Wenatchee makes the ultimate winter retreat for your active weekend getaway — but it flies under the radar of many travelers. As a born-and-raised western Washingtonian, I’d never thought much about the eastern Washington town, until this past January when I took a fantastic trip! So, if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path cold-weather destination, plan your Wenatchee vacation now!
What I discovered:
- Wonderful independent ski resort sans crowds and runs for all types of skiers and snowboarders
- Surprisingly delicious food scene for such a small town
- Lots of outdoor activities: skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and winter hikes
- Ideal for families and couples!
This trip was hosted by Visit Wenatchee. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Go Skiing, Snowboarding or Snowshoeing
Mission Ridge Ski and Snowboard Resort
An easy 20 drive from downtown Wenatchee, this resort has wide array of runs (making it great for mixed-level groups), as well as weekly snowshoe tours for those who don’t want to hit the slopes.
- Why go:
- Skiers: 2,000 acres with 2,250 ft vertical rise, 70 trails, backcountry options for experts.
- Snowboarders: 2,000 acres with 2,250 ft vertical rise, no limits on trails for boarders, multiple terrain parks
- Snowshoers: Guided 1.5 mile treks perfect for beginners (4:30-7pm)
- Best for: All levels of skiers and boarders, especially families. Lil’ Bombers terrain park is perfect for kids wanting to work on tricks and is located right by the Mimi green run. More advanced skiers and snowboarders can check out theYeti art installation and the 1944 B-24 Liberator heavy bomber wing at the top of the mountain, only accessible by ski or snowboard in winter, or hit the backcountry trails.
- Pricing: dynamic lift tickets meaning the price varies on the date and day of week
- Full day (9am-close): adults from $79 and youth from $59
- Twilight (1pm-close): adults from $39 and youth from $19
- Beginner ticket (Chair 1/Bunny slope only): $59
- Indy Season Passes accepted (annual lift tickets redeemable at 250 independent resorts across North & South America and Europe, more info on the Indy Pass website)
Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!
Squilchuck State Park
Alternatively, you can snowshoe sans guide at Squilchuck State Park. More info and a downloadable map linked here.
- Why go: miles of cross-country and snowshoe trails
- Best for: experienced snowshoers who have their own gear and don’t require a guide
- Pricing: the Discover Pass is required (The Discover Pass provides access to the state’s managed parklands and onsite parking.)
SheBuysTravel Tip: Please note that the dirt road to the parking lot isn’t always open in winter. In that case, park on the side of the road (no pass required) and walk in through the gate.
Hike the Winter Trails
Snow covers many of the area’s trails, but hiking enthusiasts still have a few scenic options.
Saddle Rock
- Distance and Elevation: 3.1 miles round-trip, 920 feet of elevation gain
- Difficulty: high
- About: Named for the rock formations that resemble a saddle. A short but steep climb that can be snowy and icy at the very top where hikers enjoy panoramic views of Wenatchee, the Columbia River and surrounding mountain peaks.
Castle Rock
- Distance and Elevation: 2.1 miles round-trip, 664 feet of elevation gain
- Difficulty: high
- About: Popular short route near town. Please take care at the top where the path becomes more rock than trail and can be slippery after rain or snow.
Apple Capital Loop Trail
- Distance and Elevation: 10 miles round-trip, 600 feet of elevation gain
- Difficulty: medium
- About: Wenatchee produces the largest amount of apples in Washington state and proudly calls itself the “Apple Capital of the World.” As a born-and-raised Washingtonian, I side-eye any fruit from out of state. This loop trail follows and crosses the Columbia River, providing river views and an experience around town.
Horan Natural Area
- Distance and Elevation: 2.5 miles round-trip, no elevation gain
- Difficulty: low
- About: A section of the Loop Trail located in a protected area near downtown. Keep an eye out for birds, deer, muskrats and more!
Get Festive at Rails and Ales
Every March, for one Saturday, Orlando Avenue downtown for Wenatchee’s largest professional skiing and snowboarding competition, Rails and Ales. Over at Centennial Park, families can enjoy a snow-sport playground before the competition kicks off. Visitors can refuel with local bites and drinks while listening to live music.
