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2017 Map of Ellensburg South

Name: 2017 Topographic Map of Ellensburg South
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2017
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

The Kittitas Valley landscape south of Ellensburg is defined by a sophisticated network of water management and varied topography. The Yakima River snakes through the center of the region, flanked by several critical agricultural arteries including the Clinesmith Irrigation Ditch, Tjossem Ditch, and Bull Ditch. To the west, the terrain rises sharply into the uplands, marked by deep incisions such as Shushuskin Canyon, Long Tom Canyon, and Stone Quarry Canyon. This contrast between the fertile, irrigated valley floor and the high, arid ridges highlights the region's historical reliance on engineering to support local life.

Industrial and transport corridors anchor the valley, with the BNSF Railway running parallel to the river and highway routes. Small clusters of development at Holmes and Thrall mark the southern expansion of the county seat, while Craigs Hill offers a prominent elevation overlooking the city's grid. The presence of Tjossem Pond and multiple creeks like Wilson Creek and Naneum Cr further illustrate the intricate drainage patterns that have shaped land use and property boundaries in this part of Washington.