Cool Places to Visit Within Three Hours of Wenatchee
Quick getaways in every direction — perfect for families, date days, and spontaneous adventures
One of the best things about living in the Wenatchee Valley? You’re surrounded by mountains, rivers, lakes, and charming small towns — and tons of them are just a short drive away. Whether you’ve got an open Saturday, visiting guests, or a case of summer cabin fever, this list of destinations (all within 3 hours) will help you make the most of where we live.
We’ve organized it by direction so you can choose your own adventure — north, south, east, or west!
Heading North
Leavenworth (30 min)
A Bavarian-themed village that feels like a Hallmark movie come to life. Think bratwurst, river floats, Christmas lights, and a reindeer farm.
Cashmere (20 min)
Small-town sweetness with the Aplets & Cotlets candy factory, riverside splash pad, and antiques.
Lake Wenatchee State Park (1 hr)
Paddleboarding, shady forest hikes, and a sandy lakeshore that’s toddler-approved.
Fish Lake (1 hr)
A peaceful, off-the-beaten-path fishing lake is perfect for a quiet family picnic or for first-time anglers.
Plain (1 hr)
A forested gem for horseback riding, quiet cabin stays, and river exploring. Home to Mountain Springs Lodge.
Winthrop (2.5 hrs)
Old West charm with wood boardwalks, candy stores, hiking trails, and riverside views.
Twisp (2.5 hrs)
Just down the road from Winthrop, this artsy town has a great farmers market, kid-friendly events, and a down-to-earth vibe.
Chelan (1 hr)
Lakeside wineries, beaches, family parks, boat rentals, and Slidewaters Waterpark. Great for all ages.
Heading South
Moses Lake (1.5 hrs)
Home to Surf 'n Slide Waterpark (yes, there’s a lazy river), plus lake beaches, playgrounds, and picnic spots.
Ellensburg (1.5 hrs)
This college/cowboy town has great local eats, thrift shops, and wide-open views. Perfect for moms who love a little antiquing.
Ginkgo Petrified Forest + Wanapum State Park (1.25 hrs)
A mix of ancient fossils, Columbia River scenery, and an educational museum loop.
Drumheller Channels (1.5 hrs)
Unique desert landscapes created by Ice Age floods. Quiet, weird, and wonderful.
Beverly Bridge / Palouse to Cascades Trail (1.5 hrs)
A fun walking/biking route across the Columbia River — wide, stroller-friendly, and scenic.
Yakima (2 hrs)
Fruit stands, vineyards, kids' museums, and lots of sunshine. Worth it for a fall orchard trip or spring wine tasting.
Heading East
Quincy Lakes (45 min)
Desert beauty and great fishing.
Frenchman Coulee (1 hr)
Rock climbing heaven — but also a great place for a scenic sunset walk and some pretty epic family photos.
Dry Falls (1.5 hrs)
Once the largest waterfall on Earth — now a giant canyon you can explore with kids and imagination.
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park (1.5 hrs)
Paddle boats, swimming, and camping options surrounded by cliffs and desert views.
Potholes Reservoir (1.75 hrs)
Great for boating, swimming, fishing, and long shoreline walks.
Soap Lake (1.5 hrs)
Known for its mineral-rich waters and quirky history. A fun, funky place to splash and relax.
Heading West
Roslyn & Cle Elum (1.5 hrs)
Historic mining towns with great food, trails, and cozy shops. Bonus points if you’re a Northern Exposure fan.
Mount Rainier National Park (Sunrise area) (3 hrs)
Towering mountain views, alpine trails, and wildflowers galore. Sunrise is the closest and most accessible area for a day trip.
North Bend & Snoqualmie Falls (2.5 hrs)
Outlet malls for mom, waterfall views for the fam. A great mix of nature and shopping.
Stevens Pass / Deception Falls (1.25–1.75 hrs)
Drive Highway 2 for breathtaking forest views, short hikes, and cool mountain air.