Located in central Washington, Ellensburg makes an excellent home base while visiting the northwest centers of Leavenworth, Cashmere, Wenatchee and Yakima. As the home of Central Washington University, the city of Ellensburg boasts a vibrant student population, leading to the presence of trendy restaurants and eclectic shops. Visitors to the area enjoy exploring Washington's many wineries and embarking on whitewater rafting, camping and downhill skiing adventures in the nearby Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Every Labor Day weekend Ellensburg is alive during the Kittitas County Fair and Ellensburg Rodeo, both providing a plethora of entertainment for visitors and locals alike. Another of Ellensburg's claims to fame is the rare agate that many say can be found nowhere else in the world but in this area of Washington State. Known as Ellensburg Blue, this stone is available from fine jewelers in town.