23, 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 ₩79,558 per night from Mar 2 to Mar 3
₩79,558
₩87,924 total
Mar 2 - Mar 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cle Elum. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
Room was clean but the bathroom had a stale odor. Staff was polite, breakfast was the same all week. 3 cereals, sausage links and biscuits and gravy that was okay at best. The view from my room was awesome and lots of things are easy to get to from the location!

Reviewed on Feb 24, 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 ₩128,157 per night from Mar 2 to Mar 3
₩128,157
₩141,614 total
Mar 2 - Mar 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cle Elum. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
The water was very cold.

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2026

Quality Inn Cle Elum-Ellensburg
See all 832 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 Jun 26, 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

horse in pasture with white fence in Washington state

Washington State Horse Park

4.5/5(7 reviews)

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

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

4.5/5(11 reviews)

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 family-friendly area, you can savor the restaurants and coffeehouses.

Centennial Park

Cle Elum Lake

4/5(5 reviews)

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

5/5(12 reviews)

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

Swiftwater Cellars

Roslyn Museum

4/5(1 review)

You can browse the exhibits at Roslyn Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Roslyn. While in this family-friendly 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

Cities near South Cle Elum

Foggy winter day at Cle Elum Lake, Washington State

Cle Elum