Speelyi Beach sits on Lake Cle Elum in Ronald in Kittitas County west of Cle Elum on State Route 903 past Roslyn in the Cascade Mountains. The beach honors Native American Chief Speelyi who lived in the area, preserving Indigenous connection to the Yakima River watershed and Cascade forests that have sustained peoples for thousands of years. Lake Cle Elum reservoir was created by Cle Elum Dam built in 1933 for irrigation storage and flood control, submerging the original Cle Elum valley and creating the approximately 4,800-acre lake extending northwest from the dam. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest administers Speelyi Beach providing public access to approximately 500 feet of sandy and pebble beach heavily used during summer months, with popularity requiring early arrival during peak season as parking accommodates only about 40 vehicles with additional street parking.
Swimming from the beach attracts families and visitors during warm summer months when Lake Cle Elum's freshwater temperatures provide comfortable conditions compared to cold Cascade Mountain lakes at higher elevations, with the beach's gentle slope and sandy areas creating favorable swimming environment. Kayaking and paddleboarding launch from the beach access for exploration of Lake Cle Elum's approximately 19-mile shoreline with routes paddling beneath forested slopes, around points and coves, and toward the upper lake where the Cle Elum River enters the reservoir. Fishing from shore and boats yields rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and burbot with Lake Cle Elum known as productive fishery attracting anglers year-round, though seasons and regulations apply. Beachcombing along the shoreline reveals smooth stones, driftwood from Cascade forests, and interesting finds deposited when lake levels fluctuate throughout seasons for irrigation releases. The beach welcomes dogs including off-leash dogs making it popular destination for canine visitors and their owners enjoying lake access together. Boating provides good lake access with the beach serving as launching point for small watercraft though larger boats typically use other access points with developed ramps. Camping is prohibited on Forest Service lands at Speelyi Beach to prevent damage to beach and shoreline, with being in the area between 10pm and 6am also prohibited under Forest Service regulations. Views capture forested Cascade Mountain slopes rising around Lake Cle Elum with peaks visible to the north and south, creating scenic mountain lake setting.
Cle Elum, Roslyn, and Ronald area dining offers restaurants serving the upper Kittitas County mountain communities. Local establishments provide American fare, burgers, pizza, and casual dining for residents and visitors exploring Lake Cle Elum recreation areas. Roslyn Brewing Company creates craft beers and pub food in the historic mining town featured in the television series Northern Exposure. The Brick Saloon in Roslyn claims to be Washington's oldest continuously operating tavern dating to 1889. Cle Elum Bakery prepares fresh pastries, breads, and breakfast items. Suncadia Resort offers multiple dining options including fine dining and casual restaurants in the nearby resort community. These mountain communities maintain small-town character while serving outdoor enthusiasts accessing Cascade lakes, hiking trails, skiing, and mountain recreation year-round.
