2024 Nature Lover’s Guide: Best Things to do in Wenatchee 

Ready to explore Central Washington? Located at the meeting point of 2 roaring rivers, Wenatchee is an underrated hub for outdoor adventure. Enjoying year-round sunshine, rolling hills, and desert topography, the “Apple Capitol of the World” is sweet in more ways than one.

Let’s Explore: Things to do in Wenatchee, Washington

Wenatchee Weekend Getaway Guide

From Seattle, a 2.5 hour drive over Snoqualmie Pass leads to Wenatchee. On the eastern slopes of the Cascades, notice fir trees give way to pine trees. Often, the weather changes a few times during the trip. More likely than not, you’ll be greeted with bright skies and sunshine.

If you, like me, call the cloudier, wetter region west of the Cascades home then Wenatchee is a great weekend destination to change your surroundings — without traveling too far.

When to Visit Wenatchee, Washington

Certainly, Wenatchee attracts visitors all year long. During winter, it provides access to the Mission Ridge ski resort. Come spring, the endless rows of apple trees turn pink just in time for the Apple Blossom Festival. Yet, summer is peak season. Typically, the high temperatures hover in the mid 80-s between June and August. Truly, the air has an endless summer feeling feeling into September and occasionally even October.

Notably, you can expect much less precipitation than Seattle. That being said, the few times I’ve experienced rain in the summer it came with a thunder and lightning.. which is certainly not ideal while tent camping!

Overall, the best time to visit Wenatchee depends on your preferred temperature. Thrive in high temps? Visit during summer. Thrive in 70s or below? Visit during shoulder months like April, May, September, or October.

Plus, these shoulder months can be a bit temperamental west of the Cascades. If you know what I mean, then retreating east to Wenatchee might become a yearly tradition for you.

15 Fun Things to do in Wenatchee for Adventurers

Savor Sunset atop Saddle Rock

Of all the hikes in Wenatchee, it’s hard to beat this one that overlooks the city and the river — providing the perfect vantage spot for seeing the sun slip behind the hills. From many spots around town, you can actually see Saddle Rock (shaped like a horse saddle, with impressive spires on either side).

In around 1.5 miles, the dusty trail climbs up 920′. In total, expect to long ~3 miles. Since our visit with our pup, I’ve heard that new gravel has been placed on the trail for traction. Generally, it is advised to protect your pups paws with booties or steer clear of areas with fresh gravel.

No passes required.

Find Peace at Ohme Gardens

To be honest, I can’t believe it took me 26 years to visit Ohme Gardens. Wenatchee’s more-obvious biking and hiking trails kept me busy as a kid and teenager. Then on a recent visit, I looked up and noticed a patch of evergreen trees on top of a rocky bluff. I wondered “What could that be?”

It turned out to be Ohme Gardens. For nearly a century, people (caretakers, really) transformed desert into an oasis. What once was private gardens, today is a seasonal garden looked after by Chelan County.

More than anything, the word that comes to mind when I think of Ohme Gardens is inspiring. During our visit, I noticed an artist sitting in the grass sketching one of the many waterfalls. And as a photographer, I enjoyed the creative challenge posed by the trees’ shadows.

The park is open daily between April 15 and October 15. Please note that this is more of a botanical garden than a traditional park. While some trails are dirt, many are lined with large rock slabs. Additionally, pets may not enter.

As for ticket prices, adults cost $8.00 and youth ages 6-17 are $4.00. Plan to visit often? Consider purchasing a season pass ($30 per adult).

For a sneak-peak, check out the live webcam.

Experience Sage Hills’ Wildflower Wonderland

For the wise visitors who time their trip to align with the blooming yellow arrow leaf basalmroot and purple lupine, the Sage Hills cannot be missed. To protect the plants, always keep your boots (and paws) on the trail, do not pick flowers, & study up on the 7 Leave No Trace principles.

Every time I share a photo on Instagram from here, I receive multiple comments comparing the beauty of this scenery to that of the Sound of Music. And, they’re not wrong.

As part of the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust, the Sage Hills are remarkably close to town and residences yet truly feel a world away. Loved by those traveling by foot, hike, and horse, the trails provide rolling hills sprinkled with colors as well as a few glimpses of history. Of the many incredible things to do in Wenatchee, this deserves a spot on your bucket list.

Typically, we start our adventure from Horse Lake Trailhead. However, the dirt road getting there is certainly in adventure in-and-of itself. Please drive with caution, and consider 4×4. Expect a vault toilet and a few interpretive signs at the lot. Since parking fills up quickly on spring weekends, plan to arrive early. No passes required.

Like Ohme Gardens, Sage Hills is closed during winter (but, in this case, to protect wildlife habitat). The annual opening date is April 1.

Explore Swakane Canyon

For a quieter, lesser-known spring wildflower hike consider Swakane Canyon. This 6 mile hike / mountain biking trail is an old road that takes you through a small section of the Swakane Wildlife Preserve. Keep an eye out for deer, coyotes, rattlesnakes, and big horned sheep.

Like many hiking trails in Wenatchee, the hills don’t provide much (if any) shade. So, it’s important to pack ample water and sun/wind protection.

Lastly, take final leg of the drive slowly. It’s known for potholes, so low clearance vehicles in particular should exercise caution.

Discover Pass required.

Try Your Hand at Disc Golf in Rotary Park

For a fun outing at small 8-acre park only 10 minutes from downtown Wenatchee, head to Rotary Park. This well-maintained park includes areas for sports, water play, and picnicking.

