Wenatchee is located on the eastern foothills of the Cascade Range and at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers in central-North Washington State. Surrounded by orchards, the city is known as the "Apple Capital of the World" and the best time to come for a visit is the last week of April and the first week of May, when Wenatchee hosts the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival.
The popular Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail loops for ten miles along both banks of the Columbia River and through four city parks and is used by bikers, joggers, walkers and skaters. The best place to learn about the city and region’s history and heritage is The Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center. Pybus Public Market is great place to come and stock with fresh produce, eat in some of city’s best restaurant, listen to the live music and people-watch.
1. Apple Capital Loop Trail
The Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail is a 22-mile long urban loop trail that circles the Columbia River starting north of Wenatchee in Lincoln Rock State Park and going south along the river to the city center. The trail runs through four Wenatchee riverfront parks: Wenatchee Riverfront Park, with its sculpture garden, boat launch, docks and narrow gauge railroad, Walla Walla Point Park with sports fields and swimming lagoon, the Horan Nature Area wetlands and the Wenatchee Confluence State Park, where the trail crosses the river across the Odabashian Bridge. Once across the bridge, in East Wenatchee, the trail crosses ravines and runs along the bluffs. There are two trailheads: on the 19th St. trailhead within the Porter's Pond Nature Area, and the 27th Street. The trail continues to Jude's Oasis and a dramatic bike, pedestrian and utility bridge that takes the trail back to Riverfront Park.
Wenatchee, WA
2. Ohme Gardens
Ohme Gardens is a wild, magnificent garden on a craggy, dry, rocky bluff overlooking the Columbia River valley and snow-capped Cascade Mountains. The garden was created over 41 years of labor of love by Herman Ohme and his wife on their property near Wenatchee. They transplanted small evergreens from the Cascade Mountains, hauled huge native stone for paths and borders, planted low-growing flowering ground cover, and built small deep pools among huge natural rock formations. Much of the work, including watering the garden, was done by hand until irrigation system was put in place. The garden was used as a private lush oasis for the family until the couple died and their son sold it to Washington State to be used for the pleasure of the public.
3327 Ohme Rd, Wenatchee, WA 98801, Phone: 509-662-5785
3. Pybus Public Market
Pybus Public Market is a huge – the size of a football field- open, airy farmers’ market that offers fresh produce, local farm goods, specialty shops, artisanal foods, restaurants and more. Locals like to claim that it is the best farmers’ market in the world. Whether it is or not, it is certainly cool and lively, has huge selection of fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, cheeses, local wines and beers, nuts, sweets, great live music on stage every Friday evening and fantastic location near the magnificent Columbia River and the famous Apple Capital Loop Trail. Some of the best Wenatchee restaurants are located in Pybus. It is open every day, year around.
3 N Worthen St, Wenatchee, WA 98801, Phone: 509-888-3900
4. Wenatchee Confluence State Park
Wenatchee Confluence State Park is a 197-acre nature preserve and public recreation area at the north side of the city of Wenatchee, Washington. In the heart of the park is the confluence of the Wenatchee River and the Columbia River. Wenatchee River splits the park into north and south sections with a footbridge that connects them. The north section is suburban and recreational and located in Sunnyslope neighborhood of Wenatchee. The south section is located in West Wenatchee and consists of a man-made wetland area known as the Horan Natural Area. The park is great for camping, boating, swimming, fishing and all sorts of sports activities. It has tennis and basketball courts, volleyball field, kids’ playground, boat launch and a lovely swimming beach. The Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail connects the park to downtown Wenatchee.
333 Olds Station Rd, Wenatchee, WA 98801, Phone: 509-664-6373
You are reading "What to Do in Wenatchee, WA Today" Back to Top
5. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is a four million-acre diverse landscape on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range in Washington. It stretches for about 180 miles between the Canadian border and the Goat Rocks Wilderness. Wide geographic range makes the forest very diverse. It includes high alpine peaks along the Cascade Crest, mountain ranges extending eastward, deep, lush old growth forest and dry and rugged shrub-covered steppe at the eastern edge. Elevation range from below 1,000 feet to over 9,000 feet also contributes to the diversity of ecosystems. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offers equally diverse opportunities for relaxation and exploration. Hundreds of miles of hiking trails through the wilderness invite relaxation and introspection. There are lively campgrounds and those that allow solitude. The forest is also great for fishing, hunting, mountain biking, horseback riding, climbing, off road driving, and in the winter cross-country, downhill skiing and snowmobiling.
