Wenatchee Area Sights - Things To Do

The Wenatchee Valley boasts 300 days of sunshine a year. Wenatchee is recognized by AARP as one of the best small cities to retire in, including my vote as the best location in Washington for sun and accessible adventure. This was confirmed by National Geographic's Adventure magazine which listed Wenatchee as one of 50 most desirable places to live and play. The Wenatchee River Valley produces more than half the Northwest's fresh-packed pears, and a good amount of apples, enough to make the worlds largest apple pie in 1997 and be called the Apple Capital of the World. Many visit just to hit the roadside fruit stands for a months supply of cherries. Rafting the Wenatchee River is also very popular in the area. The Columbia River cuts the town in half with half the town being called East Wenatchee.

WillhiteWeb.com - Wenatchee Area Sights

These gardens are a unique alpine oasis sitting atop a high rocky bluff above Wenatchee. There are ponds, streams and waterfalls surrounded by towering firs and cedars with the occasional panoramic view of Wenatchee.

The Apple Capital Loop Trail is a scenic waterfront 11 mile paved loop trail for pedestrians, cyclists and skaters. It covers both sides of the Columbia River crossing three bridges and several of the waterfront parks with public artworks, demonstration gardens and a miniature railroad.

Peshastin Pinnacles State Park is a rockclimbers park full of sandstone slabs and spires that reach 200 feet into the air. Non climbers can scramble on the steep hiking trails for views of the surrounding orchards, the Enchantment Mountains and the Wenatchee River valley.

Rocky Reach Dam is seven miles north of Wenatchee off Highway 97A. This visitor friendly hydro project has a visitor's center open from mid-March to late October. They offer movies and exhibits on the dam construction, history, American Indian culture and a look back at life along the Columbia. Balconies provide panoramic views of the dam, fish ladder, juvenile fish bypass system and the Columbia River. The fish viewing room allows visitors to watch adult fish on their upstream migration to spawning areas.

The park is at the confluence of the Wenatchee and Columbia rivers and has portions of the 11 mile paved Apple Capital bike loop trail and the Horan Natural Area. Other features are the large grassy areas, sports fields, kids play areas, a swimming beach and boat launch.

Rocky Reach Dam creates Lake Entiat at this location so it is popular for swimming, water-skiing and relief on sunny days. Located four miles north of East Wenatchee, this state park is named after a feature on a rock face across the river that looks like Abraham Lincoln.

This center examines and explains the role of fire in ecology and natural processes with particular emphasis on the Pacific Northwest, showcases past, present, and future interactions of people wit the world of fire.

A self-guided tour of an outdoor gallery of sculptures mounted on pedestals of indigenous columnar basalt featuring the works of many nationally acclaimed artists. Most of this art is in the waterfront parks along the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail and in downtown Wenatchee. Be sure to see the collection in the garden at the east end of the Riverwalk Crossing pedestrian bridge at the end of First Street.

Walking or driving up Burch Mountain Road offers the best views of the Wenatchee Valley and the city. The road makes for a nice evening hike enjoying the sunset on the way up and the city lights on the way down.

This peaceful garden setting with water features and statuary from Misawa, Japan has been designed as a symbol of friendship between sister cities of Misawa, Japan and East Wenatchee. Find this urban park just a few steps from the busy intersection of 9th Street N.E. and Eastmont Avenue.

Built in 1908 to replace the ferry that carried people and products from one side of the Columbia River to the other. Today the bridge is open to pedestrian traffic only.

100 acres of manmade wetlands is home to numerous species of mammals, songbirds and waterfoul. The two miles of gravel trails with fifteen viewing stations allow visitors to learn about & experience the habitat.

Just 12 miles outside of town is Mission Ridge, a popular ski area in winter but a nice spring hiking destination as well. Mission Ridge is known for its power and sunshine, something no resort on the west side could ever claim. The resort has 36 runs over 2,000 acres with lots of runs for families.