Where To Eat and Drink in Wenatchee
The stellar food and drink scene proved the most surprising part of my trip to Wenatchee. I only visited for a weekend, so I couldn’t try all the amazing establishments in town, but I’ve listed my curated must-try spots below.
Pybus Public Market
The east side’s version of Pike Place! Once I glanced at the sign, I nearly thought I’d teleported back to Seattle. However, the smaller Pybus consists mainly of restaurants, cafes, and community spaces with a few shops. Each eatery has indoor seating and some have seasonal outdoor space, closed in winter. You can see most of it in an hour, although I recommend you come back to a few spots for food and drink during your visit!
Coffee & Breakfast
- Little Red’s Espresso & Bakery — Located just outside Pybus Public Market in a converted airstream, the efficient team serves up high-quality lattes, homemade pastries, and epic breakfast burritos.
- La Vie En Coffee Bar & Bakery — Brews amazing coffee and the best croissants I’ve had outside of France. The eclectic decor creates a fun atmosphere to start the morning. And don’t miss homemade macarons and other croissant-based pastries.
- Mela Coffee Roasting Company — Local coffee roasting company, ideal remote work spot or grab-and-go coffee spot. Don’t forget to grab some beans to bring home!
Lunch & Dinner
- Anvil Sandwich Company — Located closer to the river park than other places, Anvil breaks up a river walk or Apple Capital Loop nicely. Delicious signature sandwiches satisfy even the hungriest of visitors, as will the soup and pastries.
- Tastebuds — A wine shop with the freshest salads in town. All locally sourced ingredients and an impressive wine collection. Great if you want to try Washington wines, but don’t have time for wineries or like me, visit in winter when most are closed.
- Garlinis Napoletana — I had some of the best pizza at this decades-old local favorite spot. The Garlinis immigrated from Naples (the hometown of pizza) in the 1950s and even though a new owner took over in the 2000s the recipes haven’t changed.
Drink
- Pinnacle Beerworks — A new brewery in town with some of the friendliest staff (a tough competition in Wenatchee). Standard fares of IPAs and Pilsners, but my favorite was the Champagne Sour!
- Taproom by Hellbent Brewing — A location in Pybus, a favorite brewery in Wenatchee with a full bar and farm-fresh seasonal ingredient menu.
Where I Stayed in Wenatchee
I stayed at the well-located Hilton Garden Inn in Wenatchee’s redeveloped area. It’s a short walk to Pybus Public Market, the riverside trail and downtown via a pedestrian bridge.
My spacious double queen room featured great mountain views and ample closet space. The large bathroom had a luxurious walk-in shower, an expansive vanity with plenty of get-ready space but, alas, no bathtub.
Amenities include:
- Breakfast and dinner service
- Lobby bar
- On-site market kiosk
- Indoor pool and hot tub for your apres-ski
- Pet-friendly rooms
- Fitness center
- Free parking
Getting There
Wenatchee, in eastern Washington is bisected by the Columbia River into Wenatchee and West Wenatchee. Wenatchee is the main hub for hotels, restaurants and activities.
- Fly: While Pangborn Memorial Airport (EAT) offers regional flights, many visitors arrive via Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) or Spokane (GEG) and then drive.
- Drive: Wenatchee, accessible via Washington’s network of interstates and state routes is under 3 hours from Seattle, Spokane and the Idaho border.
- Train: Amtrak’s Empire Builder (Seattle to Chicago) has a stop in Wenatchee, with the trip from Seattle taking four hours.
About the Winter Weather
Eastern Washington has a very different climate from the Westside’s humid, temperate rainforest weather. Temperatures run in the 20s and 30s Fahrenheit, but the east’s dryer climate results in a nice winter feel. Wenatchee also boasts more sunny days than the other side of the mountains.
Average temps in Fahreheit:
- December: 25 to 35 degrees
- January: 27 to 36 degrees
- February: 31 to 44 degrees Fahrenheit
- March: 37 to 47 degrees Fahrenheit
Source: WeatherSpark
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