A Hidden Gem: Your Guide to Fall and Winter Camping in Cle Elum

Kandy James
Sep 25
4 min read

When you think of camping in the Cascade Mountains, chances are your mind fills with images of long summer days, bustling trails, and late-night talks around a campfire under the stars. And while summer in Cle Elum is certainly special, the locals know a secret: the magic doesn’t stop when the calendar turns to autumn. It just changes.

As the summer crowds head home, a quieter, cozier, and arguably more breathtaking version of Cle Elum reveals itself. This is the quiet season—a time of golden larches, crisp snowy mornings, and the unmatched feeling of having a slice of mountain paradise all to yourself.

Forget what you think you know about the off-season. Here’s why the quiet season is the best time for fall and winter camping in Cle Elum.

a photograph of the Yakima River nestled in the hilly mountains of Cle Elum, WA during the autumn season

Golden Days and Crisp Autumn Nights

Fall in the Central Cascades is a spectacle. The air turns crisp and clear, and the landscape ignites in shades of gold, orange, and red. This is the time for "leaf-peeping" at its finest.

See the Larches: Take a scenic drive up the Salmon La Sac road to witness the famous Alpine Larch trees turn a brilliant gold in October. It's a sight that rivals any fall foliage on the East Coast.
Harvest Festivities: The region comes alive with the spirit of the harvest. While Cle Elum and nearby Roslyn don't have one single large festival, the season is dotted with local farmers' markets, pumpkin patches, and cider-centered events that offer a true taste of the local culture, as well as the beloved Halloween event, Boo-Elum. Cle Elum also has a big Christmas event downtown that brings the entire community (and visitors) together in time for the holidays.
Quiet Hikes: Trails that were busy just weeks before are now serene. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the Yakima River or tackle a more challenging hike without the summer traffic.

the Alpine Larch trees changing colors around Salmon La Sac lake in the wintertime in Central WA. Mountains loom beautifully behind the lake

A True Winter Wonderland

When the snow begins to fall, Cle Elum transforms into a pristine winter wonderland, offering a completely different set of adventures. An RV, warm and cozy, is the perfect basecamp.

World-Class Snowshoeing & Skiing: The area boasts an incredible network of trails. The relatively flat Coal Mines Trail between Cle Elum and Roslyn is perfect for a family snowshoe adventure. For more groomed trails, the nearby Suncadia Resort offers miles of pristine cross-country skiing and snowshoeing paths open to the public. Cle Elum is also a fairly short drive from Snoqualmie Pass, one of Washington's best spots for downhill skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
Snowmobiling Paradise: Kittitas County is one of the premier snowmobiling destinations in the state, with hundreds of miles of groomed trails offering breathtaking views of the Cascade crest.
The Beauty of Silence: There's nothing more peaceful than the sound of fresh snow crunching under your boots. Winter camping allows you to experience the profound silence of a snow-covered forest—a truly restorative experience.

a couple walks away from the camera into the sun and trees in snowshoes in a snowy winter landscape

Cozy Up and Refuel

After a day spent exploring in the crisp mountain air, there’s no better feeling than settling into a warm, welcoming spot in town. Cle Elum is full of local favorites perfect for refueling and relaxing.

Cle Elum Bakery: A local institution for over 100 years, the Cle Elum Bakery is a must-visit. The smell of fresh-baked bread, donuts, and pastries is the perfect welcome after a chilly hike. Grab a hot coffee and a maple bar to warm up.
Smokey's Bar-B-Que: For a hearty meal that will stick to your ribs, Smokey's Bar-B-Que is the definition of comfort food. Their slow-smoked meats and classic sides are ideal for refueling after a long day on the trails.
Local Brews and Coffee: Whether you're looking to warm up with a fresh espresso from Pioneer Coffee Roasting Co. or relax with a craft pint from a local spot like Taneum Creek Brewing (which boasts not only a brewery, but drafts crafted from 100% Eastern WA-sourced ingredients, making it about as local as local gets!), Cle Elum offers plenty of cozy corners to sit back, relax, and plan your next adventure.

a shot of Cle Elum Bakery on a sunny winter day, the sidewalk out front is covered in snow and the sign reads "open" in the window

The Real Perks of the Quiet Season

Beyond the beauty, the best part of visiting in the fall or winter is the experience itself.

Fewer Crowds: Enjoy the solitude. Find parking at the trailhead with ease. Get a table at the best restaurant without a long wait. It feels like you have the whole place to yourself.
Better Rates and Availability: With lower demand, you can often find better rates on activities and accommodations. It's also the perfect time to snag that prime, sought-after spot here at Whispering Pines without having to book months in advance.

the sign leading campers to different sites at Whispering Pines with a snowy landscape full of trees and RVs in the background

Your Four-Season Home Base Awaits

Cle Elum doesn’t shut down after Labor Day; it simply offers a different, more intimate kind of adventure. Whispering Pines RV Campground is your perfect four-season home base, putting you right in the middle of all this off-season magic. We offer short-term sites during the colder months via the registration button on our website, but if you're looking to settle in and really get deep into the things we love about Cle Elum and Central Washington during the winter, you can also apply for a long-term stay using the form on our contact page!

Experience the peace and stunning beauty of the quiet season for yourself. Our sites are open and waiting. Book your fall or winter camping in Cle Elum and start your getaway today!