The “Apple Capital of the World”: A Lively Washington City Brimming with Orchards, Wineries, and Wildflowers

Nestled smack-dab in the middle of Washington state, where the Wenatchee and Columbia Rivers meet, Wenatchee wows visitors with mountain vistas and verdant valleys so impressive that the entire area looks straight out of a postcard. Wenatchee earns praise for its treasure trove of outdoor activities, including wildflower hikes, mountain biking trails, kayaking, and golfing. Wenatchee also reigns as the “Apple Capital of the World.”

Thanks to the valley’s nutrient-rich volcanic soil, dry climate, and abundance of freshwater, apples have thrived in Wenatchee since the first white settlers planted orchards. However, it wasn’t until the late 1890s when the Great Northern Railway connected Wenatchee to state and national markets that the city turned into an apple super-grower and eventually earned the moniker of “Apple Capital of the World.” Today, visitors can explore farms, sample ciders, attend apple-themed festivals, and so much more.

The fertile soils in Wenatchee produce far more than apples. Wenatchee’s wine estates are part of Cascade Valley Wine Country, which includes over 70 vineyards and tasting rooms. Even more impressive, Wenatchee itself produces an astounding 99% of Washington’s wine grapes on 11 million acres. Overlooking the Columbia River, Chateau Faire Le Pont Winery offers a specialty tour through its beautifully renovated brick estate, complete with a wine tasting and three-course dinner for two. Alternatively, take a sommelier-led tour in a comfortable shuttle bus with NCW Wine Tour and visit multiple wineries and tasting rooms in one day.

Like this family-owned apple orchard in New York, Wenatchee’s farms take apples seriously. These aren’t the kind of places where you bag a couple pounds of Fujis and call it a day. Instead, choose from ruby red Cosmic Crisps, pinkish Pacific Roses, and apple varieties you’ve never even heard of at local farm stands and orchards. Several farms, including Stutzman Ranch, welcome visitors to pick their own apples, cherries, pears, and peaches, but you’ll need to check the harvest schedules before planning your trip. Generally speaking, apple harvest season in Washington occurs between early August and the end of November.

If you’re planning a visit, you can’t miss the annual Washington State Apple Blossom Festival, usually held from the last weekend in April through the first weekend in May in Wenatchee. Each year, the festival attracts over 100,000 apple enthusiasts with apple-themed vendors, live entertainment, a grand parade with over 5,500 participants, a car show, a carnival, and so much more.  

See the apple orchards from another perspective by cycling, jogging, or walking along the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail. One of Wenatchee’s crowning jewels, this 10-mile route follows the Columbia River, cutting through manicured riverside parks and apple orchards. Before starting a portion of the trail, stop at Pybus Public Market for snacks, farm-fresh produce, and artisanal shopping. Housed inside a renovated steel warehouse, it has a similar vibe to Pike Place Market’s hundreds of unique shops in Seattle, but feels smaller and more community-driven.