10 must-do things before summer ends
Summer in North Central Washington is truly special. Long, sun-filled days invite us to spend a little more time in the moment. Whether it’s sharing a bottle of wine with friends, picking fresh fruit, or adventuring in the outdoors, summer is a season for exploring, reconnecting and savoring the places that make us grateful to call NCW home.
“The variety of terrain and recreation opportunities in this small geographic area is pretty immense,” said Jerri Barkley, Executive Director of Visit Chelan County.
With so many options at our finger tips, it can be overwhelming to decide how to spend precious summer days. So, here are ten must-do things to check off your list before the end of the season.
Paddleboard at Sunrise
There are few better ways to spend a hot summer in North Central Washington than getting out on the water. From the Cascades to the Columbia, the region offers endless opportunities for water recreation, whether it’s waterskiing across a glassy lake, carving through the wake on a jet ski, or floating the river with friends.
With so many great options, there’s no wonder why the region attracts thousands of people to its shorelines every season. However, between motorboats, crowded beaches and floating parties, finding a quiet moment on the water can be difficult.
But there are few disruptions to be found at sunrise.
Paddle boarding at dawn offers a side of our lakes and rivers that most people don’t get to see. The water is calm enough to reflect the surrounding mountains, and it’s quiet enough to hear only the sounds of singing birds and the rhythmic stroke of your paddle.
And while most people are asleep, the rivers and lakes are active with wildlife. In the early hours of the morning, you might catch an osprey diving for fish, bats flying overhead, or otters breaching the surface.
However, paddle boarding does come with inherent risks, regardless of your ability. Always wear a life jacket, check weather conditions, use a leash, start small and stay hydrated. And of course, maintain a respectful distance from wildlife.
Visit Chelan County recommends Manson Bay Park, Chelan Riverwalk Park and Don Morse Park for Lake Chelan access. In Wenatchee, look into Walla Walla Point Park, Confluence State Park or the Horan Natural Area. Entiat City Park also has Columbia River access. In Leavenworth, check out Lake Wenatchee or mellow sections of the Wenatchee River.
Visit Ohme Gardens
Ohme Gardens is one of the more unique outdoor destinations in the Wenatchee Valley, offering an alpine oasis among the rocky shrubsteppe. It all started when Herman Ohme purchased 40 acres of land for an orchard nearly a hundred years ago. According to the garden’s history, the acreage had a bluff that offered breathtaking views of the snow-capped Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River valley, but the ground itself was craggy, desolate, and rock-strewn. Ohme and his wife, Ruth, would stand on the bluff and dream of alpine meadows, shimmering pools and shady evergreen pathways in a place where the scorching summer sun was relentless.
After years of hard work transplanting evergreens, laying stone pathways and hand watering the gardens, the Ohmes brought their vision to life. Today, the Ohme Gardens map features winding pathways through lush gardens, shaded benches, waterfalls and pools, with the same views that inspired the Ohmes all those years ago.
When the temperatures reach peak highs this summer, you can find respite in Ohme Gardens, thanks to the hard work and vision of Herman and Ruth.
To add a little magic to your visit, check the Ohme Gardens website for a schedule of events in the gardens, such as Sound Healing and Yoga Nidra sessions, story hours and movie nights. Or, look for the gnomes and fairies hidden throughout the gardens.
Sip wine overlooking the lake
Designated in 2009, Lake Chelan is the 11th AVA (American Viticultural Area) in Washington State. The shores of the breathtaking lake host over 30 wineries, each one revealing the distinct personalities of their grapes and winemaker. Enjoy the unique palette of Lake Chelan wines, take in the breathtaking views, and settle into the present this summer.
Amos Rome Vineyards makes fine wines that are meant to showcase the unique climate and terroir of the Lake Chelan Wine Valley. Its grapes are exclusively grown in the Lake Chelan AVA, many of which can be seen surrounding the tasting room. Enjoy the sunshine and stunning views from the deck or lawn, and be sure to check out Amos Rome’s event calendar for upcoming live music.
“Summer at Amos Rome Vineyards is about slowing down and savoring the moment. There’s something special about sitting among the very vines where our estate fruit is grown, taking in the panoramic lake and mountain views, and enjoying a glass of wine made just steps from where the grapes were harvested. It’s an authentic Lake Chelan AVA experience that simply can’t be replicated,” said Amos Rome’s Briana Clark.
Perched right on the south shore, Siren Song Vineyard Estate and Winery invites visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of Lake Chelan. The seven-acre property includes estate vineyards, a tasting room, dining areas, lounge area, and overnight accommodations. Each experience offers stunning lake and vineyard views while being surrounded by lush gardens, fountains, and whimsical works of art.
But don’t stop there. The Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce’s website offers an extensive list of must-visit wineries, and you can’t go wrong with any one of them.
