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Orchards climb the dry hills on every side of Wenatchee, the self-styled Apple Capital of the World, which sits where the Wenatchee River pours into the Columbia in central Washington. The town grew up around fruit packing after irrigation canals and the Great Northern Railway arrived around 1900, and warehouses and fruit sheds still line the tracks near the river.
Today the riverfront is the heart of a visit. A paved loop trail follows both banks of the Columbia, the old Pybus steel warehouse has become a public market full of food stalls, and Confluence State Park protects wetlands where the two rivers meet. On a bluff just north of town, Ohme Gardens is a family-built alpine garden with sweeping valley views, and downtown the Wenatchee Valley Museum tells the story of the Wenatchi people, the railroad and the apple trade.
Spring brings orchard blossoms and the Apple Blossom Festival, winter brings dry powder at Mission Ridge, and the Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth and the shores of Lake Chelan are both within about an hour's drive.
Herman Ohme and his family began turning this barren rocky bluff into an alpine-style garden in 1929. Stone paths wind past evergreens, ponds and rock gardens to lookouts over the Wenatchee Valley and the Columbia River. Open spring to fall for an admission fee; wear good shoes for the uneven steps.
A paved path of about ten miles that runs along both banks of the Columbia River, crossing between Wenatchee and East Wenatchee on two bridges. It links riverside parks, playgrounds and the Pybus Market. Bikes can be rented nearby; mornings are cooler and calmer in the hot summer months.
A large park on the Columbia riverfront in north Wenatchee with shady lawns, sports fields, a swimming beach and a stretch of the loop trail. It is a popular place for picnics and summer evenings by the water, and it sits close to the Pybus Market, so the two pair well on a riverfront walk.
A former steel company warehouse on the riverfront reborn as a public market, with restaurants, a bakery, coffee, wine and local shops under one high roof. A farmers market sets up here in season, and the Apple Capital Loop Trail passes right outside, so it makes an easy lunch stop on a walk or bike ride.
Downtown museum spread over two historic buildings, with exhibits on the Wenatchi people, early settlers, the apple industry and the Great Northern Railway, including a large model railroad layout. A restored theater pipe organ is played on special occasions. Check the calendar for concerts and family days.
State park at the mouth of the Wenatchee River with a campground, swimming area, boat launch and sports fields. A footbridge leads into the Horan Natural Area, a wetland preserve where trails pass ponds busy with herons, ducks and beavers. Bring binoculars at dawn or dusk for the best birdwatching.
A ski area about 12 miles southwest of downtown, known for light, dry snow and plenty of sunny days thanks to its spot on the east side of the Cascades. Runs range from gentle groomers to steep bowls, with views across the Columbia Basin. Ski season usually runs from December into early April.
Steep trails rise from the south edge of town to Saddle Rock, a pair of jagged sandstone outcrops that frame views over Wenatchee, the Columbia River and the orchards beyond. The hike is short but exposed and dusty, so carry water, start early in summer and expect wildflowers on the slopes in spring.
About seven miles north of town, this Columbia River dam has a free visitor center with museum galleries on the river, its native peoples and the history of electricity. In season, an underground window lets you watch salmon and steelhead climb the fish ladder, and the landscaped grounds are good for a picnic.
Held every spring since 1919, this festival fills Wenatchee for about eleven days from late April into early May. Expect a grand parade, a carnival, a food fair, art shows, a classic car show and community theater. Orchards around town are usually in bloom at the same time, so book rooms early.
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Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Todd Petit from East Wenatchee, WA, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Thayne Tuason, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Thayne Tuason, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Thayne Tuason, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Steven Pavlov, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Steven Pavlov, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Steven Pavlov, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Steven Pavlov, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Steven Pavlov, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Buidhe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Steven Pavlov, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Steven Pavlov, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Steven Pavlov, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Steven Pavlov, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Steven Pavlov, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Thayne Tuason, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Thayne Tuason, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Thayne Tuason, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Thayne Tuason, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Steven Pavlov, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Steven Pavlov, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Steven Pavlov, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Steven Pavlov, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Buidhe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Buidhe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Steven Pavlov, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Steven Pavlov, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Steven Pavlov, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Steven Pavlov, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Steven Pavlov, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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