The Ultimate 2026 Summer Guide
Suncadia • Cle Elum • Roslyn Washington
Swiftwater Amphitheater Summer Concerts
Few things compare to live music in the mountains, and the Swiftwater Amphitheater at Suncadia Resort delivers an unforgettable summer concert experience. Surrounded by Cascade Mountain views, this outdoor venue hosts a popular summer concert series featuring tribute bands and lively evening entertainment.
Upcoming Concert Events
July 4th Concert
• Time: 6PM – 10PM
• Tribute bands: INXS, Tom Petty, Def Leppard
September 5th Concert
• Time: 6PM – 10PM
• Tribute bands: Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Journey
Quick Event Info
• Location: Swiftwater Amphitheater, Suncadia Resort
• Tickets: $45 + tax
• More Details:
These concerts are a favorite summer event for visitors staying in Suncadia, Cle Elum, and Roslyn, offering the perfect combination of music, mountain scenery, and warm summer evenings.
Speelyi Beach at Lake Cle Elum
Just a short drive from Suncadia, Cle Elum, and Roslyn, Speelyi Beach on Lake Cle Elum is one of the area’s favorite summer destinations. This scenic lakeside spot features a wide shoreline, crystal-clear mountain water, and beautiful views of the Cascade Mountains.
Visitors often spend the day swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, and relaxing on the beach, while families enjoy picnicking and soaking up the sunshine along the open shoreline. With its easy access and laid-back atmosphere, Speelyi Beach is the perfect place to cool off and enjoy a classic summer day at the lake.
After a day on the water, many guests return to their Suncadia or Cle Elum vacation home to unwind in the hot tub, grill dinner outdoors, and watch the sunset over the mountains.
Lake Cle Elum Boat Rentals at The Last Resort
For an unforgettable day on the water, visitors staying in Suncadia, Cle Elum, and Roslyn often head to The Last Resort Boat Rentals on Lake Cle Elum. This local outfitter offers a variety of watersports rentals including pontoon boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, Sea-Doo Switch boats, paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes, making it easy to explore the lake from every angle.
Whether you’re cruising the shoreline with family, racing across the water on a jet ski, or paddling through quiet coves with mountain views, The Last Resort provides everything needed for a perfect summer day on the lake.
The Last Resort Boat Rentals
509-649-2222
Best Golf Near Suncadia
Three Great Courses Minutes from Your Stay
If golf is part of your Central Washington getaway, the Suncadia and Cle Elum area offers some of the most scenic golf in Washington. Guests staying with VR 365 Vacation Rentals are just minutes from three excellent courses: Rope Rider, Prospector, and Sun Country Golf Course.
Rope Rider – Suncadia Resort
One of Washington’s most enjoyable courses, Rope Rider features wide fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and incredible Cascade Mountain views. It’s designed to be fun and approachable for all skill levels.
Prospector – Suncadia Resort
Designed by Arnold Palmer, Prospector offers a classic championship-style challenge with tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkers, and rolling greens.
Sun Country – Cle Elum
A great local favorite for affordable golf, Sun Country offers a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful pine-lined fairways, and excellent value just minutes from Suncadia.
Pro Tip
Many guests enjoy playing all three courses during their stay — Rope Rider for scenery, Prospector for challenge, and Sun Country for a relaxed local round.
Cooper River Swimming Hole Near Roslyn
Just outside the historic town of Roslyn, the Cooper River Swimming Hole is a hidden gem locals love on warm summer days. Fed by clear mountain water flowing from the Cascades, this peaceful stretch of river offers refreshing swimming and scenic forest surroundings.
Visitors staying in Roslyn, Cle Elum, and Suncadia vacation homes often stop here for an afternoon swim, relaxing beside the river or exploring nearby hiking trails along the Cooper River corridor.
The nearby Cooper Lake area is also known for fishing, wildlife viewing, and beautiful mountain scenery, making it easy to turn a quick swim into a full outdoor adventure.
Cooper River Swimming Hole
Float the Yakima River
The Yakima River Canyon offers one of the most scenic river floats in Washington State.
Gentle currents and canyon views make this adventure perfect for families and groups.
Guests can enjoy:
• Scenic river floats
• Wildlife viewing
• Relaxing summer rafting
Guided trips available through
Fly Fishing the Yakima River
Washington’s Only Blue Ribbon Trout River
The Yakima River is legendary among anglers.
