Kittitas County

Kittitas County Washington curved from Yakima County in 1883 and was named after the Kittitas Indian tribes that settled in this area. The county seat is Ellensburg which is also the largest city in the county. Besides the large number of timber companies operating in the county, there are also several dairy farms.

History

In 1882, the Oregon Short Line Railroad reached Ellensburg, where pioneers had settled since 1877. A post office opened at Ellensburg in 1880, but it closed two years later. In 1884, the town became a stop along the Northern Pacific Railway line. It was incorporated as a city in 1889.

Early settlers were primarily German immigrants who came to work in the lumber industry. They established churches, schools, businesses, and other institutions.

During World War II, the United States Army built Camp Ellensburg near Ellensburg, where soldiers trained with tanks and artillery. The base cemented the economy of Kittitas County.

Geography and population

According to the US census bureau, by 2019, Kittitas County’s population stood at 1,316. The median age was 37.2 years old. Persons over 65 years represented 16.8%.

The total land area is 2,297.27 meters square. The average elevation is 4,717 feet above sea level.

Kittitas County has a warm-summer humid continental climate. The average annual temperature is 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

There is an average of 53.3 days with highs of 90 degrees or higher. The average monthly temperatures range from 23.4 degrees in January to 70.1 degrees in July.

The county has many lakes, including Lake Kittitas, Lake Chelan, Lake Stehekin, and Lake Roosevelt. These lakes provide recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, swimming, camping, hiking, and hunting. There are numerous state parks and recreation areas in the county.

The Economy of Kittitas County

The county’s economy is based on agriculture, logging, and tourism.

Agriculture

Kittitas County is one of the top counties in the state for agricultural production. About half of the land in the county is used for farming, including wheat, barley, oats, corn, alfalfa, hay, sugar beets, and cattle. Dairy farms account for about 20% of the county’s total farmland. Livestock includes hogs, sheep, goats, horses, mules, and chickens.

Logging

There are over 100 sawmills in the county. Logs come from the surrounding forests, such as the Okanogan National Forest and Wenatchee National Forest.

Tourism

Ellensburg has many attractions, including museums, parks, and historic buildings. There are also ski resorts, golf courses, and fishing lakes nearby.

Attractions in Kittitas County

Kittitas County has breathtaking scenery. Many people visit the county to enjoy its natural beauty. Some of the most popular places include:

Wanapum Recreation Area: This park includes hiking trails, camping sites, swimming pools, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Wanapum Lake is within the park.

Naches Canyon State Park: Located between Ellensburg and Naches, this park offers hiking, picnicking, and camping.

Snoqualmie Pass: Snoqualmie Pass is an international border crossing between Washington and British Columbia.

Museum of Northwest Art: This museum houses over 2,000 works of art from all over the world.

National Museum of Natural History: This museum features dinosaurs, fossils, minerals, plants, animals, human evolution, geology, astronomy, and paleontology.

Little Ketches Lake: This lake is surrounded by mountains and forest. It is home to bald eagles, osprey, otters, raccoons, deer, elk, coyotes, and cougars.

Cities and Towns

The county has several cities and towns that play a significant role in the community, including;

Ellensburg: This is the county seat of Kittitas County. It’s known for its beautiful downtown area. It is where most government offices are found.

Kittitas: Kittitas is a small town near the center of the county. It’s known for being the most rural part of the county.

Roslyn: Roslyn is a city along Highway 97. It was founded in 1881. The town is famous for its annual apple festival every fall.

Thorp- Winslow: Thorp-Winslow is a city located just outside of Ellensburg. It’s known for serving fresh produce throughout the region.

Easton- McKinley: Easton-McKinley is mostly made up of farmlands and orchards.

Ronald city: Ronald City is located off of Highway 97. It’s the only incorporated city in the county.

Kittitas County Offices

The Kittitas County offices are important as they provide services to residents in the county. They include:

Courthouse: The courthouse holds court sessions and serves as a meeting place for local governments. It is under Judge L. Candace Hooper. You can contact the office at 509-962-7533.

Sheriff’s Office: The sheriff’s office handles criminal cases and helps with traffic accidents. Sheriff Clay Myers heads it. You can call the office at 509-962-7525.

County Treasurer’s office: The treasurer’s office provides information about taxes and other financial matters. The current treasurer is Amy Cziske. Contact them at 509-963-4100.

The County Clerks’ office is responsible for recording deeds, mortgages, and land transactions. It is under Sarah Keith. Contact them at 509-962-7533.

Kittitas County Maps

The county maps are key as they help you find your way around the county. They also show roads and landmarks. Using the maps, you can locate businesses, schools, hospitals, parks, and more.

If you want more detailed information, the county website includes maps of major areas within the county click here.

Kittitas County Public Records

Public records are vital to past research events in the county. These public records can be accessed through the Kittitas County website.

You can still call the office in charge and request information. They will direct you to the correct department.

Most of the records are available online.

Conclusion 

In summary, Kittitas County is a great place to live. It offers many activities for people who love nature and outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a quiet place away from urban life, Kittitas County is perfect for you.

Kittitas County Offices by Type