Lake Cle Elum Will Simply Put a Spell On You

Cle Elum Lake is the largest of the four natural reservoirs in the Yakima River Basin, irrigating the fertile soil of north-central Washington. The lake is seven miles away from the community of Cle Elum. Lake Cle Elum is surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, and was used as a backdrop for the television series “Northern Exposure".
   
The lake covers 4,812 acres, lying along the Cle Elum River in the rocky glacial valley. The interesting name of Cle Elum is derived from the Kittitas term “Clealum”, meaning "swift waters" - the Kittitas people were the first who inhabited the Yakima River Valley and the area around the lake; presently, their ancestors reside on the Yakama Reservation. The first white settlers appeared on this latitude around the 1860's, attracted by the fertile lands. Over the years Lake Cle Elum became a thriving logging, mining and farming community.
    
Lake Cle Elum is a place like no other with its pine-covered slopes and majestic panoramas, which will make you feel like falling into a mystical snowy fairyland. The steep rocky shorelines are partially accessible; the southeastern shore of the lake has an unpaved boat launch and parking, which becomes unusable during the summers when the need for irrigation is increased and the water levels recede. Passionate anglers will certainly enjoy the fishing possibilities in this gorgeous natural environment. The prominent fish species are rainbow trout, burbot, cutthroat trout and kokanee salmon.
   
Significant parts of Lake Cle Elum and the Cle Elum River are situated within the confines of Wenatchee Mountains National Forest. The forest has an excellent network of hiking trails, attracting bicyclers, hikers, horseback riders and enthusiastic outdoorsmen. The numerous trails differ greatly in regards to the level of difficulty and accessibility. The Pacific-Crest Hiking Trail, linking Mexico to Canada, is located in the Wenatchee Mountains National Forest.
   
The Cle Elum Lake area is one of the most stunningly beautiful places to organize a picnic or to sleep under the open sky. Tent lovers, campers and trailers become smitten with this natural masterpiece. The rich array of outdoor opportunities vary from more family-friendly activities such as berry picking, fishing, bird watching, photography and wildlife viewing to more extreme ones, such as hunting, kayaking, and rafting.
   
The best place for kayaking in the region is Salmon la Sac campground, 19 miles away of Lake Cle Elum, providing four miles of ideal kayaking conditions. The spot is also a host for several kayaking competitions.
    
Lake Cle Elum is a year-round destination, drawing those who enjoy swimming, jet-skiing, wind surfing, and rafting.
   
Situated only four miles away from Lake Cle Elum, the Iron Horse State Park is ideal for camping, fishing, mountain climbing and snowmobiling. John Wayne Pioneer Trail waits to be explored, following the railroad bed from the west parts of the Cascade Mountains to the picturesque Columbia River.
   
The Mount Rainier National Park, situated 70-miles southwest of Cle Elum Lake, is the home for the highest peak in the Cascade Mountain Range - Mount Rainier. Mount Rainier's snowy slopes are favourite spots for sledding, snowboarding, skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.