Where is Ellensburg, Washington

Ellensburg is a city in central Washington and the county seat of Kittitas County. It sits in the Kittitas Valley, about 40 miles east of the Cascade Range and roughly 35 miles north of Yakima. The city is known for Central Washington University, its historic downtown, nearby outdoor recreation, and its location at the junction of Interstate 90 and Interstate 82.

Location Map of Ellensburg, Kittitas County, Washington

About Map: The map shows the location of Ellensburg in Kittitas County, in the U.S. state of Washington.

Ellensburg Map, Washington

Where is Ellensburg Located?

Ellensburg is a city located in Kittitas County, Washington, the United States. It lies in the Kittitas Valley of central Washington, east of the Cascade Mountains and north of the Columbia River. Yakima is about 35 miles southeast, while Cle Elum is roughly 30 miles west. Ellensburg is located at approximately 46.99° North latitude and 120.55° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 18,666 residents. The city covers about 8.52 square miles, or 22.07 square kilometers. Ellensburg serves as the county seat of Kittitas County and is home to Central Washington University, which gives the city a strong college-town character. The surrounding valley is known for agriculture, ranching, wind farms, and wide-open landscapes. The Yakima River flows near the city and provides opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. Ellensburg's position at the junction of Interstate 90 and Interstate 82 makes it an important transportation center between Seattle, Yakima, and eastern Washington. The Cascade Mountains are a prominent geographic feature to the west.

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Ellensburg City Facts

Distance from Ellensburg, WA to Nearby Cities

• Kittitas, WA – 5 miles (8 km)
• Thorp, WA – 10 miles (16 km)
• Cle Elum, WA – 29 miles (47 km)
• Roslyn, WA – 32 miles (51 km)
• Yakima, WA – 35 miles (56 km)
• Selah, WA – 38 miles (61 km)
• Easton, WA – 43 miles (69 km)
• Wenatchee, WA – 55 miles (89 km)
• East Wenatchee, WA – 55 miles (89 km)
• Toppenish, WA – 65 miles (105 km)
• Leavenworth, WA – 70 miles (113 km)
• Prosser, WA – 78 miles (126 km)
• Pasco, WA – 110 miles (177 km)
• Kennewick, WA – 112 miles (180 km)
• Richland, WA – 112 miles (180 km)
• Seattle, WA – 108 miles (174 km)
• Spokane, WA – 165 miles (266 km)
• Bellingham, WA – 170 miles (274 km)
• Tacoma, WA – 95 miles (153 km)
• Portland, OR – 195 miles (314 km)

Top Attractions in Ellensburg

• Central Washington University – A major public university with a large campus, historic buildings, athletic facilities, and cultural programs.
• Kittitas County Historical Museum – A local museum preserving the history of the Kittitas Valley and surrounding communities.
• Ellensburg Downtown Historic District – A historic downtown area with brick buildings, local businesses, restaurants, galleries, and cultural venues.
• Olmstead Place State Park – A historic farm and state park near Ellensburg that preserves an early Kittitas Valley homestead.
• Yakima River Canyon – A scenic canyon area near Ellensburg known for fishing, hiking, wildlife, and dramatic basalt landscapes.
• Manastash Ridge – A prominent ridge south of the city offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and broad views across the Kittitas Valley.
• Wild Horse Renewable Energy Center – A nearby wind farm and visitor destination featuring large turbines and views of the surrounding landscape.
• Ellensburg Rodeo – A long-running annual rodeo that has become one of the city's best-known cultural events.
• Japanese Garden at Central Washington University – A landscaped campus garden providing a quiet outdoor space near the university.

Airports Near Ellensburg

• Bowers Field (ELN) – 4 miles
• Yakima Air Terminal (YKM) – 40 miles
• Pangborn Memorial Airport (EAT) – 58 miles
• Grant County International Airport (MWH) – 80 miles
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – 112 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Ellensburg city website and local government records.

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