Summer may be winding down, but there’s still plenty of time to soak up the sunshine in Wenatchee. Whether you're squeezing in a weekend getaway or making the most of summer close to home, here are ten can't-miss experiences to check off your summer bucket list before the season ends.  

‍

 Walk (or bike) the Apple Capital Loop Trail

There's no better way to experience Wenatchee on a sunny day than by walking or biking the Apple Capital Loop Trail. This scenic riverside path winds through downtown and along the Columbia River, making it easy to stop for a coffee, browse local shops, or celebrate your ride with a drink at a downtown brewery. If you need a bike rental, be sure to check out Arlberg Sports downtown.  Please note: the Apple Capital Loop remains closed at both access points to the Clark Pipeline Bridge and across the bridge itself, so we recommend sticking to the Wenatchee side of the loop trail.  

Catch a sunset at Saddle Rock

Lace up your hiking shoes and head up to Saddle Rock for a short 3-mile roundtrip hike, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the sunset and valley below. Make sure to time it right so you’ll reach the top around golden hour and give yourself time to get back down before it gets dark. Perfect for a fun date night!

Visit Ohme Gardens

A hidden hillside oasis, a visit to Wenatchee in the summer is not complete without a visit to Ohme Gardens, where you’ll wander through towering cedar and Douglas fir trees, open meadows, small waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. Make sure to check out their seasonal events for the chance to catch a live show, yoga in the garden, or a movie night.  

Paddle the Columbia River

Cool off with an afternoon on the Columbia River. Rent a kayak or paddle board from Full Throttle Recreation Club and explore the river from launch points like Walla Walla Point Park, Confluence State Park, and Horan Natural Area.

Visit the Wenatchee Valley Farmers Market

As the largest farmer’s market in the region, the Wenatchee Valley Farmers Market is a must during the summer. Grab a coffee, listen to live music, and browse booths filled with peak-season produce, fresh baked goods, flowers, and handmade gifts. Open every Saturday, 8am – 1pm. The Farmers Market runs through the end of October.

Enjoy a meal on an outdoor patio

Long summer evenings are best spent on a patio. Whether you're craving burgers, pasta, or local craft beer, downtown Wenatchee has plenty of inviting outdoor dining spots. Make sure to check out McGlinn’s Public House, Rail Station & Ale House, Visconti’s Italian Restaurant and Fire at Pybus Market.

Grab an ice cream downtown

The perfect way to end a summer day? Ice cream, of course! Try  Zully’s for their iconic rolled ice cream, Owl Soda Fountain & Gifts for traditional ice cream, or Ice at Pybus Market for a classic gelato.  

Explore the shops at Pybus Public Market

Take a stroll through Pybus Public Market, Wenatchee’s open-air market in a renovated, historic steel warehouse, home to local vendors, artisan goods, and specialty shops. It’s an easy stop along the Apple Capital Loop Trail or if you're already walking downtown.  

Attend a live music show

Summer and live music go hand in hand. Enjoy live shows throughout breweries, cideries, and restaurants around Wenatchee. A few of our favorites include Union Hill Cider Co, Wenatchee Valley Brewery, and Chateau Faire Le Pont. Make sure to check out their websites for schedules of upcoming live music.  

Summer activities at Mission Ridge

Make the most of the final weeks of summer with a trip up to Mission Ridge! While it's best known for skiing, the mountain transforms into a summer playground from June through October, offering scenic hiking trails, mountain biking, fishing, delicious dining at Chair 5 Pub, and a lineup of fun weekend events, all just 20 minutes from downtown Wenatchee.

‍