Play a round of golf with picturesque views
With surrounding views of rolling hills, the Columbia River and Cascade Mountains, you would be hard pressed to find a golf course in North Central Washington with sub-par views. No pun intended.
Nestled along Lake Wenatchee, Kahler Mountain Club’s 18-hole, par 70 golf course challenges skills at every level while offering beautiful views of the surrounding forest and Cascade Mountains. Be sure to work up an appetite, as the Wildflour Restaurant offers a delicious menu of craft cocktails and chef-driven food, with a focus on handmade pasta.
In East Wenatchee, you can find breathtaking views of the Columbia River from the Highlander Golf Course. The 18-hole course features three canyon-carry holes carved into the sheer cliffside above the river, a challenging water feature and more.
In Chelan, Bear Mountain Ranch takes pride in maintaining an immaculate 350-acre championship level golf course, offering challenge at every skill level. Set among rolling terrain and natural plateaus, the course offers panoramic views of Lake Chelan.
“The views are unparalleled. You get a birdseye view of the Lake Chelan Valley for most of the front nine. Things always look better from on top of the mountain! The best view would come from the tee box of our signature hole, the par 3 seventh,” said Head Golf Professional Chase Snodgrass.
Snodgrass offers some advice: play from one shorter set of peas then you think you need to, and always hit one extra club than you think you need to going uphill.
“This is one of the toughest golf courses in central Washington-but it makes for even more satisfaction upon completion,” said Snodgrass.
If you like Bear Mountain Ranch, consider taking a trip to one of its sister courses: Desert Canyon Golf Resort in Orondo, Rock Island Golf Course in East Wenatchee, or Alta Lake Golf Resort in Pateros.
Pick fresh fruit at a local orchard
The bounty of fresh fruit is arguably one of the best parts of summer. There’s nothing like tasting the warmth of the season in a juicy peach or the explosion of sweetness from a handful of berries, especially when you’ve picked them yourself.
There’s something oddly satisfying about picking fruit, whether it’s the excitement of finding a hidden bunch behind the branches or the reward of filling up a bucket. Maybe, it just brings us back to the child-like joy and wonder of summer.
Lucky for us, North Central Washington is famous for its agriculture, thanks to the basin’s dry summers, fertile soil and cool nights.
Stutzman Ranch has deep roots in Wenatchee Valley, starting as a homestead in 1907. Today, the fourth-generation farm grows a variety of delicious tree fruit for visitors to pick or buy at the fruit stand. This time of year is often ideal for peaches, but it’s best to visit Stutzman Ranch’s website for hours, harvest windows and details.
Here’s a tip: consider grilling your peaches for an extra sweet treat. Sprinkle them with a little sugar and cinnamon — or balsamic vinegar reduction — then serve with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
While many may know Annie’s Fun Farm for its pumpkin patch, the East Wenatchee farm has plenty of u-pick opportunities throughout the harvest season. U-pick blueberries start in July, as well as the farm’s u-pick veggie garden. Through late summer, you can find vegetables, melons and one of the best flavors of summer: sweet corn.
Wander a farmers market
The farmers market is synonymous with summer, and for good reason. It brings together some of the best parts of the season: delicious produce, fresh flowers, live music and the joy of a sunny morning stroll. Plus, it feels good to splurge on that fresh bouquet, French pastry or artisanal cheese knowing that the purchase is supporting local business.
In the upper Wenatchee Valley, you can find Cascade Community Markets every Saturday in the heart of Leavenworth. On second and fourth Saturdays of the month, treat yourself to an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast served by the Leavenworth Lions Club. For a more low-key experience, Cascade Community Markets is at the Cashmere Museum on Wednesday nights.
The Wenatchee Valley Farmers Market runs every Saturday in front of Pybus Public Market. Consider riding your bike to the market, which sits along the Apple Capital Loop trail. Sustainable Bike CoOp provides secure and staffed bicycle parking for market shoppers, and is even offering bike safety inspections and recommendations at no cost.
Grab a bite to eat, enjoy some entertainment and shop local at the Chelan Farmers Market every Thursday evening at River Walk Park. Look for Laurel’s Crown Cheese, which is made with grass-fed milk from Jersey Cows in the Knapps-Coulee Valley. Catch the Manson Farmers Market Wednesday and Saturday mornings in the Manson Grange Parking Lot.
Get a bird’s eye view
North Central Washington is nature’s playground when it comes to adventure sports. With world-class climbing, kayaking, mountain biking and stunning backdrops, there’s no wonder it’s a destination for adrenaline seekers.
For those who love the thrill, why not add a new activity to the list? And while you’re at it, gain a new perspective —- from thousands of feet in the air.
With Skydive Chelan, you can view Lake Chelan and the surrounding area from 7,500-13,000 feet in the air. According to the website, a typical tandem skydive involves a 20-minute scenic plane ride, 30 to 60 seconds of freefall, and a 5-7 minute parachute ride back to Earth.
