The Garden represents the bonds of friendship and understanding which exists between people of Japan and those of the Central Washington Region. Each year the Garden is visited by Masa Mizuno of Masa and Associates Inc., the Japanese landscape architect who designed it. During his visits he provides consultation and training to Central’s grounds crew in the ongoing maintenance of the Garden.

Positioned on the shores of Lake Easton in the Cascade Mountain foothills, relax and recreate year-round at Lake Easton State Park. Discover the picturesque mountain views and explore the scenic hiking trails. Come for a restful afternoon or spend a few days camping.

What will be one of the only open-air butterfly gardens on a college campus anywhere in the world will be dedicated at Central Washington University on Friday, June 2, at 10 a.m. So says Nan Doolittle, CWU art and family and consumer sciences instructor. The garden is her brainchild. Sadly, it was a brainchild born out of tragedy — the death of her then 31-year-old daughter. The garden is named the “Leah Polacek Butterfly Garden” in her honor.

Approximately one mile from Ellensburg, this 19.8 acre park provides a diverse wildlife habitat to observe while walking on groomed trails and paths. Amenities: Bathrooms, picnic shelter, and trails.

The Washington Department of Wildlife maintains the natural setting of the park along the Yakima River, providing public fishing and scenic nature trails that follow the river. The park is located 3 miles south of Ellensburg. Follow Canyon Road to Ringer Loop Road and turn right. Follow the road until you see the public fishing sign. A parking permit is required and can be obtained from any store location that sells hunting and fishing licenses.

Take Main Street south until it turns into Canyon Road. Turn right on to Umptanum Road (at the Subway & McDonalds) and follow for about 5 miles. Turn left on to the unpaved, and historic Jacob Durr Road. Proceed across the high plateau and commence the steep, narrow, rough descent to the floor of Umptanum Canyon. At 4.1 miles from Umptanum Road is the ford of Umptanum Creek. A 3-mile climb, for a total 12.1 miles from Canyon road, culminates at the North Trailhead – elevation 3375.