Enjoy an RVers’ oasis in the heart of The Evergreen State.
By Jan Lee
July/August 2024
Wenatchee, Washington, is located at the confluence of the two rivers, the Wenatchee (shown) and the Columbia.
Washington state is a land of stunning contrasts. Snow-tipped mountains sit side by side with lush rainforests, a half-day’s drive from the arid but richly fertile valleys that nurture Washington’s world-famous wineries.
But nowhere is that contrast more striking than in central Washington, known for its rambling sagebrush steppes, breathtaking winter scenery, and lush river valleys. Called the Apple Capital of the World, the Wenatchee Valley sits at the center of that region. Not surprisingly, it is one of the Northwest’s top destinations for camping and RV travel, especially in the summer.
Located at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers, the city of Wenatchee is surrounded by RV parks. More than 10 state, federal, and private parks dot the valley. Some are open year-round and offer access to rivers or lakes with boat launches, swimming, and fishing areas. While all but one of the parks are located outside the city proper, camping is an easy drive from any direction. There are few hills to navigate and lots of quiet scenery to enjoy.
WENATCHEE, THE CITY “IN BETWEEN”
A statue of metal magnate E.T. Pybus stands in Wenatchee’s 28,000-square-foot Pybus Public Market.
The city of Wenatchee owes its name to the indigenous people who once occupied this valley. The Wenatchi (also known as the P’Squosa) once made their home at the confluence of — or “in between” — the Wenatchee and Columbia rivers, as their name suggests. A nomadic people, they thrived on the valley’s rich habitat, largely undisturbed until the mid-19th century when gold was discovered in the Pacific Northwest and hopeful prospectors and ranchers arrived.
Reaching the valley was no easy feat for 19th-century pioneers, as it required crossing the Cascade Mountains by way of the 4,100-foot-high Blewett Pass, a rough pack trail that had been remade to accommodate horse-drawn wagons. Still, the prospect of gold and bountiful ranching country inspired thousands to make the trip. The Old Blewett Pass has since been replaced and is now a popular recreation trail.
As more settlers arrived in the area, the Wenatchi people were eventually forced out of the area. But their culture and influence live on. The Wenatchee River Salmon Festival in September has hosted a powwow and a Native American village, among other highlights, and the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center features exhibits about the area’s earliest inhabitants.
Ohme Gardens offers a bird’s-eye view of the Wenatchee Valley’s natural beauty.
Fair-weather months are ideal times to enjoy the valley’s abundant orchard fruits at local farmers markets. The 28,000-square-foot Pybus Public Market is a great place to find locally produced pears, apples, cherries, candies, jams, oils, and wines. It’s also the spot to shop for local art, enjoy a casual lunch, and attend public events. A mobile entertainment stage allows musical performances to be held inside or out, year-round.
A 9-acre park known as Ohme Gardens, which sits on a craggy overlook above the city, is another local favorite. Lovingly landscaped by a husband-and-wife team, Herman and Ruth Ohme, in the early 20th century, its rambling trails and overlooks showcase the valley’s unusual ecological beauty and are open to the public.
Chelan County’s many parks and walking trails are tailor-made for year-round recreation. The 10-mile-long Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail crisscrosses the two rivers, linking several of Wenatchee’s favorite attractions. Bring your bike, scooter, skateboard, or walking shoes and experience Wenatchee by trail.
Twenty minutes northwest of town on U.S. 2 is Aplets & Cotlets Candy Kitchen in Cashmere. Visitors can tour the factory and sample unique Turkish-style fruit candies, or purchase some to take home. Plenty of free parking for large rigs is available.
Leavenworth, Washington, is a Bavarian-style village filled with shops, plus restaurants that serve authentic German cuisine.
Another 10 to 15 minutes northwest is the town of Leavenworth. This former 19th-century rail town could easily be mistaken for a village in Germany’s Bavarian Alps. Stroll along the picturesque streets or enjoy ethnic German dishes at one of its many restaurants. It’s also the place for music and seasonal festivals. RV parking is available at the Glacier Lot (on the western outskirts of town), and accessible parking spots in the town are free for standard vehicles. It’s worth noting that some streets are restricted to pedestrians only or may be problematic for large RVs. Also, be aware of some small inclines and stairways within the town proper.
