Kittitas County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. The population was 44,866 in a 2016 census estimate. Its county seat and largest city is Ellensburg. The county was created on November 24, 1883 when it separated from Yakima County.There are numerous interpretations of the name, which is from the language of the Yakama Nation. According to one source, it "has been said to mean everything from 'white chalk' to 'shale rock' to 'shoal people' to 'land of plenty'. Most anthropologists and historians concede that each interpretation has some validity depending upon the particular dialect spoken."Kittitas County comprises the Ellensburg, WA Micropolitan Statistical Area.GeographyAccording to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of, of which is land and (1.5%) is water. The highest point in the county is Mount Daniel at above sea level.Geographic featuresCascade MountainsYakima RiverManastash RidgeWenatchee Mountains
