Wenatchee

Highway 2 follows the Wenatchee river as it tumbles toward it confluence with the Columbia River at Wenatchee. Chat with friendly shopkeepers and explore boutiques, galleries, and Art on the Avenues’ impressive collection of outdoor public art. Stop by the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Center and Tasting Room to get personalized guidance for local activities and sample local wines, craft beers and handmade ciders! 

If you are flying in to visit this area of the Loop, Alaska Airlines offers direct service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) -- to Pangborn Memorial Airport.  

Pybus Public Market is a community gathering spot and the permanent home of the Wenatchee Valley Farmers Market, boutique shops, and family-owned and operated restaurants. Shop and dine at Pybus then go for a walk on the adjacent riverfront, which links more than 25 miles of well-maintained, paved paths that constitute the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail. It crosses two bridges and circles both sides of the Columbia River.

The Wenatchee Valley is known for its year-round outdoor recreation. Hike the surrounding foothills and explore well-maintained trail systems. Warm months are popular for stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing in the Wenatchee and Columbia rivers. Visit cdlandtrust.org for detailed foothills trail information and maps.

Winter draws alpine skiers and snowboard enthusiasts to neighboring Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort, a short 12 miles out of town. The locals are sensitive to wildlife migratory needs during this time of year, so be sure to check in with cdlandtrust.org for information regarding seasonal trail closures before heading out for a quick snowshoe.

For an adrenaline rush on the water, book a tour with Wiley's Boat Rides -- for a Hot Rod Cruise on the Columbia River!

For a fun look at the history of the region, with exhibits of everything from the historic Pangborn Flight, to a wall of apple box labels, plan to visit the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center.  

Peer at 11,000-year-old Clovis points, see an amazing working model railroad and a 1919 Wurlitzer pipe organ. Art exhibits rotate through the spaces, and they host many outings with historic tours to places like Wells House, Stehekin, Liberty Bell, and locations along the Columbia River.  

Setup Basecamp with these Wenatchee partners: Warm Spring Inn and Winery, Hilton Garden Inn, and Residence Inn.

Malaga

Just southeast of Wenatchee, Malaga, named after the wine region in Spain, earned it's name from its amazing grape growing landscape, between the Columbia River and the steep hillsides of the Wenatchee Mountain Range.  

Wine tasting is just one of the activities here ... Three Lakes Golf Course is one of the premiere courses in the region, just minutes outside of Wenatchee in the undulating ancient river ledge near the Columbia River. 

This area is also known for cherry orchards. Watch for helicopters flying low to blow water off the fruit trees in the spring, to aid a healthy harvest!

North Wenatchee

Heading North from Wenatchee, you can see an oasis of pine trees on the sage-covered hillside. Ohme Gardens has been a celebrated valley icon since 1929. Build a couple of hours into your schedule to explore the alpine flora, native stone paths and refreshing ponds. 

Along the way to the next community of Entiat, stop in at the Rocky Reach Discovery Center! Stretch your legs and explore the property’s manicured gardens and plan to enjoy a leisurely picnic! The Discovery Center was recently renovated and now there are even more amazing exhibits for young and old alike -- you can even pilot a Steamboat up the virtual Columbia River!

Entiat

Heading north along the Columbia River you will pass through the small town of Entiat, at the confluence of the Entiat and Columbia Rivers. The City Park is complete with beach access, a boat launch, restrooms and camping. A little further up the road, stop at the Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center (milepost 217). This free self-guided walk explains the role wildfires play in local forests and foothills. This is also the location of the Entiat Visitor Center, where you can get information about trail conditions and activities in the area.