If complete freefall isn’t your thing, Chelan Airsports — brought to you by the same owners — offers tandem paraglide trips. Soar over the region with views of Lake Chelan, the Columbia River, and the snow-capped Cascade Mountains.
“There’s something truly unique about seeing Lake Chelan from the air. The contrast between the crystal-clear lake, the surrounding mountains, orchards, and vineyards is breathtaking,” said Sonya Kadrevis of Skydive Chelan. “Even people who have lived here for years tell us they see the valley in a completely new way after a skydive. It’s a perspective that very few people experience, and it’s one they never forget.”
For the ultimate Chelan experience, opt for the winery tandem with either skydiving or paragliding. Your flight will land among the vineyards, where you can enjoy a nice glass of wine to celebrate.
If once isn’t enough, the sister companies offer training and instruction for skydiving, paragliding, speedflying and paramotoring.
Get outside at Stevens Pass
The summer season is the perfect time to get to know another side of Stevens Pass, which is best known for its wintertime terrain. Centrally located between several Wilderness areas and two National Forests, trails around Stevens Pass offer stunning alpine views.
“Summer at Stevens Pass offers a whole different way to experience the Cascades, with hiking, disc golf, lift-access biking, and mountain views all in one place. Whether guests are visiting for the day or settling into the RV lot as a weekend basecamp, it’s a place to slow down, explore, and make the most of summer in the mountains,” said Communications Manager Miranda Faulkner.
From Stevens Pass, hikers can access a segment of the famous Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), which spans 2,650 miles in total from Mexico to Canada. A 2 mile hike south will take hikers to the Cascade Crest and breathtaking vistas of the Chiwaukum Mountains and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Stevens Pass is also a popular resupply spot for long-term PCT hikers, many of whom have walked from Mexico.
Those looking for a more leisurely activity can take a scenic chairlift ride up and walk down the 2.5 mile Cowboy Mountain Nature Trail. The trail winds through mountain meadows, talus slopes and alpine forests. The trail intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail, so hikers can follow this trail up for a bit more exercise, or head directly to the base area. The trails are known for revealing alpine wildflowers, marmots, pika, ravens, mountain hemlock and Alaska yellow cedar.
The mountain also offers other summer activities, such as a trail network of downhill mountain biking and an 18-hole disc golf course. Visitors can take their time by staying a few nights in the RV lot.
After your outing, cool-off with an ice cream from the T-Bar. If you buy a scenic chairlift ride, the ice cream is free.
Take a walking tour of Leavenworth
It’s no doubt that Leavenworth is a destination for the senses, from incredible views and charming storefronts, to traditional musical performances, beer gardens and bratwurst. But there’s more beyond the surface.
Bavarian Walking Tours invites visitors and locals alike to get to know Leavenworth through the eyes of its guides: a town with a vibrant community and rich history.
Along a scenic walk, guides share the story of Leavenworth from the first people of the area to the Great Northern Railroad, the logging industry, and the eventual transition to an Alpine Village, sharing fun facts about the town along the way.
Sign up for the Sip & Stroll to pair your historical walking tour with a wine tasting, or opt for beer with the brewery tour. For cuisine, enjoy a three-course Bavarian lunch with the Bite of Bavaria tour.
“At the heart of every tour is the unique and entertaining history of the area. Our guests not only get to learn about the area, but they get to sample some of the best wine, beer, and food in the world while doing so. Not to mention, our guides are very well connected in the area and every tour is a VIP experience for our guests,” said expert guide and co-owner Tom Potter.
Save some time after your tour to visit the Greater Leavenworth Museum — tours come with a complimentary 7-day pass. Want to see more? Potter suggests adding a tour with Bavarian E-Bike Tours. The E-Bike tour takes visitors beyond Front Street for a 16-mile journey through some of the best views in the valley.
See a sky full of stars in the Methow
For thousands of years, the night sky has been an endless source of wonder and inspiration for human imagination. Yet, artificial light has made it increasingly difficult to see the stars in all of their unobstructed beauty, making locations with truly dark skies a rare delight.
The Methow Valley is known for having some of the darkest skies in the country, making it an unmatched destination for stargazing. The Methow Dark Sky Coalition recommends several viewing options throughout the area, including Harts Pass/Slate Peak, Mazama Meadows and Sweet Grass Butte.
The coalition recommends Pearrygin Lake State Park as an accessible viewing point near town, with options to camp. Check in with park staff before you plan your trip —- rangers often hold Saturday night interpretive star tours, staffing and weather permitting, starting in late July.
Highway 20 has several safe pullouts for stargazing, but passing traffic may interfere with your observation. A short walk to the Washington Pass Overlook can provide some peace as well as views of the Milky Way above Liberty Bell and the Silver Star mountains.
Before you go, check out the coalition’s website for more information about stargazing conditions, viewing locations and light pollution: methowdarksky.org.
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