South Cle Elum, WA

Travel Guide

This substation was built in 1919 when the 208 mile section from Othello to Tacoma was first electrified. It converted 100,000-volt AC current to 3000-volt DC current, which was then fed to the locomotives via a catenary above the track. These locomotives were more powerful than their steam-powered forefathers, required less maintenance and service, and even recharged their batteries via regenerative braking.
This substation was built in 1919 when the 208 mile section from Othello to Tacoma was first electrified. It converted 100,000-volt AC current to 3000-volt DC current, which was then fed to the locomotives via a catenary above the track. These locomotives were more powerful than their steam-powered forefathers, required less maintenance and service, and even recharged their batteries via regenerative braking.
This retired fire truck serves as the sign for Smokey's BBQ. The restaurant is set up in the old train depot, and you'll need to enter from the boarding platform out back. While I can't say this was the best bbq I've ever had, it still hit the spot for us and we'll be making it a regular stop whenever we drive across the pass. We ordered the basic pork + beans + cornbread plate and a shake, though next time I'll be ordering the Train Wreck - an open-face sandwich where the meat, beans, onions, cheese and coleslaw are piled atop sliced cornbread and then smothered with bbq sauce!
This train depot was built in 1909 as part of a railway expansion into the Pacific Northwest. Depots and rail yards were built 100 to 150 miles apart (240km) as crew rest stops and an engine service stations. Originally this yard consisted of the depot, roundhouse, turntable, ash tank, water tank and bunkhouse. When the line was electrified in 1920 the substation (seen in the background) was added. By 1980 The Milwaukee Road was near bankruptcy. They sold off most of their property and transferred the line itself to the state. Today, a 100 mile stretch of that line forms the John Wayne Pioneer Trail, a non-motorized trail open to the public, including a 2.3 mile long (3.7km) tunnel under Snoqualmie Pass (remember to bring your flashlight).

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Suncadia Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Residence

Suncadia Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Residence

4 out of 5
3600 Suncadia Trail Cle Elum WA
$219 nightly
The price is $242 total per night from Feb 19 to Feb 20
$242 total
Feb 19 - Feb 20
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa resort in Cle Elum. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
The best place close to the Seattle area.

Reviewed on Feb 1, 2026

Suncadia Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Residence
Stewart Lodge

Stewart Lodge

2.5 out of 5
805 West First Street Cle Elum WA
$75 nightly
The price is $83 total per night from Feb 15 to Feb 16
$83 total
Feb 15 - Feb 16
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cle Elum. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Clean, large room with level entry from our car. Helpful and friendly staff! Dog friendly. Will definitely stay again

Reviewed on Feb 12, 2026

Stewart Lodge
Best Western Snowcap Lodge

Best Western Snowcap Lodge

2.5 out of 5
809 W Davis St Cle Elum WA
$146 nightly
The price is $161 total per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
$161 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cle Elum. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Room was clean and comfortable. Breakfast was delicious and had a good variety. Special shout out to Alexis and Josh at the front desk - they were very courteous and also helped us get some replacement pillows for the feather ones in the room, to avoid our allergy issues.

Reviewed on Jan 28, 2026

Best Western Snowcap Lodge
See all 824 properties in South Cle Elum
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Year-round outdoor getaway with shared pool, private patio, full kitchen & WiFi

Year-round outdoor getaway with shared pool, private patio, full kitchen & WiFi

Cle Elum WA
Book a stay at this golf condo in Cle Elum. Enjoy a fitness center, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Swiftwater Cellars and Roslyn Museum ...
8/10 Very Good! (34 reviews)
Amazing location- condo backs to the golf course which was so fun for a snowy weekend! Fantastic layout- the two bedrooms and baths are on separate sides of the kitchen which is excellent for travel w kids or two couples. Well stocked- had everything we needed. Price couldn’t be beat! We had family ...

Reviewed on Dec 26, 2025

Year-round outdoor getaway with shared pool, private patio, full kitchen & WiFi
3065 STUDIO with VIEW!!! Hike🏔bike, golf 🏌🏻@ Suncadia!

3065 STUDIO with VIEW!!! Hike🏔bike, golf 🏌🏻@ Suncadia!

Cle Elum WA
Stay at this apartment in Cle Elum. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and a snack bar/deli. Popular attractions Swiftwater Cellars and Roslyn Museum are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (97 reviews)
Cozy room with a view!!

Reviewed on Jan 2, 2026

3065 STUDIO with VIEW!!! Hike🏔bike, golf 🏌🏻@ Suncadia!
Family and Pet friendly Cabin at Suncadia w/ Hot tub and Golf course view

Family and Pet friendly Cabin at Suncadia w/ Hot tub and Golf course view

Cle Elum WA
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Cle Elum. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Swiftwater Cellars and Roslyn ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (73 reviews)
It was a wonderful stay for my family over Christmas! House was very clean great amenities. Enjoyed the location, hot tub & outdoor fireplaces, as well as the indoor fireplaces, especially the one in the master bedroom. Would recommend to others and would stay again.

Reviewed on Jan 10, 2026

Family and Pet friendly Cabin at Suncadia w/ Hot tub and Golf course view
See all properties in South Cle Elum
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

horse in pasture with white fence in Washington state

Washington State Horse Park

4.5/5(7 reviews)

You can take time to visit Washington State Horse Park during your travels to Cle Elum. While in this romantic area, you can savor the restaurants and coffeehouses.

Washington State Horse Park
Late afternoon at Plantes Ferry park along the Spokane River with the monument to early settlers in view in Spokane, Washington, USA.

Centennial Park

4.5/5(11 reviews)

Centennial Park is just one of the places to see in Cle Elum, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the restaurants and coffeehouses.

Centennial Park

Cle Elum Lake

4/5(5 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Cle Elum Lake during your travels in Cle Elum. Discover the area's mountain views and seek out the hiking trails.

Cle Elum Lake

Swiftwater Cellars

5/5(12 reviews)

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Swiftwater Cellars during your travels to Cle Elum. Savor the area's restaurants and coffeehouses.

Swiftwater Cellars

Roslyn Museum

4/5(1 review)

You can browse the exhibits at Roslyn Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Roslyn. While in this family-friendly area, you can enjoy the restaurants.

Roslyn Museum

Teanaway Valley Wildlife Area

You can take time to visit Teanaway Valley Wildlife Area during your travels to Cle Elum. Discover the area's mountain views and seek out the hiking trails.

Teanaway Valley Wildlife Area

Cities near South Cle Elum

Gold course trail with pine trees and homes after the rain

Cle Elum

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