Wenatchee, WA 98807
6. Wenatchee Valley Museum
The Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center in Wenatchee, Washington portraits local and regional history, city’s Native American heritage and features the massive propeller from the plane that did the first trans-Pacific flight. The museum, founded in 1939 by the Columbia River Archaeological Society, occupies two historic buildings, with three floors of displays describing life in Eastern Washington along the Columbia River. Exhibits include 11,000-year-old Clovis points discovered in 1987 in East Wenatchee; petroglyphs, Native American trade history; a tree fruit exhibit with a 1920s-era apple packing line, a working 1919 Wurlitzer pipe organ and much more. The museum also showcases the propeller from the airplane that did the first nonstop flight across Pacific. The pilot had to skid-land the plane named Miss Veedol in the hills of East Wenatchee. The propeller was damaged during the landing so it stayed in Wenatchee.
127 S Mission St, Wenatchee, WA 98801, Phone: 509-888-6240
7. Peshastin Pinnacles State Park
Peshastin Pinnacles State Park located three miles from of Cashmere in Chelan County, Washington, is a 34-acre public recreation area featuring sandstone slabs and spires in a desert, with wonderful views of the surrounding orchards, Wenatchee Valley and Enchantment Range. Visitors can enjoy rock climbing, hiking, bird watching, and wildlife observation. The main feature of the park are tooth-like sandstone pinnacles. The park has a network of switch-back trails that offer panoramic views of the Cascades, the sage-covered and Wenatchee River. The park also attracts numerous rock climbers, photographers and families enjoying peaceful picnics while watching rock climbers high up.
7201 N Dryden Rd, Cashmere, WA 98815, Phone: 509-884-8702
8. Stemilt Creek Winery
Stemilt Creek Winery was bonded in 2003 after planting their first vineyard in 2001 on the Wenatchee foothills, at the elevation of 1,600 feet. Afternoon breezes, warm days and cool nights, rich, world famous compost and high density planted vines all ensure low-yield, intense flavors of their unique and recognizable wines. They specialize in medium and full-bodied red wines but also produce a wide selection of delicious white wines and roses. Each vintage is produced in their minimalist production facility. Grapes are fermented in 200-gallon vessels before being pressed for extraction. The wines spend up to 28 months in barrels before being bottled. They have two tasting room, in Wenatchee and Leavenworth.
110 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA 98801, Phone: 509-665-3485
9. Lincoln Rock State Park
Lincoln Rock State Park is located seven miles from Wenatchee and one mile upstream from the Rocky Reach Dam, on the east side of the Lake Entiat that was created when the dam was built. The park covers 86 acres across from the basalt cliff formation known as Lincoln Rock- it is said to resemble the profile of Abraham Lincoln. The park offers wonderful views of Swakane Canyon and Turtle Rock Island in Lake Entiat. The island is a 150-acre nature preserve. The island was separated from the mainland in 1960 when the lake was created. The park is a popular destination for fishing, boating, swimming, picnicking, hiking, camping and various field sports. There is a boat launch with mooring docks on Lake Entiat.
13253 US-2, East Wenatchee, WA 98802
10. Squilchuck State Park
Squilchuck State Park is located eight miles south of Wenatchee, Washington, just below Mission Ridge. The 249-acre state park is set deep in the mountains at the elevation of 3,200 feet and is mostly covered with fir and ponderosa pine forests. The park is a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, group camping, bird-watching, and wildlife observation. There are over ten miles of trails for mountain biking that start at the campground. The trails are used by the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance for practice. Squilchuck Lodge, with its soaring ceilings, two story fireplace and a wall of windows is available for group gatherings and is a popular wedding destination.
2805 Mission Ridge Rd, Wenatchee, WA 98801
11. Wild Huckleberry
The Wild Huckleberry is a restaurant and boutique in downtown Wenatchee located in a classic home built in 1917 listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built as a home for Dr. Cadman, it changed many owners and had many uses until it became the perfect location for the Wild Huckleberry restaurant and boutique. Cozy and full of Old World charm, it is a popular destination for those looking for a whole-day breakfast, or warm, home-made lunch. The menu includes all American favorites such as chicken fried steak and egg, burgers, salads and more. After the meal, visit their downstairs boutique that offers perfect gifs, clothing, jewelry, baby items and more.
302 S Mission St, Wenatchee, WA 98801, Phone: 509-663-1013
12. Bob's Classic Restaurant and Distillery
Opened in 2015 in East Wenatchee, after acquiring Stock 21 Distilery, BOB's Classic Restaurant & Distillery became one of the most popular restaurants, sports bars and watering holes in town. Bob’s has a huge menu that covers just about any kind of food, enormous list of beers on draft and in bottles and spectacular selection of wines and spirits. Add to that wonderful quirky atmosphere and plenty of flat-screen TVs, and you get the perfect place for an evening out with friends, dinner with family, or romantic dinner with the love of your life. Check their daily specials and happy hours times and do not forget to try their legendary wings.
