Kittitas County, Washington
County in central Washington state centered on Ellensburg; spans Cascade Mountains to eastern plains, includes Mount Daniel, I-90 corridor, agriculture, outdoor recreation, and Central Washington University.
Overview
Kittitas County lies in the central part of the U.S. state of Washington. Its administrative center is Ellensburg, a small city that anchors the county's cultural and economic life. The county covers roughly 2,333 square miles, of which about 2,297 are land and the remainder is water. A mid‑2000s estimate recorded a population near 36,841, though figures have changed with later censuses and university enrollment cycles. Archived data provide historical reference points for those counts.
Image gallery
3 Images
Geography and natural features
Kittitas County extends from the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range into drier interior basins. Its terrain includes high alpine peaks, forested ridges, river valleys and agricultural plains. The highest summit within the county is Mount Daniel (about 7,959 feet), which rises in the county's western high country. The county's varied elevation creates distinct climate zones, from snowy winters in the mountains to relatively dry summers on the plains.
Communities and transportation
Ellensburg is the county seat and home to Central Washington University, a significant local employer and cultural center. Other towns and communities include Cle Elum, Roslyn, Kittitas and smaller settlements that serve ranching and recreational visitors. The county is traversed by the I‑90 corridor, a primary east–west route that links Ellensburg to Seattle and eastern Washington and supports freight and tourism traffic.
History and development
The area was long inhabited by indigenous peoples before Euro‑American settlement. Organized as a county in the late 19th century, Kittitas developed through mining, logging, ranching and agriculture. Towns grew along transportation routes such as stage roads, rail lines and later the interstate highway. Historic districts and preserved mining towns reflect this layered past.
Economy, land use and institutions
Agriculture and ranching remain important: hay, cattle and grains are common on the lower plateaus, while timber and seasonal recreation employment appear at higher elevations. Central Washington University contributes to education, research and the local service economy. Public lands, state forests and wilderness areas also shape resource use, conservation and tourism.
Recreation and notable facts
Kittitas County attracts outdoor enthusiasts for hiking, mountaineering, fishing, snow sports and horseback riding. Wilderness areas and mountain trails provide backcountry access, while the I‑90 corridor makes trailheads and ski areas relatively accessible. For more information about local government or travel planning, see county and state resources such as the Ellensburg visitor pages and official county sites.
- Largest city/seat: Ellensburg
- Highest point: Mount Daniel (approx. 7,959 ft)
- Major highway: Interstate 90
Related articles
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Kittitas County, Washington Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/53864