Looking for a family-friendly escape packed with history, adventure, and mountain views? Say hello to Cle Elum, Washington, and its neighboring town, Roslyn—two charming communities nestled on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains. These towns are packed with activities that make them perfect for a family vacation in Washington. Whether you’re into hiking, small-town charm, or just want a peaceful place to relax with the kids, this area delivers.

Here’s everything you need to know for a memorable trip—plus insider tips on where to stay in Cle Elum washington, what to eat, and the best things to do in the Cascade Mountains.

🌄 Why Choose Cle Elum & Roslyn for a Family Vacation?

Just 80 minutes east of Seattle, the mountain towns of Cle Elum, Washnington and Roslyn, Washington are the perfect escape for families craving fresh air, sunshine, and adventure—but without the chaos of crowded tourist spots. Nestled on the quieter side of the Cascade Mountains, this region offers a peaceful base for a long weekend or even a full week of outdoor fun. And here’s the best part: there’s plenty to do that keeps both kids and parents happy.

If you’re taking kids to the Cascades, Cle Elum and Roslyn are some of the most accessible and laid-back places to start. The weather tends to be sunnier and drier than the western side of the mountains, making it ideal for year-round adventures—from summer hikes and lake days to cozy winters with snowy fun.

The History Behind Cle Elum and Roslyn Washington

Cle Elum and Roslyn are two neighboring towns in central Washington with rich, intertwined histories rooted in coal mining, railroads, and rugged mountain living. Originally established in the late 1800s, both towns sprang to life during Washington’s mining boom, when the Northern Pacific Railway expanded into the region and brought workers, immigrants, and industry along with it.

Roslyn was founded in 1886 and quickly became a bustling coal mining town, attracting a diverse workforce from around the world—including African American, Italian, Polish, and Croatian immigrants—each bringing their own cultural influences, many of which still shape the town today. Roslyn’s historic cemetery, divided into 26 different ethnic and fraternal sections, is a fascinating and humbling reminder of that diversity.

Cle Elum, just a few miles down the road, developed as a logging and rail hub and became the more modern commercial center of the two. Though smaller than some of Washington’s better-known mountain towns, Cle Elum and Roslyn played an essential role in powering the Pacific Northwest during its early industrial growth.

Over time, as the coal mines closed and trains stopped running, the towns shifted gears—embracing tourism, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm while preserving their historical roots.

Roslyn, in particular, gained renewed attention in the 1990s as the filming location for the hit TV show Northern Exposure, which helped put it back on the map. Today, both towns offer a unique blend of history, community, and adventure, making them a meaningful stop for families exploring the Cascade Mountains.

🏡 Where to Stay in Cle Elum or the Cascade Mountains

Suncadia Resort - Best Overall Stay For Family Fun

Suncadia Resort is a luxury, family-friendly resort nestled in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, offering the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and comfort. Families will love spending the day splashing in the indoor and outdoor pools, riding bikes along miles of scenic trails, or exploring the surrounding forests and riverfront on easy, kid-friendly hikes. On-site dining options make mealtimes easy, and seasonal activities like guided nature walks, outdoor movie nights, and holiday events keep the kids entertained year-round. With spacious accommodations, a full-service spa for parents, and endless outdoor space to roam, it’s one of the best places to stay in Washington for a family getaway that’s both fun and relaxing.

Stewart Lodge - Best Affordable Family Stay In Cle Elum

Stewart Lodge in Cle Elum, Washington offers spacious, comfortable rooms (including family suites with kitchenettes) and amenities like a seasonal outdoor pool and complimentary breakfast—perfect for families exploring the Cascade Mountains. It’s conveniently located near trails, the Yakima River, and kid-friendly dining, making it an ideal home base for a family vacation in Washington!

Vacation Rentals & Cabins

There are tons of Airbnb and VRBO rentals in both towns, many with hot tubs, firepits, and beautiful views—perfect for cozy nights after a long hike. We booked an amazing VRBO for our stay and it was the perfect base for all of our Cascade family fun!

Whether you're looking for where to stay in Cle Elum washington or broader Cascade Mountain accommodations, you'll find something for every budget and family size.

