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2023 Map of Ellensburg South

Name: 2023 Topographic Map of Ellensburg South
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2023
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2023

About this map

The southern outskirts of Ellensburg and the agricultural expanse of the Kittitas Valley are defined here by a sophisticated network of early irrigation and mountain drainage. The Yakima River bisects the landscape, flanked by vital water management features such as the West Side Canal, Clinesmith Irrigation Ditch, and Bull Ditch. These waterways transformed the arid flats between the rising slopes of Manastash Ridge and the northern valley floor into productive farmland.

Small settlements like Thrall and Holmes sit along the valley floor, while the rugged terrain to the south and west is carved by deep draws including Stone Quarry Canyon and Long Tom Canyon. Landmarks like the Kittitas County Courthouse in the city center contrast with the rural character of the Umtanum Ridge foothills, providing a clear record of the intersection between urban development and the engineering required to sustain agriculture in central Washington.