Central Washington, WA

Travel Guide
Central Washington which includes mountains and a river or creek
Get reacquainted with nature and leave the stresses of the city behind in this region of mountains, valleys and bountiful agriculture.

Central Washington is a picturesque landscape with stunning natural vistas and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreational activities. Kayak along waterways through national forests, smell the spring blossoms as they pop up across the valleys and taste fresh crops in orchards and vineyards across the region.

Bordered by the Cascade Mountains to the west, Central Washington has varied terrain which allows for many outdoor sports options. Snowshoe across snowy trails, hike around beautiful lakes and go river rafting with an experienced guide. Try fly fishing or water skiing in sunny Ellensburg, a town right in the center of the Kittitas Valley. Swim and sunbathe near Lake Chelan, a peaceful glacier-fed lake.

Travelers with an interest in history should head for Winthrop. Have a drink at the first legal saloon in Washington and stroll down a wooden boutique-lined boardwalk. Festivals are held here regularly, including a Blues Festival, a Vintage Wheels Show and a Balloon Festival. In the winter, Winthrop is a popular cross-country skiing destination with over 120 miles (193 kilometers) of groomed trails.

Head to Washington’s wine country to taste some of the region’s best wines. Yakima is well known for its delightful wineries as well as for its apple orchards. Go hiking in Yakima Valley and visit small, locally owned farms to learn how the land is tended.

Hike by day and camp under the stars at night at Wenatchee National Forest. If you are looking for a more offbeat base, opt to stay in Leavenworth, a mock-Bavarian village that looks out onto the mountains. Sip hot chocolate while taking a sleigh ride and indulge in specialty cheeses in the downtown shops.

Central Washington enjoys distinct seasons with snowy winters, warm summers, lovely spring blossoms and rich fall colors. Rent a car to travel around the region with ease. Roads are typically wide and well signed. A limited bus service extends to cities and large towns, while airport shuttles carry visitors to and from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Visit Central Washington to explore a region rich in agriculture, picturesque landscapes and incredible mountain views.

Where to stay in Central Washington

Leavenworth

Downtown Leavenworth

Downtown Leavenworth is a destination visitors seek out for is captivating mountain views, ample dining options, and beautiful river views. You might also want to check out attractions like Waterfront Park or Icicle Gorge while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Downtown Leavenworth
Captain Chuckles leading us on a 3 hour tour of Lake Chelan 🕶

Wapato Point

5/5(7 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Wapato Point, Lake Chelan and Wapato Point Cellars are top sights worth seeing.

Wapato Point
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Sunland Estates

5/5(1 area review)

Sunland Estates might not have many top sights, but The Gorge Amphitheatre and Cave B Estate Winery are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Sunland Estates
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Crescent Bar

If you're spending some time in Crescent Bar, Columbia River is a top sight worth visiting.

Crescent Bar
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Roslyn Ridge

While there might not be top attractions in Roslyn Ridge, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Roslyn Museum and Swiftwater Cellars.

Roslyn Ridge
Snoqualmie Pass

Hyak

If you're spending some time in Hyak, Summit at Snoqualmie Summit East and Lake Keechelus Trailhead are top sights worth seeing.

Hyak
Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee City Center
Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee City Center
3 out of 5
1225 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$2,458 per night from May 5 to May 6
NT$2,458
per night
May 5 - May 6
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Wenatchee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,058 reviews)
"Overall good. Stayed one night and something cheap. Nothing major to complain about"

Reviewed on 2024/4/29

Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee City Center
Icicle Village Resort
Icicle Village Resort
3.5 out of 5
505 Highway 2, Leavenworth, WA
The price is NT$4,893 per night from May 5 to May 6
NT$4,893
per night
May 5 - May 6
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Leavenworth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,148 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 2024/4/29

Icicle Village Resort
Bavarian Lodge
Bavarian Lodge
3.5 out of 5
810 US Hwy 2, Leavenworth, WA
The price is NT$5,974 per night from May 6 to May 7
NT$5,974
per night
May 6 - May 7
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Leavenworth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"Lovely property"

Reviewed on 2024/5/1

Bavarian Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Virginian Resort
Virginian Resort
2.5 out of 5
808 State Route 20, Winthrop, WA
Stay at this cabin in Winthrop. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an onsite convenience store. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,017 reviews)
"I really loved how peaceful and quiet it was. The cabin was very clean, especially the beddings. Usually in hotels/cabins I find a hair or a spot on the bedding but not here. Would come again!"

Reviewed on 2024/1/2

Virginian Resort
Eagle Rock Resort
Eagle Rock Resort
2 out of 5
8590 WA-410, Naches, WA
Stay at this campground in Naches. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Discover genuine guest reviews for Eagle Rock Resort along with the latest prices ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (34 reviews)
"For the price and location specific to our needs, this place was perfect for a quick overnight, between destinations."

Reviewed on 2024/4/15

Eagle Rock Resort
Echo Valley Resort & Cabins
Echo Valley Resort & Cabins
3 out of 5
1800 Cooper Gulch Rd, Manson, WA
Stay at this 3-star ski cabin in Manson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Echo Ridge Recreation Area Trailheads and Hard ...
8/10 Very Good! (21 reviews)
"We had a very comfortable stay at Echo Valley. Really enjoyed the quiet, relative solitude and direct access to trails. Oh, and the hot tub time with a view."

Reviewed on 2023/9/25

Echo Valley Resort & Cabins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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