About Tieton, Washington

Tieton is located in central Washington at the far western edge of the Yakima Valley, 2000 feet above sea level. To the north, Mt. Clemens creates a striking backdrop. The heart of town is an attractive main square park, which storefronts face on all sides. National forest, state wildlife land, and other protected acreage border the local orchards. The Naches and Tieton Rivers are close by.

Surrounded by apple and pear orchards, Tieton's economy has been dependent on agriculture since its founding in the early 20th century. Various small scale farms, packing, and storage operations consolidated over the decades into large, modern agribusinesses. Organic and new hybrid orchards are developing in the area, which increases the diversity of produce and market opportunities.

Although very small, Tieton is a city with an elected mayor, city council, and professional management staff. It has a population of 1100, over half of whom are Hispanic. It has water and sewer systems, and recently installed a separate orchard irrigation system for yard watering and other non-potable uses.

Tieton is fifteen miles west of Yakima, the largest city in the valley. Yakima is a major transit and manufacturing center for central Washington. The Yakima Air Center is served by national and regional carriers. Tieton is four miles south of Highways 410 and 12, and 15 miles from Interstate 82. Seattle is a pleasant 2.5 hours drive from Tieton, and Portland is 3 hours away.

Recreation is plentiful and high quality. The Yakima area averages 280 days of sunshine per year. Summers are warm and dry. Fishing, hiking, horseback riding, rafting, camping, hunting, and bike riding are popular. Winters are typically cool with occasional snow. White Pass Ski Resort is a half hour from Tieton.