CAMPING IN WENATCHEE VALLEY
There’s no question: Wenatchee’s sunny, dry summer weather is perfect for camping. But it can often be hot as well, with average highs in the upper 80s but temperatures frequently hitting 90 degrees and above. The area’s lake and river attractions are plentiful, and most state, county, and city parks have boating and swimming areas — so bring your boat if you have one!
It can be difficult to reserve a spot in state and county parks on short notice, so you’ll want to book ahead. Rates are reasonable (around $40 per night during summer). Reservations open one year in advance and must be booked online.
Nearby Monitor, Washington, is home to picturesque Wenatchee River County Park.
The 194-acre Wenatchee Confluence State Park (the city’s only RV park) is popular and often hard to book for longer stays. But it’s still worth the visit. The park links up with the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail, making it easy to stop over for a picnic as you explore Wenatchee.
A 20-minute drive northeast on U.S. 97/U.S. 2 leads to Lincoln Rock State Park. Overlooking Lake Entiat, the 86-acre park is a favorite stop for RVers and locals who enjoy the quiet setting. Book early.
Farther north on U.S. 97, Daroga State Park and Beebe Bridge County Park in Orondo and Entiat City Park in Entiat offer comfortable rural settings. All booking is online (no drop-ins).
Lake Wenatchee State Park offers great sunset views, not to mention hiking trails, water sports, and RV camping.
In Monitor, 7 miles northwest of Wenatchee on U.S. 2, you’ll find the picturesque Wenatchee River County Park. This is prime orchard country, and just a short drive from Aplets & Cotlets Candy Kitchen in Cashmere. The park is well treed and overlooks the river. It’s also an easy drive from here to Leavenworth. Lake Wenatchee State Park, with ideal hiking trails, has RV camping as well.
Five private RV parks are located near Leavenworth, 30 to 40 minutes from Wenatchee. Blu-Shastin RV Park, Icicle River RV Resort, Alpine RV Park, Leavenworth/Pine Village KOA Holiday, and Thousand Trails Leavenworth feature a variety of amenities, some with riverside sites.
TRAVELING TO WENATCHEE
All of the highways leading to Wenatchee are well-maintained two- to four-lane roads. May 15 through September 15 are normally ideal times to travel over Washington’s mountain passes. Stevens Pass on U.S. 2 can have snow in late September.
From the east: Two principal highways connect with central Washington from Spokane. The four-lane Interstate 90 (joining State Route 281/28 to Wenatchee) and the two-lane U.S. 2 are easy to traverse. U.S. 2 west of Waterville has a steep, brief downgrade.
U.S. 2 is one of the routes RV travelers use to reach Wenatchee.
From the west (Seattle/Everett, Washington): Interstate 90 to U.S. 97 and the well-paved Snoqualmie and Blewett passes have scenic views with a mix of two- and four-lane sections and few sharper turns. Outbound Seattle traffic can be intense, especially in early to late afternoon.
U.S. 2 from Everett is preferred by many RVers for its scenery and good roads, with four lanes at Stevens Pass. Lots of small towns and hiking areas can be enjoyed en route. The first snowfall is possible in late September, but this doesn’t happen often.
From the south or north: U.S. 97 cuts through Wenatchee, starting at the California-Oregon border and ending in British Columbia, Canada. You’ll travel over Blewett Pass with moderate inclines. U.S. 97 south from Osoyoos, BC, is fairly flat, offering a bird’s-eye view of central Washington’s spacious, desertlike beauty.
GETTING THERE
Washington Department of Transportation
wsdot.com/travel/real-time
(map with real-time updates of highway conditions)
RV PARKS
Near Wenatchee: visitwenatchee.org/category/camping-rving
Near Leavenworth: leavenworth.org
ATTRACTIONS
Chelan County towns, festivals, and attractions:
visitchelancounty.com
In Wenatchee: visitwenatchee.org/explore
In Leavenworth: leavenworth.org
Applets & Cotlets Candy Kitchen (Liberty Orchards): libertyorchards.com
FESTIVALS
Wenatchee and Leavenworth are famous for their summer and early-fall festivals. Learn more at the following links.
Wenatchee: visitwenatchee.org/annual-events
Leavenworth: leavenworth.org (Play & Do )