Central Washington Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Central Washington featuring a river or creek and mountains
Central Washington showing a river or creek and mountains
Central Washington showing a river or creek
Central Washington featuring forest scenes
Central Washington showing a river or creek and forests

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 its captivating mountain views, ample dining options and beautiful river views. You might also want to check out attractions like Icicle Gorge or Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Downtown Leavenworth
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Wapato Point

While visiting Wapato Point, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Chelan and Wapato Point Cellars.

Wapato Point
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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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Sunland Estates

While Sunland Estates may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like The Gorge Amphitheatre and Cave B Estate Winery.

Sunland Estates
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Roslyn Ridge

Though Roslyn Ridge may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Roslyn Museum and Swiftwater Cellars.

Roslyn Ridge
Snoqualmie Pass

Hyak

While visiting Hyak, you might make a stop by sights like Summit at Snoqualmie Summit East and Keechelus Lake.

Hyak
Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee City Center

Red Lion Hotel Wenatchee City Center

3 out of 5
1225 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA
The price is ₹7,028 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
₹7,028
₹8,050 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Wenatchee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,609 reviews)
"Older property that is full of faded elegance. Front desk staff that checked us in was curt and not very friendly, rest of staff was pleasant."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

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 ₹20,510 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹20,510
₹22,889 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Leavenworth. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,392 reviews)
"Property was great! Good pool, hot tub. Breakfast was not bad, Loved the minigolf (though did not expect I had to pay for it). Overall experience was great!"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Icicle Village Resort
Lakeside Lodge And Suites

Lakeside Lodge And Suites

2.5 out of 5
2312 W Woodin Ave, Chelan, WA
The price is ₹28,748 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹28,748
₹32,112 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chelan. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Great check-in experience, and the room was very spacious! And you can't beat the view!"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Lakeside Lodge And Suites
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,206 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay in a beautiful location. Close to Winthrop, so we were very satisfied."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Virginian Resort
Echo Valley Resort & Cabins

Echo Valley Resort & Cabins

3.5 out of 5
1800 Cooper Gulch Rd, Manson, WA
Stay at this 3.5-star ski cabin in Manson. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Echo Ridge Recreation Area Trailheads and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (39 reviews)
"Beautiful location, relaxing setting! Great little glamping cabins!"

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Echo Valley Resort & Cabins
Desert Canyon Golf Resort

Desert Canyon Golf Resort

4 out of 5
1030 Desert Canyon Blvd, Orondo, WA
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Orondo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Desert Canyon Golf Resort and Daroga State ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (12 reviews)
"The property was beautiful. You’re surrounded by the golf course that is well maintained. Our room was nice and the AC was great. The manager had a little snippy attitude towards us the few times we talked to her which wasn’t appreciated much. Other then that it’s a great place, bar and grill a short ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Desert Canyon Golf Resort
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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Cities near Central Washington