Burn Ban
No fires permitted at any time.
Construction
Start Date:
There is construction on Phenning Rd crossing in Ellensburg. This work starts on March 11 and expects to end May 3, 2024. The work includes adding a pedestrian crosswalk. Be aware of trail and road detours and possible road closures during this time.
General
Start Date:
The Snoqualmie Tunnel is open for the season.
Part of the Park is Closed
Start Date:
Trail detours are in effect near Lower Crab Creek Rd due to several train trestle bridges damaged by fire in September of 2020.
Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail Central
Travel 107 miles from Snoqualmie Tunnel, through Ellensburg, to Royal City Junction. Explore temperate forests, rolling grasslands, wildflowers, unique sage steppe birds and channeled scablands.
Rules
- Day-Use Only
- Dogs Allowed on Leash
- Fires not Allowed
- Horses Allowed
This trail runs through a U.S Army training center in Yakima, and you must self-register at either Renslow or Doris trailheads if passing through. Check out the information and rules document for more details.
No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail except for snowmobiles in the winter. You may travel on snowmobile only from Stampede Pass Road to Cabin Creek.
The Snoqualmie Tunnel is closed Nov. 1 - May 1, and the re-opening date is weather dependent.
Horse-drawn wagon users must obtain a gate access code from Lake Easton State Park.
Activities
Biking
Bird Watching
Camping
Fishing
Hiking, Walking, Rolling and Running
Horseback Riding
Image
Rock Climbing
Winter Activities
Amenities
Automated Pay Station
Accessible Restrooms
Restrooms
Picnic Tables
Accessible Parking
Parking
Interpretive Opportunities
Sno-Park
Accessible Trails
Bike Trails
Equestrian Trails
Hiking Trails
Park features
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Creek
Field
Forest
Freshwater
Image
Lake
Meadow
Mountain View
River
Seasonal Wildflowers
Wetland
Wildlife Viewing
Rules
- Day-Use Only
- Dogs Allowed on Leash
- Fires not Allowed
- Horses Allowed
This trail runs through a U.S Army training center in Yakima, and you must self-register at either Renslow or Doris trailheads if passing through. Check out the information and rules document for more details.
No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail except for snowmobiles in the winter. You may travel on snowmobile only from Stampede Pass Road to Cabin Creek.
The Snoqualmie Tunnel is closed Nov. 1 - May 1, and the re-opening date is weather dependent.
Horse-drawn wagon users must obtain a gate access code from Lake Easton State Park.
Map & visitor guide
This central section of Palouse to Cascades Trail runs through Snoqualmie Tunnel, along Keechelus Lake and Lake Easton, through Cle Elum to Ellensburg and across the Columbia River at Vantage.
Camping
Primitive campsites are available first-come, first-served at Cold Creek, Roaring Creek and Ponderosa Pines. Each campground has three to four campsites, one picnic table, and one vault toilet. You can only access the campgrounds on foot or bicycle.
Reservable campsites are located at the Wanapum Recreation Area with full hookup sites, and Lake Easton State Park which has standard, full hookup and biker/hiker sites.
More campsites are available near the trail on U.S. Forest Service campgrounds at Tinkham, Denny Creek, Lake Kachess, and Silver Springs. Search for a site and make a reservation online.
Birdwatching
The shrubsteppe landscape of eastern Washington lets you admire colorful summer wildflowers and bird species that you won't find in any other part of the state, including sage grouse.
Interpretive activities
Map and interpretive information kiosks and panels are installed at Hyak, Easton, South Cle Elum, Thorp and Kittitas.
Historic sites
History buffs will enjoy exploring the historic train depots at Cle Elum and Kitittas.
Winter activities
Ski, snowshoe, sled or ride a snowmobile at several Sno-Parks located along the trail. You will need a seasonal or day permit Nov. 1 - Apr. 30. Hyak, Crystal Springs and Lake Easton Sno-Parks also require a groomed trail sticker with a seasonal permit. Daily permits do not require a sticker.
Rock Climbing
Vantage is possibly Washington's most popular climbing destination. Over 700 climbing routes of all difficulty ratings and types including trad, sport, toprope, bouldering and aid climbing are located here. The three main climbing areas are Feathers, the Sunshine Wall and the Middle East Wall. If you're looking for an outdoor climb during the winter, the Sunshine Wall is a good option from late fall through early spring.
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