Most people who visit Cle Elum spend their time on First Street, which makes sense. The food is good and the history is worth an afternoon. But the outdoor adventure options within 30 minutes of downtown are the real reason to base a weekend here, and most visitors do not scratch the surface.
This guide covers the four best Cle Elum outdoor adventures you can book as a visitor: Yakima River rafting, horseback riding into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, ATV tours in the Cascade foothills, and a day on Lake Cle Elum by boat. Each section names the operator, gives real logistics, and includes the honest caveats that most travel guides leave out.
If you are looking for hiking trails, restaurants, and the full weekend itinerary, that is covered in our Cle Elum WA weekend guide. This article is specifically for people who want to book a guided or self-directed outdoor experience.
In This Guide
- Yakima River Rafting Near Cle Elum
- Horseback Riding Cle Elum WA: Three Peaks Outfitters
- ATV Tours Cle Elum WA: MotorToys Rentals and Tours
- Lake Cle Elum Boat Rental: A Day on the Water
- More Cle Elum Outdoor Activities: Disc Golf, Wine, and Cooper Lake
- Where to Stay for a Cle Elum Outdoor Weekend
- FAQ
Yakima River Rafting Near Cle Elum
The Yakima River is Washington’s only federally designated Blue Ribbon trout stream, which tells you something about the quality of the water and the health of the ecosystem you are floating through. For rafting purposes, the river offers three distinct experiences depending on your group and how much adrenaline you are after.
Rill Adventures has been running trips on the Yakima and Cle Elum rivers since 1996 and is the primary operator for the area. They cover all three routes and provide all equipment, guides, and shuttle logistics. Book in advance at rilladventures.com, particularly for weekend dates in July and August.
The Upper Yakima: Best for Families
The Upper Yakima trip is Class I-II water, running approximately 4 to 5 hours with calm stretches and light rapids. This is the right choice for first-timers, families with younger kids, and anyone who wants a float that leaves energy for dinner afterward.
Guides are experienced and the trip includes shuttle service back to your starting point. Lunch is available as an add-on. Bald eagles, deer, and herons along the riverbank are common sightings. The scenery through the canyon is genuinely good.
The Cle Elum River: More Technical, More Scenery
The Cle Elum River route runs Class II-III water through forested mountain terrain. The launch point is Firemans Park in South Cle Elum. Children under 7 are not permitted on this route due to the technical nature of the water and the pace of the current.
This trip is for groups that want something more dynamic than a float. The river runs through a narrower, wilder corridor than the Upper Yakima with more consistent rapids. Rill operates this trip with professional guides only. There is no self-guided option on the Cle Elum River route.
The Cle Elum River season runs Memorial Day through Labor Day, subject to water levels. The river is typically best June through mid-August. Outside that window, book the Upper Yakima instead.
The Lazy Lower Yakima: Self-Guided Float
For groups that want to move at their own pace, the Lazy Lower Yakima is a self-guided float rental. Rill provides the raft, paddles, and a shuttle. The water is very mellow. Bring your own cooler and plan to spend an afternoon drifting.
One honest caveat: Rill also offers moonlight rafting trips on the Yakima during summer evenings, which is worth knowing about if you want something more unusual than a daytime float. Check their site for dates as these are seasonal and schedule-dependent.
| Trip | Difficulty | Duration | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Yakima | Class I-II | 4-5 hours | Families, beginners | Includes shuttle; lunch available |
| Cle Elum River | Class II-III | 3 hrs + 30 min shuttle | Intermediate groups | No kids under 7; guided only; Memorial Day to mid-August |
| Lazy Lower Yakima | Class I | Self-paced | Relaxed groups | Self-guided rental with shuttle |
Horseback Riding Cle Elum WA: Three Peaks Outfitters
Three Peaks Outfitters has been taking riders into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness from Cle Elum since 2001. This is not a pen-and-ring trail ride. The routes go into genuine backcountry terrain through Lodgepole pine forests, ancient Cedar groves, and high-country meadows with views that justify the half-day commitment.
