Wenatchee is set at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee Rivers in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. The fertile Wenatchee Valley is known as the Apple Capital of the World.
About
Nestled between high desert and the eastern slopes of the Cascades, Wenatchee is not just famous for its apples. It’s renowned for all-season adventures from mountains to rivers. Wenatchee Valley is conveniently located between two of the most popular tourist destinations in Washington – Leavenworth and Lake Chelan. Staying here encourages short jaunts to easy hikes with scenic views, local unique stores and antique shops, and many independent restaurants. Fresh fruit stands and Farmers’ Markets abound from May-October. With thousands of orchards producing millions of pounds of crunchy, juicy goodness each year, it has earned the title as the Apple Capital of the World. Wenatchee is one of the largest cities in Central Washington. With over 70 wineries, cideries, and breweries in the Wenatchee Valley, it makes for a delectable tasting destination.
Weather and Getting There
Wenatchee enjoys four distinct seasons–boasting 300 days of sunshine a year.
In the summer, highs can reach the mid 90s and in winter temps average in the mid 30s with some snow. Both fall and spring are very comfortable and moderate outdoors with little rain.
Wenatchee is a scenic 2 1/2 hour drive from Seattle over I-90 through the Cascade Mountains and Wenatchee National Forest taking US Route 97 north over Blewett Pass. Drive from the north of Seattle on Hwy 2 over Stevens Pass. Either route offers stunning scenery in any season showcasing Washington’s mountains, river valleys and orchard country. In summer, the North Cascades Highway 20 is a spectacular route to take through some of the most majestic mountains in the US. In winter, check the WSDOT Pass Reports for road conditions.
Dining
Because of the bounty of local fruits and produce enhanced by both ethnic and Americana cuisine, dining in Wenatchee is a culinary treat. From Mexican, Indian, Japanese, German, Eastern European and home-cooked American there’s a long list of locally owned and independent restaurants we recommend within four miles:
- Visconti’s (classic, white linen gourmet Italian)
- Stones Gastropub (PNW + seafood, Vegan)
- McGlinn’s (Irish Pub style)
- Atlas Fare (Asian fusion)
- Iwa Sushi & Grill
- India House
- Lemolo Café (best lunch deli; soups & sandwiches)
- Pybus Market has many wonderful options to dine: Fire (Italian) & Ice (gelato), South (Mexican), Café Columbia (soups, sandwiches, salads for lunch), The Huck (American standards), Hellbent Taproom (pub food & Poke bowls), Cheesemonger (antipasto platters)
- Close-by in Leavenworth the best dining is at Larch Restaurant (PNW fresh blended with Italian); Munchen Haus for sausages served outdoors or Andreas Keller for traditional German favorites with a side of accordion music.
Festivals & Events
Wenatchee WA, known as the Apple Capital of the World, celebrates for 10 days with the Apple Blossom Festival starting the last weekend in April when the apple & cherry blooms flourish. Enjoy warm spring weather with fair food, local arts and crafts and a wide variety of fun live entertainment. Listed as the oldest major festival in Washington state, activities include the Classy Chassis Car Show, two parades, amusement rides and cycling competitions.
The Chelan County Fair, held the 2nd weekend of September, embodies the western merriment from real cowboys, animals & farm displays, a rodeo, rides to fresh corn on the cob.
The Wenatchee River Bluegrass Festival draws visitors from around the country every June jamming with some of the best national, regional and local talent.
The Numerica Performing Arts Center year round showcases internationally famous musicians, entertainers, Broadway plays, comedy shows, fanciful ethnic groups and local community theater not to be missed.
Outdoors
The Wenatchee area boasts an unlimited variety of outdoor activities year around–so bring your bike, your horse, or your paddleboard and enjoy the mountains to the Columbia River beaches. For a refreshing fun experience, bring an innertube to float down the Wenatchee River from Cashmere to the confluence.
The Horan Natural Area is a 100 acre area converted to man-made wetlands with abundant wildlife. Set at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee Rivers, this serene area is the perfect spot for birders-watchers.
The Wenatchee National Forest includes 2.2 million acres for mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, paddling and snow shoeing. This wilderness area offers spots that are pet friendly, family friendly and handicapped accessible. Maps of trailheads abound in every direction and level of difficulty.
For snow sports head to Mission Ridge, just 12 miles outside Wenatchee for downhill skiing & snowboarding with over 2000 acres of great powder and spectacular views, igloo bars and affordable lifts. They host winter entertainment, comedy, music and fun competitions. You will also find many opportunities for cross country skiing, tubing and snowmobiling surrounding the Wenatchee Valley.
Things to Do
- Ohme Gardens is a unique, literally hand- built rock garden oasis perched atop a cliff over the city of Wenatchee. With its historic Japanese beginning of paths and pools, tall trees and gardens it now hosts concerts and tours. One can almost touch the long-horned sheep strolling the grounds high above the Columbia River.
- The Columbia River is lined with dams for hydro-electric power. Visit Rocky Reach Dam and Museum. Learn more about the construction and maintenance of the dam and the geology of the region, bring a picnic to enjoy the gorgeous large park grounds and gardens. The dam also has viewing windows to the fish ladders to watch Steelhead and Salmon heading upstream in the fall.
- Hikers, walkers and cyclists enjoy the Apple Capital Loop Trail with 10 plus miles of safe riding paths & bridges from downtown Wenatchee, around the Columbia River to Lincoln Rock and through the Confluence State Parks.
