Commute Time N. Yakima to Ellensburg (Selah: prices, moving, horse)

[ReturningWest]

I'm re-locating and one of the companies I'm interviewing with has offices in Ellensburg, but the property prices are too high and if I go down the road to North Yakima, Selah area I will be able to afford my little horse property.

So is there anyone who commutes and can you tell me about the commute times and year round weather conditions? Thanks

[rambrush]

Lots of snow on the pass but they keep it plowed pretty good. Thats one way to get back and forth. The state still has a cam on the pass I believe so you can check out weather conditions as well.

The river road is longer but more scenic. I have made that trip so many times but its always seemed pretty quick. About a 1/2 hour is all from Yakima.

Can not believe the prices in Ellensburg are that high have friends who have several acres horse and what not. Beautiful country

[ReturningWest]

Thanks, I didn't realize there was a pass from Yakima to Ellensburg.

I know it's higher in elevation but I didn't think it was that much.

[missyM]

Hi, ReturningWest...wish you well! You've picked my hometown!!

[rambrush]

Just in case you did not google heres a link to the pass reports and cams
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/manastash/

[Mannydog]

Originally Posted by rambrush

The river road is longer but more scenic. I have made that trip so many times but its always seemed pretty quick. About a 1/2 hour is all from Yakima.

I am probably about to start that commute in reverse. Does the canyon road get much snow/ice in the winter?

When does the Manastash start being snow free? Looks pretty dismal today

[scirocco22]

No matter how bad the road conditions are going over the Manastash, I'd have to assume that it will still be faster than the canyon road unless there's some type of a blockage. Remember, I-82 is still an interstate highway and therefore will be kept plowed and cleared ...lots and lots of truck traffic!

I made the daily commute decades ago and never did I even consider going through the canyon because of snow conditions.

[scirocco22]

Originally Posted by Mannydog

I am probably about to start that commute in reverse. Does the canyon road get much snow/ice in the winter?

When does the Manastash start being snow free? Looks pretty dismal today

By March, it's usually not a problem at all, however, you'll still find the occasional storm blow over. It's not like the going over White or even Blewett passes, or anything of the major Cascade passes, because the climate is much more arid (dry) than the part of the Cascade range that separates W. Washington from the eastern part of the state.

I've seen the Canyon Rd. icy at times in the middle of the winter but, again, it's relatively dry in the area so you don't often see the kind of glare ice you would in the western part of the state.

--'rocco

[missyM]

Fog is an issue in winter also, even on hilly I-82.
If I had to drive in that fog at night, I think I would take the canyon road, just because I think traffic would be moving slower. (It's 2-lane)

[scirocco22]

Originally Posted by missyM

Fog is an issue in winter also, even on hilly I-82.
If I had to drive in that fog at night, I think I would take the canyon road, just because I think traffic would be moving slower. (It's 2-lane)

That's a real good point, Missy. I drove it any times in the fog but you're right, for most people, that's a reason to consider the canyon.

--'rocco