474 Grant Rd, East Wenatchee, WA 98802-5336, Phone: 509-888-5641
13. Sout
Located in the popular Pybus Public Market in Wenatchee, Washington, South is a colorful, cheerful Latin restaurant offering warm atmosphere and a range of dishes from Mexico, Cuba, Argentina, Brazil, Jamaica and other countries from the region. Everything is cooked from scratch, using ingredients mostly from local farms. Their beef comes from Painted Hills and Certified Angus Beef farm. They use cage-free eggs and make five home-made salsas fresh every day. You will find all your favorites such as burritos, tacos, enchilada and nachos, but for more interesting option check their platos. The bar is the heart of the place, offering 50 different mezcals and tequilas, big selection of rum, cachaca and pisco. South has another location in Leavenworth.
7 N Worthen St E15, Wenatchee, WA 98801, Phone: 509-888-5463
14. Taqueria El Rinconsito
Taqueria El Rinconsito is a counter-serve Washington State chain serving authentic Mexican specialties. Their Wenatchee restaurant is spacious and clean, with super fast service, serving popular Mexican dishes including tacos, nachos, burritos, gorditas, sopitos, mulitas, quesadilla and much more. Their tortillas are made fresh throughout the day – you can see a lady on the side of the counter flipping them on the stove. They sell Mexican sodas, to keep with the authentic vibe. They serve breakfast and offer party packs if called an hour in advance. Check the menu for daily specials, there are always nice surprises.
1541, 1100 N Miller St, Wenatchee, WA 98801, Phone: 509-662-2727
15. Jones of Washington
Jones of Washington is a family-owned winery, growing grape vines in their vineyards located along the Columbia River in two American Viticultural Areas - Wahluke Slope and Ancient Lakes in central Washington state. It was one of the first families to farm these fertile scenic lands. Wahluke Slope is known for red wine grapes likes Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, while Ancient Lakes grows mostly white grapes such as Riesling and Pinot Gris. Their wine tasting room in Wenatchee is located in the vast very popular Pybus Public Market. Refined wine tasting spot is decorated with mahogany, stone, steel, velvet curtains and a grape vine design on the bar, creating an attractive place to taste Jones of Washington wines or get some of their merchandise.
7 N. Worthen St., Wenatchee, WA 98801, Tel. 509.888.0809
16. Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort
Home to a small mountain vibe, but with big mountain experiences, the Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort boasts well over 2,000 acres of trails, bowls, screamers, and chutes that guests can explore through 36 separate runs. Mission Ridge also boasts a crazy 2,250-foot vertical drop, light powder snow, breathtaking views, and a ton of sun. In fact, Mission Ridge enjoys an average of 300 days of sunshine annually thanks to its location on Cascade Mountain’s eastern side. For the convenience of their guests, the Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort is serviced by a free SkiLink bus service and offers lessons for first-time visitors.
7500 Mission Ridge Road, Wenatchee, Washington 98801, Phone: 509-663-6543
17. Tap and Putt
Enjoy an active night out with your friends or family at Tap and Putt! This local watering hole and attraction in Wenatchee is known for three things: beer, food, and games. Tap and Putt is home to a mouthwatering variety of craft beer and ciders on rotation, all of which are sure to pair deliciously with the establishment's perfectly baked pizza and appetizing starters. In between enjoying great drinks and even greater grub, guests can enjoy the indoor mini-golf course found at Tap and Putt as well as a range of other games like darts, shuffleboard, or arcade games. The mini golf course features nine tricky holes that were designed and built by Tap and Putt’s owners. More romantic getaways from Seattle.
246 N Wenatchee Avenue, Wenatchee, Washington 98801, Phone: 509-470-8890
18. Riverfront Rock Gym
Stay fit and active in exciting and fun ways thanks to the Riverfront Rock Gym. This gym is known in the area for being home to a modern climbing facility that is great for beginners and long-time climbers alike. The gym offers all sorts of wall climbing like auto-belay, lead climbing, and top rope climbing, as well as steep to low angle slab bouldering. Riverfront Rock Gym boasts some of Washington’s longest and steepest climbing routes, and even has a spry wall, campus, and hang boards to have fun at. In addition to its whopping 14,00 square feet of climbing space, the Riverfront Rock Gym also has a café serving great coffee, food, and other refreshments, as well as a retail store with all your climbing needs, and a small gym with traditional fitness equipment.
1319 Walla Walla Avenue, Wenatchee, Washington 98801, Phone: 509-888-2427