The operation is run by Scott and Michele, who own, train, and care for all the horses on the property. The horses are described consistently in reviews as trail-wise and well-matched to rider experience. First-timers and experienced riders are both accommodated.
Half Day Trail Ride
The half-day option runs 3 to 4 hours and is the entry point for most visitors. The route moves through open Lodgepole forests and older Cedar groves, finishing at a creekside lunch spot in the backcountry. This is enough time to get genuinely into the wilderness and feel the difference between a trail and a road.
The half-day ride is the most popular booking and the one most likely to be full on summer Saturdays. If this is your priority for a weekend trip, book it before you book anything else.
Full Day Trail Ride
The full-day option runs 5 to 6 hours and goes deeper into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. It includes a midday lunch on the trail. The views at elevation cover the surrounding Cascade peaks and the Kittitas Valley below.
This is a significant commitment of a day and is worth it if you ride or have wanted to ride in genuine mountain terrain. It is not the right choice for someone who has never been on a horse and is not sure they will enjoy it. Start with the half-day.
Logistics to know before you book:
Three Peaks Outfitters is located at 70 Martin Way, Roslyn, WA 98941. This is the meet-up point for all half and full day rides. Phone is (509) 699-8690. Call directly or check 3peaksoutfitters.com to confirm current availability before planning your trip around it, as operating days can shift seasonally.
The most important caveat: Summer weekends book up fast. Do not assume you can call the week of your trip and get a spot in July or August. Book several weeks ahead and confirm your date directly with the team at (509) 699-8690.
ATV Tours Cle Elum WA: MotorToys Rentals and Tours
MotorToys at 1313 Spansky Way, Cle Elum, WA 98922 runs ATV and UTV rentals into the Cascade Mountain foothills year-round, switching to snowmobile tours in winter. Summer ATV operation is self-directed: you rent the machine and ride designated areas independently rather than following a guide.
Primary summer riding areas are LT Murray / Elk Heights (easy green-dot trails) and Peoh Point Trailhead. Both offer open terrain with mountain views.
Phone: (509) 674-6807. Hours: Monday, Thursday through Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Book ahead at motortoyrentals.com, particularly for weekend dates.
What the Experience Is Actually Like
Hourly, daily, and weekly rental rates are available. All rentals include helmets and gloves. First-time riders get instruction before heading out. Reviews consistently mention friendly staff and good safety attention for beginners.
Drivers must be 18 or older with a valid license on their person. A Discover Pass is required for parking at the trailhead — this is Washington’s standard recreation pass for state lands, available for purchase at the MotorToys shop or online at discoverpass.wa.gov.
The honest version of what to expect: Summer ATV riding at LT Murray and Peoh Point covers unpaved forest roads and open terrain in the Cascade foothills. You set your own pace and route. This is not a groomed resort trail with signage every hundred feet. The terrain is real and the views are real. If you want a fully guided experience with a leader showing you the way, the snowmobile tours in winter are the better fit.
Lake Cle Elum Boat Rental: A Day on the Water
Lake Cle Elum is an 8-mile reservoir in the Wenatchee National Forest, sitting at 2,227 feet elevation with forested shoreline and clear water fed by Cascade snowmelt. It is a different experience from the rivers below — slower, bigger, and on a warm summer day genuinely beautiful.
The Last Resort at 14160 Salmon La Sac Rd, Ronald, WA 98940 is the primary rental operator on the lake. Phone: (509) 649-2222. Their fleet covers every pace and group size. Non-motorized rentals (kayak, canoe, paddleboard) start at $50 for a half-day and $80 for a full day. Jet skis run $285 for a half-day and $399 for a full day. Pontoon boat pricing varies by size; book at thelastresort.us for current rates.
What You Can Rent
Pontoon boats are the best option for groups of 6 or more. The SunChaser seats up to 14 passengers, the Manitou Cruise seats 10. Pontoons are the right call for a relaxed day on the water: cruising the lake, fishing from the deck, swimming off the back, or anchoring in a cove for lunch.
