Keechelus: A Lake Or A Reservoir?

 

This is the view of Lake Keechelus that we usually see as we zoom over Snoqualmie Pass, right? But it has a different, more lovely, view:

Keechelus is both a lake and a reservoir in Kittitas County, Washington (approximately 50 miles southeast of Seattle). 

I had long thought this lake was a reservoir for Seattle's water, but not so.  The lake was/is the source of the Yakima River and is used as a storage reservoir for the Yakima irrigation needs. Although a natural lake, Keechelus Lake's storage capacity and discharge is controlled by Keechelus Dam, a 128-foot high earth-fill structure built in 1917.

The name Keechelus comes from the Native American term meaning "few fish," in contrast to nearby Kachess Lake, whose name means "more fish." 

As you zoom along I-90 the next time, take a good look at Keechelus Lake and, being in the know, smile. 

Kittitas County Historical Museum in Ellensburg........ A Great Visit!

In May, while attending the WSGS conference, I added in a visit to the Kittitas County Historical Museum. What a delightful place!

This is the entrance; the museum is housed in a delightful old downtown building... roomy, spacious and nice high ceilings. This is also the home of the Kittitas County Historical Society.

Right off I was impressed with the number of Images of America books that were for sale:

Kittitas County, Snoqualmie Pass, Roslyn, Ellensburg, Wenatchee, Moses Lake, Leavenworth, Grant County, Yakima...... and more. These books are an absolute marvelous source to learning about "your" place.

They have displays, like this doll collection, all donated by folks living in the area over time:

They also have displays of interest to gentlemen (these are spark plugs):

The biggest draw is their collection of documented artifacts.... like this violin that came west in the 1860s:

The group is a little behind with their cataloging and filing but they are collecting historical information and for that I award them an "A"!

This wonderful museum is right downtown, easy to find. And well worth a half hour of your time. Good break on that long drive from west-east or east-west on I-90.

For more information, click to their website, www.kchm.org