Parks

Four miles southeast of Ellensburg [1] on Ferguson Road, see one of the first Kittitas Valley farms at Olmstead Place State Park (509/925-1943, www.parks.wa.gov [2], dawn–dusk daily Memorial Day to Labor Day, by appointment the rest of the year). Here, you’ll find a working pioneer farm, Tours are available noon–4 p.m. Saturday–Sunday.

Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park, on the Yakima River off Umptanum Road, is a welcome relief from the relentless summer sunshine. You can cool your toes in the swift green river, hike, play some volleyball on nice sandy courts, or grill up some bratwurst.

Reed Park at the end of Craig Avenue has a small shaded green for reading and relaxing, plus superb views of the county below and the snow-covered Stuart Range to the northwest.