Jet skis (Sea-Doo models) are available for riders who want something faster. The lake is large enough to open up on a Sea-Doo without traffic issues on most weekday mornings.
Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are the quieter options. The Last Resort’s kayaks are 10-foot sit-on-top models with adjustable footrests and storage hatches. Canoes seat two and are stable enough for fishing. These work well for exploring the quieter northern end of the lake or making the short crossing to Cooper Lake access points.
The Last Resort also offers delivery and pickup service to most local lakes if you are staying at a cabin near the lake and want equipment brought to you. Book in advance at thelastresort.us. Prices start around $50 depending on equipment and duration.
Honest Caveats About the Lake
Two things worth knowing before you show up. First, Lake Cle Elum can get windy in the afternoon as temperature gradients build between the valley and the mountains. Morning and early afternoon are the most reliable windows for flat water. The Last Resort recommends checking the weather forecast and canceling or rescheduling at least 72 hours ahead if conditions look rough, since their cancellation policy tightens inside that window.
Second, the public boat launch on State Route 903 sometimes closes in mid-summer due to irrigation drawdowns lowering water levels. If you are trailering your own boat, call ahead before making the drive. This does not affect The Last Resort’s rental operation, which launches from their own dock.
Speelyi Beach
Speelyi Beach is the main public swim and recreation area on Lake Cle Elum, a short drive from Roslyn. Sandy shoreline, gradual entry, mountain backdrop, and a boat launch on site. On a hot Saturday in July it fills up by mid-morning. Arrive before 10am for easy parking and uncrowded water.
| Rental | Capacity | Price | Best For | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SunChaser Pontoon | Up to 14 | See thelastresort.us | Groups, families, fishing | Book ahead; most popular option |
| Manitou Cruise Pontoon | Up to 10 | See thelastresort.us | Mid-size groups | Alternative to SunChaser |
| Sea-Doo Jet Ski | 1-2 riders | $285 half-day / $399 all-day | Speed, open water | Best in morning; wind picks up afternoons |
| Kayak (10ft sit-on-top) | 1 rider | $50 half-day / $80 all-day | Exploring shoreline, quiet water | Good for solo or paired with canoe |
| Canoe (16’9″) | 2 riders | $50 half-day / $80 all-day | Fishing, relaxed paddling | Stable and quiet |
| Paddleboard | 1 rider | $50 half-day / $80 all-day | Calm water, sunrise/sunset | Morning and evening are best windows |
More Cle Elum Outdoor Activities: Disc Golf, Wine, and Cooper Lake
Not every hour of a Cle Elum outdoor weekend needs to be a booked activity. A few lower-key options worth knowing about.
Hanson Ponds Disc Golf
One of the top-rated disc golf courses in Central Washington, located in Cle Elum. Free to play. The 18-basket course layout changes periodically, which means repeat visits are not identical. Family-friendly and good for large groups. If you have an afternoon between activities and want something active that requires no advance planning, this is the answer.
Swiftwater Cellars
Inside Suncadia Resort but accessible to non-resort guests. Swiftwater pours Washington wines in a setting that looks out over the Cle Elum River valley. Worth a stop on a summer evening after a day on the water or the trails. You do not need to be staying at Suncadia to walk in for a tasting.
Cooper Lake
For a quieter water alternative to Lake Cle Elum, Cooper Lake sits about 16 miles northwest of Cle Elum via Forest Road 46. Smaller, more remote, and accessible by kayak or canoe from The Last Resort’s delivery service.
No motorized boats are permitted, which keeps the lake genuinely quiet. Rainbow trout fishing is available. This is a half-day option for people who want less activity and more atmosphere.
Where to Stay for a Cle Elum Outdoor Weekend
A cabin near Cle Elum makes more sense for an adventure-focused weekend than a hotel room. You have space for gear, a kitchen for early-morning meals before a long horseback ride, and proximity to the trailheads and lake access points that matter.
