For an especially pretty drive, head south from Enumclaw [1] through Buckley and then on to minuscule Kapowsin, where the winding road takes you past small lakes, old dairy barns, and newer homes on a tree-draped valley floor.
Get a taste of the Enumclaw Plateau’s rich farming land by heading north from town toward Black Diamond on Highway 169. Spot lots of cows and horses along the way, including Rainier Stables’ resident thoroughbred racehorses.
The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest’s White River Ranger District (450 Roosevelt Ave. E in Enumclaw, 360/825-6585, www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs [2], Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–4:15 p.m. year-round, plus Sat. 8 a.m.–4:15 p.m. in summer) has information on nearby hiking trails.
Rent bikes and skis or just gear up for a hike at Enumclaw Ski and Mountain Company (414 Roosevelt E, 360/825-6910).
Pound in your tent stakes ($17) or hook up the RV ($23) along the Green River at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park (11 miles northeast of Enumclaw [1] on Farman Rd., 360/886-0148). Then you are ready to hop in a rental boat to explore the river. It’s open all year, but with limited winter facilities. Make reservations ($7 extra) at 888/226-7688 or www.parks.wa.gov [3].
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/washington/south-cascades/cle-elum-area/enumclaw
[2] http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs
[3] http://www.parks.wa.gov