Wenatchee, WA – Round 2

Since our quick one-day visit, Wenatchee has been at the top of the list. Thanks to some flexibilities in our schedule, we were able to make another stop and spend a little more time exploring the city.

In round 2, we visited Wenatchee Confluence State Park, Taqueria La Cihualteca, a few downtown shops, including La Vie En Coffee Bar and Bakery, and drove around various neighborhoods. We also attempted to visit a property we’re interested in, and since the road was unplowed we got permission to backcountry ski into it. Unfortunately Vanjie got stuck in a snow ditch on the way there. We got towed out by a nice young Mission Ridge employee on his way to work, but Cameron vetoed another attempt at snowy roadside parking.

There were low snow clouds the whole time we were there, and most of the time it was snowing or raining. Driving around, we saw more of the dumpy side of town, and had multiple run-ins with rush hour traffic. I also did more internet research and have some added concerns about wildfires, annual high temperatures, and high percentages of seasonal vacation homes.

I remain impressed by the landscape and there are tons of state parks in the vicinity that I wasn’t previously aware of. I liked all of the folks we interacted with and lots of people were outside walking, running, skiing, sledding, and shoveling snow. Public transportation seemed great (and free!), and I thought the neighborhoods were cute. 

I’m not fully disenchanted with Wenatchee, but I have an expanded list of the negative realities if we choose to move there. Wenatchee is still on the list of top contenders, but we’re not going to give up on the Goldilocks Project for it just yet.

Traffic was bad enough that Cameron was able to take this photo of the Wenatchee welcome sign. 

We spent the night at Wenatchee Confluence State Park. Cameron used to shower here when he was a raft guide, and it’s about 2 miles to walk into downtown. 

Cute skunk sighting alongside the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail. 

Footbridge that goes over the train tracks and connects downtown with the riverside trails. 

The downtown buildings, like this theater, have some character. 

There’s a large building dedicated to land trusts. It’s a bad photo, but there’s tons of public land nearby. 

The “road” leading to the property we were interested in. The realtor sign is getting devoured by snow. 


We never made it up that road because the van got stuck and needed the help of a kind stranger to get back in the road. 

I was hoping for a clear day to get a better sense of what’s the full vista is, but it still looked nice even with the low clouds. 

Tons on trails and events being advertised. 

I was trying to gauge if I might befriend the patrons of La Vie En – I think I could find a social group here. 

I think many Washingtonians choose to have a summer home in the Wenatchee area to enjoy the abundance of water sports. 

There are lots of bridges around thanks to the two rivers.