SEATTLE Looking for a picturesque day trip? Nestled in the scenic Kittitas Valley, Ellensburg is about an hour and 45 minutes from the Seattle area by car. Located just east of the Cascade Range near the junction of Interstate 90 and I-82, this endearing area boasts a beautiful downtown full of historical, elegant 19th-century buildings, colorful art and quirky events (ever heard of Junk-tiquen?). From the mighty Columbia River to the massive Cascade mountains, Ellensburg offers impressive views with a mix of small-town charm.