Six Hundred Miles of Winter Bliss
18 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Nearby Places Tags: Roslyn, Sno Park, Sno Parks, Trails, WA, Washington, Winter Recreation
Winter weather may have taken a little longer to show up this year, but it has definitely arrived in Northern Kittitas County. This is a perfect time of year to check out the over 600 miles of groomed recreational trails this area has to offer. A trail map is downloadable from the Cle Elum Roslyn Chamber of Commerce that includes detailed information about the following trail systems: Crystal Springs, Lake Easton, Salmon La Sac, Easton Reload, Gold Creek, Kachess, Price Creek Westbound, Blewett Pass, Elk Heights, Manastash, Mineral Springs, Reecer Creek, Last Resort, Taneum, Teanaway / 29 Pines, and Woods and Steel. Many of the trails have easy access to lodging and dining options in Cle Elum, Roslyn, and Ronald.
Exploring Coal Mines Trail
07 Jan 2012 2 Comments
in Inside Roslyn, Nearby Places Tags: Coal Mines, Coal Mines Trail, Roslyn, WA
Coal Mines Trail is a pleasant, 4.7 mile, path that allows visitors to stroll in the footsteps of coal mining history. Though the trail actually starts in Cle Elum and extends to Ronald, it is easily accessible from Roslyn near the South-East end of Runje Field.
The trail follows the path of th
e Northern Pacific Railroad branch line developed in 1886 to transport coal from the Roslyn/Cle Elum Coal Field. In 1887, the branch was extended to the #3 Mine where Ronald developed. The Roslyn/Ronald line was operated until 1986, and then in 1994, it began its conversion to this public recreational trail.
Because this is a well maintained and level path, exploring the trail is a great way to spend the day in any season and for people of all ages.
Update: A printable Coal Mines Trail map is now available. Click here to download.
The Roslyn Christmas Tree Stands Tall
10 Dec 2011 Leave a Comment
in Inside Roslyn Tags: Christmas Tree, Roslyn, Washington
The Christmas tree is a hallmark of many holiday memories and traditions – and so it is with the Christmas tree in Roslyn. As remembered by early Roslyn resident Frank Barich:
“The Roslyn Fire Department, and others, had the tallest tree I remember seeing. It was set before the NWI Company Store. We would stand on our steps, waiting to hear the jingle bells on the sleigh bringing Santa Claus to the center of town. We ran to be in line to receive our bag of goodies, generally an orange and some hard candy.”
On February 10th, 1947, minutes of the Roslyn City Council meeting reflect that “a proposal had been made by John Lanigan and Wayne Read that a Douglas Fir tree be planted in the front of the NWI Company Store and so save the expense of getting a tree for Christmas every year.” The proposal was accepted.
Last weekend, during the 2011 Roslyn Winterfest, the long running tradition continued as the tree was illuminated in preperation for Santa’s annual visit. Standing tall along side the Coal Miner’s Memorial, the tree provides a warming reminder to cherish the season – and that today, we are creating the memories and traditions of tomorrow.
The memoir’s of Frank Barich were excerpted from “From Old Country to Coal Country” – published by the Roslyn-Ronaled-Cle Elum Heritage Club.
Skip the Shopping Malls to Visit Roslyn Winterfest 2011
20 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
in Events Tags: Christmas, Reindeer, Roslyn, WA, Winterfest 2011
Looking for a way to spend your Thanksgiving weekend that doesn’t include standing in line at a Walmart or Best Buy? Come on by Roslyn to experience Winterfest 2011. The small town Christmas will include the following activities:
Friday November 25, 2pm to 6pm:
- Santa’s Workshop and Vendor Fair
Saturday, November 26, 10am to 5pm:
- Reindeer Express (Live Reindeer):
- Santa’s Workshop & Vendor Fair
- Holiday Treats
- Warming Fires
- Kids Crafts
- Carolers
Professional Santa Photos will be available from noon to 4pm for five dollars or a non-perishable food donation to the local food bank.  Also, bring your pooch to participate in the ARRF’s Rein-Dog Competition and then stick around for the tree lighting at 5pm!
For more information, email info@roslyndowntown.com.
