Although a tiny city with an equally small population, Cle Elum offers residents plenty of outdoor recreation. The town features an impressive selection of parks and trails to keep both adults and kids entertained. Here are the ones you must visit:
Flag Pole Park
Honoring veterans who served the country, Flag Pole Park is the perfect place to stop and pay your respects. This small Cle Elum, WA park features a beautiful United States flag. Several benches surround the flag for those who want to reflect or pray. Be sure to read the information posted on the kiosks to learn more about the history of this park.
Coal Mines Trail
Located off Flag Pole Park is the entrance to the popular Coal Mines Trail. This paved trail extends 4.7 miles. It’s both dog and bike-friendly, so be sure to bring your furry friend along for a beautiful hike on a sunny day. While on your journey, you’ll see many remains from the coal mining days.
Centennial Park
The next time you want to organize a game of football or soccer, be sure to invite your friends to the field at Centennial Park. You cannot reserve the park, so make sure you show up early to enjoy the area. This vast park features a lot of wide, open space, with many trees surrounding the perimeter. There are plans to build both a baseball diamond and basketball courts in the near future.
Memorial Park
On any given weekend, you’ll find plenty of sports enthusiasts enjoying a game at Memorial Park. This Cle Elum, WA favorite features an impressive 6-plex youth ball fields. There is even a concession area for use during tournaments. Many local sports teams play here throughout the year, and you need to reserve the fields in advance.
City Park
As one of the oldest parks in Cle Elum, City Park remains a hotspot for locals to gather. Here you’ll find plenty of covered picnic tables and benches. Kids of all ages will enjoy climbing the sturdy playground, and there is also a skate park for teenagers. The city plans on replacing many of the existing structures to make the park even more enjoyable for visitors.
Fireman’s Park
The local volunteer fire department runs and maintains the grounds at the rightfully-named Fireman’s Park. It’s the perfect venue for weddings, picnics, or family gatherings. The park features a wide range of amenities, including covered seating and plenty of picnic tables. There are even restrooms on the premises. Be sure to play a round of horseshoe while you cook some burgers on one of the fire pits. However, although it’s a public park, the facility is available by reservation only.
Hanson Ponds Park and Trail
Those who want to enjoy an afternoon by the water should head to Hanson Ponds. Here you’ll find two small ponds, both of which are no longer stocked by the city. Although fishing for trout is permitted, it’s for catch and release only. There is also a challenging disc golf course available. Be sure to take a walk down the short trail that connects the two ponds and stop for a photo shoot on the bridge.
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