Cle Elum, Mountain town in Kittitas County, United States
Cle Elum sits at 2,000 feet (610 m) elevation in Washington, surrounded by dense forests with the Yakima River flowing through the valley. Mountains frame the town in the distance, creating a scenic mountain setting.
The Northern Pacific Railway built a depot called Clealum here in 1886, spurring the town's growth as a railroad hub. The community was officially incorporated in 1902 as a city.
The name comes from the Yakama Nation and means 'swift water', reflecting the town's deep connection to local heritage. This linguistic tie remains present in how residents speak about and identify with their community.
Interstate 90 provides direct access to town, connecting visitors to Seattle to the west and to many outdoor recreation areas nearby. Visitors will find good starting points for hiking, camping, and outdoor activities in the surrounding forests and mountains.
A major fire in 1918 destroyed much of the town, but reconstruction with brick buildings permanently changed its character. The brick architecture visible downtown today still reflects that rebuilding era.
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