StayWithStay lists professionally managed vacation rentals in the Cle Elum area, where hosts keep 100% of their earnings and pay a flat annual fee rather than a per-booking commission. You are booking directly with a host who has a real stake in the property, which tends to show in the condition and the responsiveness. Browse available Cle Elum cabin rentals here.
Booking note: Three Peaks Outfitters availability shifts seasonally so call ahead on (509) 699-8690, MotorToys is closed Tuesday and Wednesday, and Rill Adventures summer weekend slots fill fast. Plan your activity bookings before you finalize accommodation dates, not after.
FAQ: Cle Elum Outdoor Adventures
What outdoor adventures can you do in Cle Elum WA?
The four main options for booked outdoor experiences near Cle Elum are Yakima River rafting with Rill Adventures (operating since 1996), horseback trail rides into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness with Three Peaks Outfitters (since 2001), self-directed ATV and UTV rentals with MotorToys Rentals and Tours at 1313 Spansky Way, and watercraft rentals on Lake Cle Elum through The Last Resort at 14160 Salmon La Sac Rd in Ronald. Disc golf at Hanson Ponds and fly fishing on the Yakima with Troutwater Fly Shop are additional self-guided options.
Is Yakima River rafting near Cle Elum good for beginners?
Yes, on the Upper Yakima route. Rill Adventures runs a Class I-II guided trip that runs 4 to 5 hours and is well-suited to first-timers and families with kids. The Cle Elum River route is Class II-III, more technical, and does not permit children under 7. If you are new to rafting or bringing younger kids, book the Upper Yakima trip, not the Cle Elum River route.
Where can I rent a boat on Lake Cle Elum?
The Last Resort at 14160 Salmon La Sac Rd, Ronald, WA 98940 rents pontoon boats, jet skis, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Phone: (509) 649-2222. Non-motorized rentals (kayak, canoe, paddleboard) start at $50 for a half-day. Jet skis run $285 for a half-day and $399 all day. Book in advance at thelastresort.us. The lake can be windy in the afternoon; morning and early afternoon are the best windows for calm water.
How do I book horseback riding near Cle Elum WA?
Three Peaks Outfitters runs half-day (3-4 hours) and full-day (5-6 hours) guided trail rides into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The meet-up point for all rides is 70 Martin Way, Roslyn, WA 98941. Phone is (509) 699-8690. Summer weekends book fast. Call several weeks ahead for July and August dates.
What is MotorToys ATV tours Cle Elum like?
MotorToys at 1313 Spansky Way, Cle Elum offers self-directed ATV and UTV rentals in the Cascade Mountain foothills. Summer riding areas include LT Murray / Elk Heights and Peoh Point Trailhead. Rentals are available hourly, daily, or weekly. All rentals include helmets and gloves. A Discover Pass is required for trailhead parking. Drivers must be 18+ with a valid license. Open Monday, Thursday through Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Call (509) 674-6807 or book at motortoyrentals.com.
Is Lake Cle Elum good for swimming?
Yes, particularly at Speelyi Beach near Ronald, which has a gradual sandy entry, clear mountain water fed by Cascade snowmelt, and a public boat launch on site. The water runs cold early in the season and warms through July and August. Arrive before 10am on summer weekends for easy parking.
Can I do Cle Elum outdoor activities with kids?
Most activities are family-friendly with the right age group. Rill Adventures’ Upper Yakima raft trip works well for families with kids 6 and up. Three Peaks Outfitters welcomes young riders. MotorToys permits passengers as young as 6. The Last Resort’s pontoon boat and canoe rentals are the most accessible water option for families. The Cle Elum River rafting route is the exception: no children under 7 due to the technical water.
When is the best time for outdoor adventures near Cle Elum?
Late June through August is peak season for all water-based activities. Horseback riding with Three Peaks runs through the summer season; the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is at its best in July and August. ATV tours with MotorToys run year-round, switching to snowmobiles in winter. Yakima River fly fishing peaks in spring during snowmelt. For any summer weekend activity, book at least two to three weeks in advance.
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