Swiftwater Corridor

The Swiftwater Corridor features sun-drenched views of pine forestland, pristine waters and valley cattle ranches. The Stuart Range and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness play host year-round to campers, snowmobilers and fishermen.

The corridor contains historic towns, logging camps, mines and ranches. Remains of the boom times abound—access a vast wilderness from a former railroad grade, or belly up to the bar in Washington’s oldest tavern. This byway rambles through the back roads between Salmon La Sac near the Snoqualmie Pass summit and Vantage on the Columbia River and reveals natural beauty, signs of the past and country communities that travelers on the speedier bypass miss out on entirely.

CLICK TO EXPLORE ON MAP to find more things to do, places to stay and eat along this route.

1. Salmon La Sac

Salmon La Sac Campground is situated between the Cle Elum and Cooper Rivers in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Known as the gateway to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, this campground is an ideal place for individuals and families to gather and enjoy the mountains and a multitude of recreational activities at an elevation of 2,300 feet.

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2. Roslyn

Charming Roslyn maintains much of the character of its early years as a coal town, incorporated in 1889.  The Roslyn Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, and many residential and commercial buildings constructed from 1889-1930 remain intact.  Tucked into the eastern foothills of the Cascades, Roslyn also serves as a gateway to abundant year-round outdoor recreation activities.

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3. Cle Elum

From humble beginnings as a rugged mining and logging town nestled in the mountains of Central Washington, Cle Elum has evolved into an epicenter of adventure, creativity, and connection to both each other and the natural world.

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4. Thorp Mill

The Thorp Grist Mill - the oldest remaining industrial artifact in Kittitas County - showcases a remarkable collection of handmade wooden mill machinery.  Constructed in 1883, it served as an essential place for flour milling and social interaction for Kittitas County residents until 1946.

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5. Ellensburg

Located just east of the Cascade Range on Interstate 90, Ellensburg is known as the most centrally located city in the state of Washington. It is home to Central Washington University. Downtown Ellensburg has many historic buildings to see, most of which were constructed in the late 19th century. The Ellensburg Rodeo has been a tradition in the town since 1923, and is the largest rodeo in Washington state. Downtown Ellensburg hosts several annual events including the Winterhop Brewfest in January where beers are served from over 21 microbreweries from around the Pacific Northwest in various historic downtown buildings.

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6. Wild Horse Renewable Energy Center

Take a wind turbine tour at the Wild Horse Wind Facility! Weather permitting, free guided tours depart daily, from April-Oct 31, from the Renewable Energy Center at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Set high on a ridge, the Renewable Energy Center provides visitors with an up-close look at the facility’s 149 wind turbines, displays on renewable technology and natural history, and 360 degree views of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and the Columbia Basin.

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7. Ginkgo Petrified Forest

Considered one of the most diverse fossil forests in North America, Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park is famous for the rare specimens of petrified Ginkgo biloba tree discovered there in the late 1920s.

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