If you’re a beginner disc golfer (like me) then this a great place to play. Why? The course is very linear and clearly marked tee pads and goals. Just beware of wind and tall trees, or you may lose discs.

No passes required.

Bike the Longest Loop Trail in Washington State

While Saddle Rock gives visitors with a birds-eye view of the city, the Apple Capitol Loop trail gives visitors an up-close experience with many of the major things to see in Wenatchee.

In a manageable 10 miles, bikers or runners will cross the Wenatchee River twice and familiarize themselves with the east and west sides via paved trail. On the West, the trail winds through multitple parks (featured below). To the East, the trail becomes more hilly and natural. Here, you may see quails, marmots, deer, bald eagles.

Personally, I prefer to begin the ride from Wenatchee Confluence State Park and head counter clock-wise. This way, I get most of the elevation gain over with early and can enjoy an easy breezy ride back.

Honestly, biking this loop is one of the most unique things to do in Wenatchee.

Picnic Riverside at Walla Walla Point Park

One of the lovely urban parks that the Apple Capitol Loop Trail passes through is Walla Walla Point Park. There’s something for everyone here. A beach to swim in, courts volleyball and tennis, and fields for softball/soccer.

However, my favorite part is the trail to the northwest. Here, the land jets out into the river like an island. And, you get unobstructed views of the Columbia River.

In the spring, this is the perfect spot to see bright yellow goslings.

Wenatchee Riverfront Park

Just South of Walla Walla Point Park, lies Wenatchee Riverfront Park. What makes it special is how to blends art with nature. Enjoy statues of animals, people, and more. Come summer, this area has quite beautiful flowers.

Lastly, this park is well-known for its Riverfront Kids Train. If you’re traveling with young ones between April and December, this is sure to bring a smile to their faces.

Slow Down in Horan Natural Area

Easily accessed from Wenatchee Confluence State Park or Walla Walla Point Park, Horan Natural Area is home to precious wetlands of the Columbia and Wenatchee Rivers. In total, hikers can access 2 miles of gravel trails.

If you’re looking for an easy nature walk, look no further. One of the most surprising features I discovered here were massive cottonwood trees- some of the oldest in the state! And, there’s no shortage of wildlife including bald eagles, deer, and coyote.

While rare, I even saw a moose here! Every once in awhile, moose wander down from higher elevations like Lake Wenatchee and find refuge in Horan Natural Area.

Bike to Rocky Reach Dam

After many years of exclusively biking the Apple Capitol Loop trail on every visit to Wenatchee, I decided to mix things up last summer by linking up to the 5 mile trail to Rocky Reach Dam.

Without a doubt, this route receives far less traffic than the main loop trail. I was surprised by how peaceful it felt, and the scenery itself was gorgeous.

Of course, if you don’t feel like biking (or don’t have a bike) you can drive to Lincoln Rock State Park. This is the turnaround point of the trail, and a scenic spot to camp. In fact, there’s even campsites with water access for boats!

The day use fee for Washington State parks is $10. Or, the annual Discover Pass is $30.

Go for a Dip at Wenatchee Confluence State Park

Hands down, the best way to cool down during Wenatchee summers is with a swim. Many parks like Walla Walla Point and Wenatchee Confluence State park have designated swim areas. The latter is my favorite, where I distinctly remember the pride I felt after swimming across it for the first time as a kid as the sunset.

With nearly 200 acres, this park is absolutely one of the best things to do in Wenatchee. You can camp, bike, and boat. If you plan on hanging around the beach, consider grabbing a spot with shade — you’ll thank me later!

Again, the day use fee for Washington State parks is $10. Or, the annual Discover Pass is $30.

Hike to the Stunning Clara and Marion Lakes

Of the hikes mentioned so far in this guide of things to do in Wenatchee, no hike quite parallels this one. Located in the mountains, the terrain here is much more forested. Since I grew up in Western Washington, this hike felt more like home than the more exposed, desert-like trails (though I enjoy those as well!). As a plus, this trail doesn’t receive nearly as much traffic as it would if it were west of the Cascades.

Gaining 900′ in just over 3 miles, this hike is full of switchbacks.

During summer, expect mosquitos as you near the lakeshore. Keep your ears peeled for picas around the talus rock.

Mountain Biking at #2 Canyon

Another awesome place to mountain bike (and my partner Kyle’s favorite trail in Wenatchee) is #2 Canyon. In total, this work-in-progress trail network is 25 miles, and has something to offer a wide variety of experience levels.

Due to snow, #2 Canyon is closed between December 1 and April 15.

Note: The above photo is from the Sage Hills.

Paddle board on the Columbia River

To adventure like the locals, bring your paddle board. Since it’s more challenging to paddle board on rivers versus lakes, I only recommend this for more experienced paddlers. Be sure to check with sports stores, park rangers, and Visit Wenatchee for more information on launching, safety, and more.

As always, don’t forget to wear a life jacket and save energy for the paddle upstream.

I’ve seen many people launch inflatable paddle boards from the swim area at Wenatchee Confluence State Park and Wenatchee Riverfront Park.

Rock climbing at Peshatin Pinnacles State Park

Another seasonal park worth visiting is Peshatin Pinnacles State Park. Most well-known for its 11 climbing areas and 46 climbing routes, this park also features a 1.5 mile hike and picnic area.

The day use fee for Washington State parks is $10. Or, the annual Discover Pass is $30.

This post was all about the top things to do in Wenatchee.