Autumn is Heaven in Roslyn
28 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
in Inside Roslyn, Nearby Places Tags: Autumn, Photos, Roslyn, Washington
Autumn is an unbelievable time to come visit Roslyn and the surrounding area. The drive over the pass is beautiful and the scenery in and around town can’t be beat. As the leaves change colors and the crisp fall air begins to creep in, you can’t help but think you’re walking through a Bob Ross painting.  Check out Facebook for more pictures!
The 6th Annual Suncadia Harvest Festival
13 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
in Events Tags: Harvest Festival, Nelson Dairy Farm, Roslyn, Suncadia, WA
This weekend is the second and last weekend of the Suncadia Harvest Festival at Suncadia’s Historic Nelson Dairy Farm.  The 
festival is open 10am and 2pm on Friday the 14th and noon to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can look forward to the following activities:
- Carnival Games
- Arts and Grafts
- A Mercantile Market
- Pony Rides
- A Giant Straw Maze
- A Pumpkin Patch
- Seasonal Bites from Suncadia
- Brews and Brats
- Musical Entertainment
- Local Artisans
This is a free, family friendly event and is a great way to kick off the Fall season.
The 2011 Roslyn Crawl
04 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
in Events, Videos Tags: Live Music, Roslyn, Roslyn Crawl, Washington
Below is a brief look at this year’s Roslyn Crawl. Thanks to all the bands and venues that participated. We had a great time and enjoyed some really great music. See you in 2012!
Enjoying the Day on Cooper Lake
24 Sep 2011 Leave a Comment
in Nearby Places Tags: Cascase Mountains, Cooper Lake, Washingtong
Last weekend we took a short drive North to Cooper Lake. Hidden in the Cascade mountains (about 15 to 20 minutes from Roslyn), this 120 acre lake is ideal for kayaking, fishing, or just cooling off on a hot afternoon. Additionally, the surrounding trails, which lead through old-growth forest land, are ideal for hiking and horseback riding. The lake front has a gravel parking area and a small boat launch, but motors of any kind are strictly prohibited.
Interested in staying overnight? There is a small, remote campground called Owhi (22 tent only, walk-in sites) that boarders a portion of the lake. In researching the area, I came across this fun little video of a canoe adventure on Cooper Lake from 2008.
Run, Don’t Walk, to the 2011 Roslyn Crawl
13 Sep 2011 2 Comments
in Events Tags: Music, Rock, Roslyn Crawl, WA
On Friday Sept 30th and Saturday Oct 1st, Roslyn will be overtaken by music in the form of the Second Annual Roslyn Crawl. The Crawl will feature 35 bands in six venues and is an excellent opportunity for music lovers to experience Roslyn while enjoying some great entertainment. The participating venues include the Brick Saloon, The Pastime, Marko’s Tavern, The Eagles Club, Stonehouse 101, and the Vintage Vine. All six locations are within a couple blocks of each other, so you actually could crawl from place to place if absolutely necessary.
The bands cover the entire musical spectrum – ranging from blues to folk, from rock to hip-hop, from pop to country, and everything else on the outskirts and in-between. See the entire line up here.
Tickets are $20 for Friday night, $30 for Saturday, or $40 for the entire weekend. Get your tickets before they sell out at Brown Paper Tickets. If last year’s crawl is any indication, lodging in the area is going to fill up fast, so lock in a place to stay while you can!
Roslyn Prepares for 125 Year Anniversary Celebration
31 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment
in Events Tags: Coal Miner Days, Festival, Labor Day Weekend, Parade, Roslyn, WA
- Commemorative Wooden Nickel: Available at Roslyn area businesses
This Labor Day Weekend, Roslyn will celebrate its 12th Annual Coal Miner Days Festival.  This year is extra special because Roslyn is also celebrating the city’s 125th Anniversary.  The annual event pays tribute to those miners (and their families) who forged Roslyn’s rich history. Over the course of the weekend, the city will host festivities that include music, vendors, a beer garden, food, games, a soap box derby, a logging show, and more! It all builds up to the Heritage Ceremony, King Coal Crowning, and Grand Parade on Sunday. Come out to Roslyn to share in the memories and celebrate the days when coal was king! More information on activities and timing can be found here.
Tina-Marie leads the artistic effort to liven up Roslyn storefronts for the celebration.
