Outdoor Activities
The Wenatchee Valley is one of the country’s most diverse natural playgrounds – and it’s open year-round. With over 300 days of sunshine and four distinct seasons, our sports and recreational venues are abundant. You have direct access to a variety of sports and recreational opportunities that match virtually any person’s interest, fitness level, and flair for adventure or technical skills. Begin the day skiing on Mission Ridge; by four o’clock you’re trying to avoid sand traps at Highlander Golf Club. Go fishing the next morning along the mighty Columbia River, then take your mountain bike off road in the mountains of the Wenatchee Valley. This place will amaze you.
Mission Ridge
As the sun pushes back the clouds, the adventure begins at Mission Ridge, in the heart of Washington State where the jagged peaks of the Cascade Range meet the high rugged desert of Eastern Washington. Operating on 2,000 acres and offering 2,250 vertical feet and the highest base area in the state the parking lot is a short 12 miles drive south of Wenatchee. A volcanic past has created a ridge where - peaks shimmer on one side and the Columbia River rolls majestically through Eastern Washington on the other. But don’t let the view distract you; Mission Ridge has over 2000 acres to explore. Carve tree lined groomers, float through wide-open bowls, wiggle through glades, or scream down narrow chutes. Experience the difference – the sunshine, the powder, the food and the fun – the memories last a lifetime. Call 509.663.6543 or www.missionridge.com
Camping
No need to rush home. Many of the public parks along the Wenatchee and Columbia Rivers feature campgrounds where you can stay and play. To find out more about campgrounds in the Wenatchee Valley , call (800) 572-7753.
Rafting
Ready for the wettest, wildest ride of your life? Or how about a leisurely cruise checking out the wildlife down the river? You can do both, and more, on the many rivers in the area. There are professional rafting companies who lead floats of all levels as well as provide all the necessary equipment. You can usually get a CD of the pictures of your trip as well. This is a great way to spend an afternoon with your family and friends!
Fishing
Cast your line into one of the hundreds of lakes, streams and babbling brooks that make North Central Washington a fisherman’s paradise. Head for the big rivers for salmon, quiet lakes for bass, or hike up into the foothills where the trout are making their way upstream. There is something here for every angler. For more information on fishing in the Wenatchee Valley call (800) 572-7753 or check out what the Fishin’ Magician has to say.
Hiking & Mountain Biking
The 2,500 miles of recreational trails in the Wenatchee National Forest ought to keep you busy for a while. Many of the National Forest trails allow use by mountain bikes or horses. You’ll also find miles and miles of single-track networking through the hills around Wenatchee . For more information on hiking and mountain biking in the Wenatchee Valley call (800) 572-7753.
Rock Climbing
There are a lot of famous faces around here – rock faces that is. Among the best known are the sandstone slabs of Peshastin Pinnacles State Park . If clattering up walls or rappelling down them is your idea of a good time, then North Central Washington is a great place to be.
Apple Capital Loop Trail
Walk, run, bike or rollerblade-No matter how you travel, the Apple Capital Loop Trail makes a marvelous outing. Skirting the shores of the Columbia River on both banks, the 11-mile Loop Trail leads you through parks and habitat areas, past playgrounds and swimming holes, offering respite from a hectic day or a beautiful place to follow up on that fitness program. With entry points all along the trail, a favorite is via the Riverwalk Crossing pedestrian overpass in downtown Wenatchee . On the Wenatchee side of the river, the trail lights stay on until midnight .
Road Cycling
Members of the Apple Capital Bicycle Club will vouch for the joys of hitting the road on two wheels around here. Annual events such as the Sunrise Rotary Century Ride and the Tour de Vine (a biking tour around area vineyards) bring out the bike enthusiasts by the hordes. LINK, the public bus system, is also equipped to carry cyclists to and from their starting points. To find out more about biking clubs and events in the area call (800) 572-7753 or visit www.wenatcheevalleysports.com.
Apple Country Bike Tour
Sponsored by Wenatchee Sunrise Rotary, every year hundreds of bikers gear up for this 100-mile ride that has become one of the Northwest’s premier cycling events. Participants can choose between the 100-mile course and an abbreviated 50-mile version. Each takes you down scenic byways along the Columbia River . Rider’s carbo-load at the Friday night pasta feed and wind down on Saturday afternoon at the Finish Line Fest, both featuring live music and good fun. All proceeds from the ride benefit community service projects. For more information visit www.wenatcheesunrise.org/century.
The Columbia River
You’re never far from a dock or a boat launch around here. Whether you get up for some early morning water-skiing while the Columbia is still glassy or paddle your way around Confluence State Park on your lunch break, the waterborne recreational opportunities are endless. Windsurfers, sunbathers and boaters of all types make themselves at home in these waters. For more information on water sports in the Wenatchee Valley call (800) 572-7753.
Whitewater Rafting
Thrill seekers often find their way to the Wenatchee River, Washington’s biggest Class III whitewater run. Even more challenging is the Chelan River Gorge. Adrenaline-pumping rapids interspersed with lazy drifting along serene stretches of river make for memorable, invigorating trips. The rafting season typically runs from late March to early August. For more information on whitewater rafting call (800) 572-7753.
Swimming Pools
Make a splash! City and county pools combine with facilities at the high school, the YMCA and the Wenatchee Racquet and Athletic Club to offer a broad selection of recreational and competition pools, as well as numerous swimming lesson programs. For more information contact the Wenatchee Valley Sports Council at (800) 572-7753.
City & County Parks & Playgrounds
The cities of Wenatchee and East Wenatchee offer 115 acres of public parks, havens for family recreation and enjoyment. Add to that more than 800 acres of parks maintained by the Chelan and Douglas County PUD’s, and you have an unending range of options for how best to spend all those sunny afternoons. Many of the Parks offer a variety of youth and adult sports programs. For more information about the parks and their programs, contact the Wenatchee Valley Sports Council at (800) 572-7753 or visit www.wenatcheevalleysports.com.
Eastmont Metropolitan Parks District
Eastmont Metropolitan Parks consist of multiple parks with each offering a variety of options for its guests. Eastmont Community Park comprises 26 acres, a baseball 4-plex, soccer field, football, restrooms, kitchen shelters, horseshoe pits, radio control car racing, and an Aquatic Center operated by the YMCA. It is also the host site for the East Wenatchee Events Board annual Classy Chassis Car Show & Parade and the Wings and Wheels Festival. Tedford Park comprises 14 acres, a baseball field, soccer fields, restroom and lots of shade trees. Kenroy Park ‘ s 5 acres includes play equipment and kitchen shelters. Pangborn / Herndon Memorial Park is half of an acre that overlooks the Wenatchee Valley .
Youth activities are abundant: baseball, Babe Ruth, basketball, girl’s fast pitch, soccer, football, tennis camps, golf camps, basketball camps and summer day camps. Adult activities are available: men’s basketball & men’s soccer. Visit www.eastmontparks.com for information.