Yakima Basin

The Upper Kittitas Basin stretches east of Snoqualmie Pass through Douglas fir and vanilla-scented Ponderosa pine forests to the largest city in the area, Ellensburg.

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest encompasses a large portion of the upper basin, with the Alpine Lakes Wilderness providing a multitude of recreation opportunities such as hiking, horseback riding and fishing.

Agriculture dominates the lower elevation lands in the upper basin. Due to the dry landscape, water is a valued resource for communities and the agricultural industry. The Yakima River, fed by smaller creeks and rivers stemming from the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and Alpine Lakes Wilderness, is the primary water source for the area.

Photo: Teanaway Roaming by Andrea Imler