Wenatchee is located East of the Cascade mountain range of Washington along the Columbia River Gorge. Receiving only nine inches of rain a year, Wenatchee Washington is a great place to visit year round. With local wineries, wildflower hikes, and skiing, you’re bound to find something you enjoy here. It’s a perfect getaway for the entire family or a girls weekend like we did. Read on if you’re going to visit soon!
- Where Is Wenatchee Located?
- Things To Do In Wenatchee Washington
- Union Hill Cidery
- Apple Blossom Festival
- Martin Scott Winery
- Bianchi Vineyards
- Pybus Public Market
- Hike In The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
- Malaga Springs Winery
- Ski At Mission Ridge
- Mountain Bike Saddle Rock
- Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center
- Rock Climb The Frenchman Coulee
- Ohme Gardens
- Walk The Apple Capital Loop
- Places To Stay
- Pin For Later!
Where Is Wenatchee Located?
Just east of the central cascades in Washington and just outside of the popular mountain town of Leavenworth, Wenatchee is considering the eastern slope in Chelan county. Wenatchee is the apple capital of the world, home to the Gala, Fuji, and Golden Delicious apples.
From Seattle: 2.5 hours
From Portland: 5 hours
Things To Do In Wenatchee Washington
Hike Horse Rock Ridge
Horse Rock Ridge is a privately owned farm ranch that contains popular hiking trails that are most known for their wildflower bloom in spring. The trails are accessible for kids, dogs, and mountain bikers so be sure to Leave No Trace and don’t step on or pick wildflowers. We hiked a loop portion of the trail that was 5 miles via the Homestead Trail and Bert’s Trail. You can really make it as long or as short as you want! We wanted a little more of a workout which included 790 ft of elevation gain, steady and gradual!
Union Hill Cidery
As a big cider drinker, Union Hill Cidery was one of my favorite stops on the trip. What makes this cidery unique is that it is nestled next to the apple orchard that makes the cider! Plus, there are spectacular views of the Columbia River down into the Wenatchee Valley.
Apple Blossom Festival
During the peak apple blossom season, which is typically end of February onto beginning of May, the Apple Blossom Festival has many events that take place throughout Wenatchee Washington. It is a family friendly event that can keep you busy from morning to night! Parades, carnival events, and a car show are popular for visitors. Plus, it typically coincides with the wildflower blooms which is ultimately what brought me to Wenatchee.
Martin Scott Winery
Located next to Union Hill Cidery, Martin Scott is also in East Wenatchee with some of the best views of the valley. We did their tasting here and loved the red blends they did. Staff was extremely pleasant and we especially enjoyed the homemade bread we had! Plenty of outdoor covered seating just in case it rains, and heaters to keep you warm in the off season.
Bianchi Vineyards
In East Wenatchee as well . Bianchi is a family owned winery with gorgeous views of the Columbia River and Wenatchee foothills. We were able to bring our own snacks here to enjoy with the wine.
Pybus Public Market
Located near the river in downtown Wenatchee, Pybus Public Market was our first place to stop after our drive to grab lunch and a brew. The public market has everything from local meats and fish to multiple restaurants and coffee! We visited Hellbent Brewery for lunch and a beer as well as Columbia Coffee for an afternoon latte.
Hike In The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
About an hour from Wenatchee, the town of Leavenworth-home to the iconic Enchantments Wilderness boasts many hiking opportunities. It is important to note that for backpacking a permit is required. Day hiking Colchuck is worth it if you’re up to the challenge! If hiking isn’t your thing, luckily you can see the Stuart Mountain Range on your way to east to Wenatchee, or you can stop at Leavenworth for a famous German pretzel.
Malaga Springs Winery
In the 1800s when the railroad was built towards Seattle grape plants were brought from Malaga, Spain. The owners have made Malaga Winery a beautiful place for people to enjoy the scenery and see the countryside. The straw bale tasting room is Spanish inspired and provides beautiful views of the Wenatchee Valley. There is a beautiful outdoor area as well as an indoor area if the weather shifts.
Ski At Mission Ridge
An extremely underrated resort due to its location in Washington, Mission Ridge is a locals mountain that gets a decent snow pack. Because of its location snow is a bit drier than the western ski resorts of Washington. The mountain has 4 lifts including a newly installed quad lift covering 2,000 acres of land to ski on.
Mountain Bike Saddle Rock
Saddle Rock are popular pinnacles in the area that you can see from downtown. There is a hiking trail as well as a mountain biking trail you can visit. The trail is a mile long and is rater intermediate.
Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center
Visit the museum to learn about the local history of growing apples, to when the railroad was installed. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from mid-morning to late-afternoon. Free admission is offered every first Friday of the month. Events are always happening for all ages at the museum, so be sure to check it out when you plan your trip.
Rock Climb The Frenchman Coulee
A popular rock climbing spot just an hour from Wenatchee, this is a great place for beginners at climbing. Plus, the sunny weather brings many guests away from rainy Seattle to enjoy the 300 days of sun this area has in the year. There are over 700 named routes on the basalt columns! Many people will camp in the area in the cooler months, as it gets quite hot in the summertime.
Ohme Gardens
A historical garden built in 1929 when the land was purchased to build and orchard, this oasis was created. Still holding some of the old structures and evergreens that were transplanted here, this is a quirky spot. Their are stone pathways throughout the entire garden area that you can walk through and have views of the Wenatchee Valley. It is $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children ages 6-17.
Walk The Apple Capital Loop
Popular by foot or by bike, the 10 mile paved trail can take you around the Columbia River. Pybus Public Market is popular place to start and end the walk as you can refuel with coffee and lunch before or after your walk.
Places To Stay
Wenatchee is a growing city so there are many brand new hotels to choose from. We stayed at the Residence Inn by Marriott that was built in fall of 2020. We had a suite that had a kitchen which was nice for unwinding and cooking breakfast in the room.
Hilton Garden Inn was built in 2020 as well and is right next to Pybus Public Market, and walking distance to downtown area in about 20-30 minutes.
For next time, Warm Springs Inn and Winery is on my list! It is a bed and breakfast that provides a stunning place to rest your head all while enjoying gourmet breakfast in bed. Count me in.
Pin For Later!
