The birds are singing, the first buds are beginning to bloom, and there’s no denying it any longer – spring is here. Whether you’ve been cooped up inside all winter or you’re reluctantly preparing to put your skis away, we think it’s high time you take in the spring scenery in Washington’s Playground. Here are our recommendations for getting in some #NewViews this season!
Lake Chelan
Known for its impressive wine and crystal-clear waters, the Lake Chelan Valley is an ideal springtime destination. Take a stroll around the Riverwalk Park loop or head into the hills for a hike amongst budding wildflowers. Elephants Head trail is a local springtime favorite, offering unobstructed views of Lake Chelan and the Columbia River. For the more adventurous souls, take advantage of some of the best paragliding conditions in the country. Soar high above the wildflowers and water after launching from the top of the Chelan Butte. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Events:
April 10 – Chef’s Table with Amos Rome Vineyards – Join Amos Rome Vineyards for a Chef’s Table event. This monthly event is a unique, curated dining experience featuring hyper-seasonal and locally sourced dishes that showcase the seasons and flavors of Chelan prepared by Campbell’s Executive Chef Jayson Thompson. Each course is thoughtfully paired with local wines. Trust us when we say you will not be disappointed.
May 20-23 – Lake Chelan Wine and Jazz Festival – Take in the beauty of the Lake Chelan Valley while enjoying a glass of wine and live jazz music. This 4-day festival showcases twenty-three internationally acclaimed jazz musicians and the wonderful wineries of the Lake Chelan Valley. Grab your tickets soon to enjoy exquisite live performances against the backdrop of beautiful Lake Chelan.
For more information on events, click here.
Wenatchee
Consider Wenatchee your recreation station. Its central location makes it close to all kinds of fun, including water sports, hiking, and climbing! Hike Saddle Rock for a sweeping overlook of the Wenatchee Valley or hit Sage Hills for a 5.5-mile trip on bike or foot. Brave the cold waters of the Columbia River on your kayak or stand-up paddle board. Or head to Stairway to Heaven on the lower slopes of Twin Peaks to get your mountain biking fill.
Events:
April 23rd & 24th – Laugh Riot – Enjoy an evening of live comedy from Rob Little and Karen Rontowski at the Wenatchee Convention Center. Tickets include a prime rib dinner – need we say more? Don’t wait to reserve your table of up to 6 people – tickets are very limited this year and are expected to sell out fast!
June 3-13 – Washington State Apple Blossom Festival – This ever popular annual festival will be happening this June! Everyone’s favorite food fair and beer garden at Memorial Park will be in full swing, as well as the famous carnival, Classy Chassis Parade and Car Show and Stemilt Grand Parade!
June 5th – Apple Century Bike Ride – This 50- or 100-mile bike ride is hosted on the first Saturday of June every year by the Wenatchee Sunrise Rotary Club. The best part? Registration fees help support the Challenge Scholarship Program for at-risk high school students! The ride begins in Wenatchee and continues all the way to Lake Wenatchee. (Those who want the shorter ride can opt to return upon arriving in Leavenworth.) This year’s ride is tentatively scheduled for June 5th with current health and safety protocols being monitored. Take in the scenery of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, and beyond as you follow the river along a well-marked route to Lake Wenatchee. It’s a perfect springtime event!
For more information on events, click here.
Leavenworth
Leavenworth in the spring is non-stop fun. You can spend an entire day (or two) eating and drinking your way through downtown Leavenworth or you can soak in all the outdoor opportunities that the valley has to offer. Brave the white waters of the Wenatchee River on a guided river-rafting trip, head out for a day of excellent climbing at the Peshastin Pinnacles or Icicle Canyon or be rewarded with epic views while zip lining.
Events:
May-October — Village Art in the Park – This is the longest running open air art installment in Washington! You’ll find the artists’ venue in the heart of Front Street park in downtown every weekend through October. Discover handcrafted jewelry, painting, pottery, photography, sculptures and more! A portion of sales fund two separate grant and scholarship programs for aspiring artists in Leavenworth.
May 13-16 — Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest – Celebrate the return of migratory birds in the midst of peak wildflower season with birding field trips and workshops hosted by the Wenatchee River Institute! This year’s hybrid model will include both virtual and small, in-person events like speakers, music, visual arts, and activities for all ages and abilities. This local event happens in association with World Migratory Bird Day and a list of all birds seen during the festival is sent to ebird, the world’s largest biodiversity-related community science project.
For more information on events, click here.
This is just a taste of all that Washington’s Playground has to offer in the springtime months. We’re happy to be your one-stop shop for resources, information, and ideas! Check out the Activities section on our website for even more ways to soak in the spring beauty. The possibilities are truly endless. What are you waiting for?