There’s a lot more to Washington tourism than just the bustling city of Seattle. Tucked away in a rugged valley where the Wenatchee and Columbia Rivers meet, this outdoorsy and family-friendly destination is a hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest. Wenatchee is an ideal place to visit or live for outdoor enthusiasts, families with kids, craft beer and wine lovers, and anyone who enjoys experiencing the seasons of nature. Here are our picks for the best things to do in Wenatchee, Washington.
Hike in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
What Is It?: The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is a magical place filled with over 3,000 miles of trails and spanning at least four million acres of land.
Why Do It?: This national forest is home to some incredible orange mushrooms and offers everything from hiking to camping, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Some highlights of the forest include the Icicle Gorge Loop Trail #1596, Echo Ridge Summer Trails #1290-1291, and Boulder Cave Trail.
Good to Know: There are more than 150 campgrounds and picnic areas here, and you can take your pick among the cabin rentals, RV sites, tent sites, group campsites, and undeveloped/disbursed camping opportunities to really get off the grid and out in nature.
Bike the Apple Capital LoopTrail
What Is It?: The Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail is a paved multi-use path that is perfect for taking a bike ride and seeing what the city has to offer. It runs along the Columbia River and dates back to the early 1990s.
Why Do It?: Explore Wenatchee’s natural and city attractions on two wheels Start your journey in Riverfront Park and check out the Wenatchee Confluence Park and other parks and nature areas along the way.
Good to Know: You can also hop off the trail to head into town for some refreshments or to explore the area on foot.
Sip Beers Outside at a Local Brewery
What Is It?: There are some great breweries in town, including the Columbia Valley Brewery that is dog-friendly, serves food, and has an outdoor patio to enjoy the nice weather. Other Wenatchee breweries include Badger Mountain Brewing, Wenatchee Valley Brewing Co., and Saddle Rock Pub & Brewery.
Why Do It?: After all that fun and challenging outdoor recreation, nothing satisfies the thirst quite like a local craft brew in Wenatchee.
Good to Know: In addition to craft beer breweries, Wenatchee is also in a wine region of Washington with quite a few wineries that offer tastings, tours, and overnight accommodations.
Rock Climbing at Nearby Peshastin Pinnacles State Park
What Is It?: The incredibly beautiful Peshastin Pinnacles State Park is about 20 minutes outside of Wenatchee. It is a popular rock climbing area with sandstone towers and slabs that overlook the Wenatchee Valley apple orchards.
Why Do It?: It has great climbing routes like West Face, Potholes, Lightning Crack, and the Tunnel. If you’re not a climber, this is also an excellent place to go for a hike and enjoy the scenic views.
Good to Know: The trails are dog-friendly and feature a series of switchbacks with views of the Cascade Mountains and rolling hills. This is a day-use park that does not have overnight camping, but it does have picnic facilities.
Check out the Pybus Public Market and Farmers Market
What Is It?: The Pybus Public Market in Wenatchee allows you to explore all of the local vendors here.
Why Do It?: Come here to browse and shop for local foods and gifts and see who’s offering free samples while you’re walking around.
Good to Know: This is also where the Wenatchee Valley Farmers’ Market takes place from May through December. The farmers’ market runs in the afternoons on Wednesdays and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays to offer locally produced fruits, cheese, breads, and kids’ activities.
Pitch a Tent at Lincoln Rock State Park
What Is It?: A popular spot for camping is Lincoln Rock State Park, an 80-acre park by Lake Entiat.
Why Do It?: There are lots of great camping opportunities in the Wenatchee area in other places besides the national forest.
Good to Know: There are tent spaces and RV hookup sites here, as well as restrooms with showers, boating opportunities, and miles of trails for hiking and biking.
Attend the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival
What Is It?: Wenatchee is also a great place to be if you enjoy attending festivals, with the most popular one being the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival that takes place in the spring.
Why Do It?: This festival brings out the whole town and region too with a parade, golf tournament, food fairs, and live concerts.
Good to Know: Wenatchee is also home to quite a few local runs and races, which are great ways to get in shape and set healthy goals for yourself.
Experience the Winter Sports Scene
What Is It?: The Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort is about 12 miles from Wenatchee and has lots of sunshine to go with all that snow.
Why Do It?: Wenatchee enjoys a more moderate and pleasant climate than many other places in the Pacific Northwest, but this is also a fun destination to visit for your winter sports fix.
Good to Know: Another fun place to check out in the region is the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club for tubing, skiing, and snowboarding.
Explore the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center
What Is It?: The Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center is located in the downtown area and features lots of exhibits that tell visitors about the region’s history with growing apples, the railway, ancient civilizations, and photographs from throughout the ages.
Why Do It?: To learn more about Wenatchee and the greater valley region.
Good to Know: This museum spans two buildings and covers natural sciences, regional history, and the arts through children’s programs and special events.
Take a Drive on the Cascade Loop Scenic Highway
What Is It?: The Cascade Loop Scenic Byway extends hundreds of miles through Washington and really highlights the state’s natural beauty.
Why Do It?: If you’re looking for your next great road trip, plan to take a drive along the scenic byway with a stop in Wenatchee along the way.
Good to Know: Other essential stops on this road trip include Everett, Snohomish, Leavenworth, Chelan, Winthrop, Anacortes, and Coupeville.
