According to Liuxers, Kittitas County is a county located in the state of Washington, United States. It is part of the Yakima metropolitan area. The county seat and largest city is Ellensburg. As of 2019, the population was estimated to be about 46,000 people. The county spans an area of 3,179 square miles and contains a total of eight incorporated cities and towns.
The natural resources in Kittitas County provide an abundance of outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, boating, skiing and snowmobiling. The Cascade Mountains dominate the landscape with peaks such as Mount Stuart rising to more than 9,000 feet above sea level. The Yakima River runs along the western edge of Kittitas County providing an important water source for local agriculture and recreation.
Kittitas County is home to several educational institutions including Central Washington University (CWU), which offers bachelor’s degrees in over 140 areas of study as well as master’s degrees in select fields. CWU also offers certificate programs and online courses for students looking for more flexible options to pursue their education goals. Other higher education options include Big Bend Community College and Columbia Basin College-Ellensburg campus providing two-year associate degrees or certificates in various disciplines from business administration to nursing.
The economy is largely based on agriculture with wheat being the primary crop grown in this region along with other grains like barley and oats. Cattle ranching is also common within the county boundaries providing beef cattle for local consumption as well as export to other parts of the country or abroad. Other businesses range from manufacturing companies such as aircraft parts manufacturers to software development firms that specialize in custom software solutions for businesses across a variety of industries including healthcare, finance, retail and legal services among others.
History of Kittitas County, Washington
Kittitas County is located in the state of Washington, United States and is part of the Yakima metropolitan area. Established as one of the original counties of Washington in 1883, Kittitas County has a long and rich history. The county seat and largest city is Ellensburg, which was originally a small trading post and was officially incorporated in 1884. As of 2019, the population was estimated to be about 46,000 people.
The earliest inhabitants of Kittitas County were Native American tribes including the Yakama, Wenatchi, Palouse, Nez Perce and Klickitat. The first Europeans to settle in the area were fur traders who arrived in 1811 followed by missionaries in 1836. Gold prospectors also arrived during this time period and by 1876 gold had been discovered on Swauk Creek near present-day Cle Elum. This led to a large influx of miners who set up small settlements throughout the county such as Roslyn and Ronald.
The railroad arrived in Kittitas County during the late 1800s providing access to markets outside of the region for agricultural products grown within its boundaries such as wheat, barley and oats. The logging industry also boomed during this period with lumber mills being established throughout the county providing jobs for many local residents.
In more recent times Kittitas County has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists looking to enjoy its natural beauty or take advantage of all that it has to offer from outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking, camping boating skiing and snowmobiling to educational institutions such as Central Washington University (CWU) offering bachelor’s degrees in over 140 areas of study as well as master’s degrees in select fields or Big Bend Community College providing two-year associate degrees or certificates from business administration to nursing programs.
Kittitas County continues to be an important part of Washington State due to its diverse economy based on agriculture with cattle ranching being common within its boundaries along with manufacturing companies such as aircraft parts manufacturers or software development firms that specialize in custom solutions for businesses across a variety of industries including healthcare finance retail and legal services among others making it an attractive destination for both locals and visitors alike looking for a unique experience filled with natural beauty cultural heritage and economic opportunity.
Major cities and towns in Kittitas County, Washington
Kittitas County, Washington is home to some of the most beautiful and vibrant cities and towns in the Pacific Northwest. The largest city in Kittitas County is Ellensburg, with a population of over 18,000. Ellensburg is a college town, home to Central Washington University and a vibrant arts scene. On the east side of Kittitas County lies Cle Elum, a small town known for its outdoor recreation opportunities. A popular destination for hikers and mountain bikers alike, Cle Elum is surrounded by mountains and lush forests. Further south lies Roslyn, a former coal-mining town that was featured in the television show Northern Exposure. Nearby Ronald is another small town that is popular among campers and outdoor enthusiasts for its proximity to Lake Cle Elum. On the western side of Kittitas County are two more cities: Thorp and Kittitas. Thorp boasts an impressive array of historical sites, including several Native American petroglyphs, while Kittitas offers a unique selection of shops and restaurants in its downtown area. All these destinations are connected by scenic highways that wind through stunning mountain passes and valleys. No matter where you go in Kittitas County you’ll find something interesting to explore.
Airports in Kittitas County, Washington
Kittitas County, Washington is served by two airports, both of which provide access to the Pacific Northwest region. See Washington airports. The Bowers Field Airport is located in Ellensburg and serves as the main commercial airport for the county. It is a public-use airport with two runways and services from several major airlines. The second airport in Kittitas County is located in Cle Elum and is known as Cle Elum Municipal Airport. This small, general aviation airport has a single runway and offers charter flights to nearby cities. Additionally, there are several private airstrips scattered throughout the county that are used by local pilots for recreational flying. For those looking to explore more remote areas of Kittitas County, air taxis are available for hire from several local companies. All of these airports provide easy access to the many attractions that Kittitas County has to offer, allowing visitors to explore its stunning mountains, valleys and forests with ease.