It is Washington’s only Blue Ribbon trout river, attracting fly fishermen from around the world.
Common catches include:
• Rainbow trout
• Cutthroat trout
• Native mountain trout
Recommended Fly Fishing Guides
Roslyn Sunday Farmers Market
Every Sunday during the summer, the Roslyn Farmers Market brings the town’s historic downtown to life with local vendors, live music, and small-town charm. Visitors can browse fresh produce, artisan foods, handmade crafts, and regional artwork while enjoying food trucks and a lively community atmosphere.
Located just minutes from Suncadia and Cle Elum, the market is a perfect way to spend a relaxed Sunday morning before exploring Roslyn’s shops, restaurants, and historic streets.
Market Schedule
Every Sunday
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
First weekend of June through the second weekend of September
Nelson Farm Playground & Bike Pump Track
Located in the heart of Suncadia Resort, Nelson Farm is a favorite gathering spot for families visiting Suncadia, Cle Elum, and Roslyn. During the summer months, kids love the Nelson Farm playground and the nearby bike pump track, where they can ride bikes, scooters, or balance bikes along a fun looping track with small rollers and berms.
The playground offers plenty of space for climbing, sliding, and active play, while the pump track gives kids a chance to practice riding skills in a safe and exciting environment. Throughout the summer, Nelson Farm also hosts seasonal events, outdoor movies, and family activities, creating a lively atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
Family Fun Just Minutes From Your Vacation Home
One of the best parts of staying in a Suncadia vacation rental is having easy access to places like Nelson Farm. Families can start the day with a bike ride to the pump track, spend the afternoon exploring nearby trails or Lake Cle Elum, and return to their vacation home to relax in the hot tub or gather around the fire table for the evening.
Best Mountain Biking Trails
(Local Rider Guide)
The forests surrounding Suncadia, Cle Elum, and Roslyn offer some of the best mountain biking in Central Washington. With miles of scenic trails winding through pine forests, rolling hills, and historic landscapes, riders of all skill levels can find a trail worth exploring.
Top Local Trails to Ride
• Rat Pac Trail – A local favorite featuring smooth, flowing singletrack just outside Cle Elum. Great for beginner and intermediate riders looking for a fun and scenic ride.
• Coal Miners Trail – A relaxed multi-use trail connecting Cle Elum and Roslyn, perfect for warm-up rides or family-friendly biking through historic coal mining areas.
• Teanaway Community Forest Trails – A larger network of rugged trails offering expansive mountain views and a more adventurous ride for intermediate and advanced riders.
• Roslyn Urban Forest Trails – Shaded forest trails located just outside downtown Roslyn, ideal for shorter rides followed by a stop at local restaurants or coffee shops.
• Iron Horse State Park Trail – A scenic rail trail with gentle grades that’s great for casual riders and families looking to explore the area by bike.
Dawson Park in Suncadia Resort
Located within Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum, Dawson Park is one of the largest and most popular outdoor gathering spaces in the community. Surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, the park offers a variety of family-friendly activities for visitors of all ages.
Guests can enjoy the coal mine–themed playground, frisbee golf (disc golf) course, tennis and basketball courts, dog park, and open fields for soccer or baseball. During the summer months, the Park Activity & Equipment Cabin offers complimentary rentals for activities like disc golf, bocce ball, kickball, badminton, and more, making it easy for families to spend an active afternoon outdoors.
Open sunrise to sunset, Dawson Park is a favorite stop for guests visiting Suncadia, Cle Elum, and Roslyn.
Dru Bru Brewery – Cle Elum
Located just minutes from Suncadia Resort, Dru Bru Brewery in Cle Elum is a favorite local gathering spot known for its award-winning craft beers and beautiful Cascade Mountain views. The spacious all-ages taproom and production brewery features a rotating selection of IPAs, lagers, seasonal beers, ciders, and house-made non-alcoholic sodas.
The taproom partners with Stella to offer fresh food, and visitors can also enjoy Cle Elum Pizza Co., owned and operated by Dru Bru, serving delicious pizza that pairs perfectly with their craft beers.
With indoor and outdoor seating, Dru Bru is a great place to relax after a day hiking, golfing, biking, or exploring Suncadia, Cle Elum, and Roslyn before returning to your vacation home for the evening.
