Swimming in Kittitas County
Story & Photos by Jayce Kadoun | Design by Itzel Montoya | Edited by Jessica Perez
It’s a Friday afternoon. The temperature outside just peaked at 85 degrees. All your work is done for the week and now it's time for some fun. You need a place to cool off and luckily, there are a number of swimming spots close by that fit the bill.
Kittitas County is home to many great places to swim and they are scattered around the area. So, no matter which city you live in, a lake or river can be found right around the corner.
Cle Elum Lake
Cle Elum Lake is one of the most popular spots around. Deborah Kelly, a public affairs specialist with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, says the lake has several beaches and access points for swimmers. Most of them are only a short drive from downtown Cle Elum.
“A good location to go for swimming on the lake is Speelyi Beach located at the southeast end of the lake,” Kelly says. “People can also park to enjoy the beach and water; a high clearance vehicle with four-wheel drive capability is highly advised. Cle Elum Lake and Speelyi Beach are located about 7.5 miles from Cle Elum.”
According to Kelly, a day-use permit is not required at Speelyi Beach. Folks just need to pack out whatever they pack in to the beach, mind the speed limit and avoid mudding or motorized play along the shore.
Speelyi Beach has finer pebbly sands, as well as areas that are a bit rockier. The water levels in Cle Elum Lake fluctuate at times, so the terrain may change as water levels go down throughout the summer.
Kelly says the water temperatures in the lake this time of year is roughly 55 to 60 degrees, making it a great place to cool off on hot summer days. With lower temperatures like these, Kelly says swimmers should be mindful and stay safe out there because there’s no lifeguards at the beaches.
“The waters and rivers running into these lakes are coming from snow melt, so you’ll find them to be very cold at this time of year,” Kelly says. “If you’re swimming with children, keep a close eye on them for getting too cold too quickly. Always remain with children at all times.”
According to Kelly, swimmers should check with the local ranger district to make sure conditions in the area haven’t changed due to the county’s phased reopening status. Updated information can be found on their website or by calling ahead.
“Our other tip is we recommend people become familiar with ‘Tread Lightly’ approaches to utilizing the national forest, pack out what you pack in, take only photos leave only footprints,” says Kelly.
Madison Colbenson is a West Side resident from Shelton, Washington but she comes to Kittitas County with her family in the summer to enjoy the diverse bodies of water and the hot weather. She says the lake is a great place to swim and get in the water.
“Cle Elum Lake is by far my favorite waterway on this side of the mountain,” Colbenson says. “The views are amazing and it’s such a cool place to explore. The water is always so clear and refreshing, so swimming here is a really great experience.”
The Yakima
Colbenson says the Yakima River is another one of her go-to swimming spots in the area. She says the location of the river and the different opportunities it provides swimmers are some of the best aspects about it.
“The Yakima is super cool because it’s away from the city and there’s so many ways to get on the water there,” Colbenson says. “Most of the time, me and my family will float the river with tubes and stop along the way to swim in the deep spots or jump off rocks.”
There are a number of cool swimming spots along the river as you make your way from Ellensburg up Canyon Road. Along with boat launches, parks and vehicle access sites, there are a number of small turn-offs on the side of the roadway that allow people to swim in unique portions of the river.
Tall and small rocks to jump from, river eddies and shallow areas to wade can all be found on the Yakima River. Inexperienced swimmers should be cautious here, though. There are cold waters, areas with swift current and sharp rocks in many parts of the river.
People’s Pond (Carey Lake)
People’s Pond draws in many Ellensburg residents. Though it’s a popular spot for college students, families often swim there as well. Some of the lake’s best features are its grassy shoreline and easy access to water. It’s also in close proximity to town.
This is a great place to visit with friends. Along with warm waters to swim in, there are a number of amenities in the park at People’s Pond. Barbeques, beach volleyball courts, restrooms and access to electricity are all available here.
People’s Pond can be found just beyond Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park in Ellensburg. There is ample parking and although it sometimes gets crowded on hot days, access to the beach and the water is not hard to find.
Vantage
Vantage is an exceptional place for swimmers on the Columbia River. The vast, sandy beaches along the banks at the Wanapum Recreation Area offer swimmers different options when it comes to their swimming experience.
Alyx Ziegler, a senior Elementary Education major, grew up on the Columbia River. She says swimming and boating with her family and friends at Vantage is her favorite summertime activity.
“The beaches are pretty nice,” Ziegler says. “It’s mostly just sand and rocks. They get kind of busy occasionally, but I’ve never had a problem with finding a place along the beach to put my stuff. My favorite thing to do down at the beach is setting up my lawn chair halfway in the sand and half in the water, that way I don’t get too hot while sitting out in the sun.”
Located closer to the park, there is a dedicated swimming area with picnic tables and restrooms. Swimmers can also venture down the beaches in either direction to find their own spots. There is a small fee to park there, but if you visit with friends, the fee can be easily split up.