Best Things to Do in Cle Elum, Washington (With or Without Kids)

1. Hike the Gold Creek Pond Loop

The Gold Creek Pond Loop is a delightful, easy 1–1.3-mile paved trail nestled just above Snoqualmie Pass in the heart of Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest and one of the best hikes with kids. It’s entirely stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, and perfect for a family outing—kids love tossing rocks into the crystal-clear pond, while everyone enjoys the sweeping mountain views and surrounding meadows. From Roslyn, Washington, it’s roughly a 45 minute drive!

2. Visit the Cle Elum Bakery & Owens Meats

Treat the kids to maple bars from the Cle Elum Bakery, a community staple since 1906. We ate here almost every morning and it made for the perfect way to start the day!! Then head to Owens Meats, a local favorite known for jerky and sausage—and yes, there's a jerky vending machine outside.

3. E-bike Through The Mountains

If you’re on an adult only trip or if you’ve got older kids who can handle an e-bike, this adventure makes for an unforgettable day! The Cascade Mountain region of Washington is stunning, but tackling its trails on a standard bike can be tough if you’re not a seasoned rider. Instead, hop on this Leavenworth Mountain View E-Bike Experience and cruise through 16 miles of scenic mountain terrain—no heavy pedaling required!

4. Try Horseback Riding

For a true Western experience, book a family trail ride through the woods with Three Peaks Outfitters —great for all experience levels.

🏘️ Exploring Roslyn, Washington with Kids

Roslyn is a small town packed with character. It was once a booming coal town and still holds onto its roots with pride. Here's how to explore it with the family:

1. Basecamp

*Cle Elum and Roslyn, Washington - Base Camp Books and Bites*

An addorable cafe and bookstore with a fun family friendly outdoor area! We spent a lot of time looking at books, getting quick lunces and hanging out on the patio of Basecamp!

2. Historic Roslyn Cemetery

For older kids who enjoy a bit of mystery and history, take a walk through the 26-section Roslyn Cemetery, which highlights the cultural diversity of the town’s early coal miners.

3. The Brick Saloon

The oldest operating bar in Washington! While this may sound like a grown-up stop, it’s also a restaurant, and the old-timey charm (including a running spittoon!) makes it fun for the whole family during lunch hours.

🥾 Best Hikes with Kids in the Cascade Mountains (Near Cle Elum Wa & Roslyn Wa)

There are so many amazing trails in this region. Here are a few of the best hikes with kids in the Cascades that are easy to reach from Cle Elum or Roslyn:

🟢 Coal Mines Trail – As mentioned above, easy and historic.

🟢 Peoh Point Trail – A short but slightly uphill hike to a stunning panoramic view of the Kittitas Valley.

🟢 Salmon La Sac Trail – Follow the Cle Elum River through shaded pine forest, with plenty of places to stop and play near the water.

🟢 Knob Hill Trail – A mellow loop hike with wide-open mountain views, ideal for older kids who want more of a “real” hike without too much strain.

🍕 Where to Eat in Cle Elum & Roslyn (Kid-Approved!)

Stella’s Café – Great for breakfast or lunch, with healthy options and kid-friendly meals.
MaMa Vallone’s – Cozy Italian with big portions and lots of pasta.
Basecamp Books & Bites – A combo bookstore and café that’s fun for kids and adults alike.
Roslyn Café – Made famous by Northern Exposure, the mural on the outside is iconic and the food is great too.

✨ Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a family vacation in Washington, Cle Elum and Roslyn offer a refreshing alternative to the crowded national parks and tourist traps. With charming towns, epic outdoor adventures, and plenty of ways to keep kids entertained, it’s one of the best hidden gems in the Cascade Mountains.

✅ Great food
✅ Walkable historic downtowns
✅ Easy hikes for all ages
✅ Cozy places to stay
✅ Tons of sunshine

Ready to plan your trip? Whether you're trying to figure out where to stay in the Cascade Mountains or just need a weekend escape from Seattle, Cle Elum and Roslyn should absolutely be on your radar.

Let me know if you’d like help planning your itinerary—we’ve done this trip with kids and know all the shortcuts to a stress-free mountain getaway!

Cle Elum & Roslyn, Washington: The Ultimate Family Getaway in the Cascade Mountains