Best Hiking Trails
A Local Guide to the Area’s Most Scenic Hikes
The Cle Elum Valley and surrounding Cascade Mountains offer incredible hiking just minutes from Suncadia Resort. From peaceful riverside walks to alpine lakes and panoramic mountain viewpoints, the area is filled with trails for every skill level.
Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway or a longer mountain vacation, these trails are some of the best hikes near Suncadia, Roslyn, and Cle Elum.
Easy & Family-Friendly Trails
Pete Lake Trail
One of the most popular hikes near Cle Elum, Pete Lake Trail follows the Cooper River through beautiful forest before reaching a peaceful alpine lake. The gentle elevation and scenic views make it a great hike for families and beginners.
Cooper River Trail
A relaxing trail that winds through old-growth forest alongside the Cooper River. This relatively flat hike offers beautiful scenery and is perfect for families or guests looking for an easy outdoor adventure.
Roslyn Urban Forest Trails
Located just outside the historic town of Roslyn, this network of trails offers easy hikes through forested hillsides with great views and plenty of quiet spots to explore.
Suncadia Resort Trails
Suncadia features 40+ miles of paved and natural trails for hiking, walking, and biking. Guests can explore riverside paths, scenic overlooks, and peaceful forest trails right from the resort.
Moderate Hiking Trails
Manastash Ridge Trail
This trail climbs steadily to scenic ridge-top views overlooking the Kittitas Valley and surrounding mountains. Wildflowers bloom across the hillsides during the summer months.
Thorp Mountain Trail
A rewarding hike through forest and alpine meadows leading to spectacular views from the summit of Thorp Mountain.
Red Top Lookout
A short but scenic hike to a historic fire lookout site perched high above the Teanaway Valley. The panoramic views of Mount Stuart and the surrounding mountains make this a favorite local hike.
Hex Mountain
Known for its expansive ridgelines and incredible views of the Cascades, Hex Mountain is one of the most scenic hikes in the Cle Elum area, especially during wildflower season.
Challenging Alpine Hikes
Lake Ingalls
One of Washington’s most iconic alpine hikes, Lake Ingalls offers stunning views of Mount Stuart and a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by rugged peaks.
Rachel Lake & Rampart Lakes
This challenging hike leads to Rachel Lake and continues into the breathtaking Rampart Lakes basin, one of the most spectacular alpine lake areas in the region.
Navaho Peak
A rugged hike in the Teanaway area that rewards hikers with incredible panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and Cascade peaks.
Pro Tip
Many of the best hikes near Suncadia offer incredible views at sunrise and sunset. Starting early in the morning also helps avoid crowds and allows you to enjoy cooler temperatures during the summer months.
MotorToys ATV & Side-by-Side Rentals
If you're looking for an exciting outdoor adventure near Suncadia Resort, MotorToys in Cle Elum offers some of the best ATV and side-by-side rentals in the area. Just minutes from Suncadia, visitors can explore scenic forest roads, mountain terrain, and the rugged beauty of the Cascade foothills.
MotorToys offers a fleet of well-maintained ATVs and UTVs, making it easy for couples, families, and groups to experience the backcountry together. Their side-by-side vehicles are especially popular for group rides, allowing passengers to enjoy the views while navigating forest trails and open mountain terrain.
Before heading out, guests receive a quick safety overview so riders of all skill levels can feel comfortable and confident. It’s a fun and memorable way to experience the outdoors beyond traditional hiking or biking.
After a day exploring the trails, many visitors return to their Suncadia or Cle Elum vacation home to relax in the hot tub or gather around the fire table for the evening.
MotorToys is one of the most popular things to do near Suncadia, especially during spring, summer, and fall when the mountain trails are at their best.
Summer at the Farm – Suncadia Summer Concerts
One of the most popular summer events in Suncadia is Summer at the Farm, a family-friendly outdoor concert series held at Nelson Farm inside Suncadia Resort. On select evenings throughout July and August, guests gather on the lawn to enjoy live music, local food vendors, lawn games, and beautiful mountain views.
Visitors often bring blankets or lawn chairs and relax with friends and family while enjoying live performances in the scenic Cascade setting. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a favorite summer activity for guests staying in Suncadia, Cle Elum, and Roslyn.
Pro Tip: Pair the evening with dinner or drinks at nearby favorites like Swiftwater Cellars or Dru Bru Brewery before returning to your vacation home to unwind after the show.