Central Washington

Travel Guide

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

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 Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum or Wenatchee River 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 €74 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€74
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Wenatchee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,720 reviews)
"While this is definitely an older hotel that is showing its age, it was a good value for the price we paid. The common spaces and the room seemed very clean, and the outdoor pool and hot tub area were nicely maintained and comfortable. The bed was fairly comfortable, though strangely bouncy. The ..."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 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 €179 per night from 16 Sept to 17 Sept
€179
16 Sept - 17 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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 pool in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,399 reviews)
"Great service thanks"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Icicle Village Resort
Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel

Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel

3 out of 5
201 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA
The price is €111 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€111
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Wenatchee. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,615 reviews)
"Everything was excellent except the restaurant was permanently closed. That would have been nice had it been open. People were professional. Coffee service in the room was good and all was clean."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel
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 a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,256 reviews)
"We loved our cozy cabin! Private parking, cute little porch for evening relaxation. Great set-up. Good communication for late check-in. Truly enjoyed our stay & hope to stay again soon!"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 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 WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Echo Ridge Recreation Area Trailheads and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (49 reviews)
Beautiful Resort!
"Absolutely beautiful! The resort is fantastic. We had everything we needed in our private cabin. We stayed in Bear. It was clean and decorated. Loved the coffee press and fresh coffee grounds in fridge! The pool was clean and refreshing. We even enjoyed a soak in the hot tub! Definitely will be ..."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Echo Valley Resort & Cabins
Bearfoot Chalet-Private, Hot Tub, WIFI, Dogs OK

Bearfoot Chalet-Private, Hot Tub, WIFI, Dogs OK

Leavenworth
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Leavenworth. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Kahler Glen Golf & Ski Resort and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
"Beautiful, clean cabin! Property managers were very helpful and quick to respond. There was some confusion over the amount of guests allowed. There are only a maximum of 6 guests allowed but the listing mentions additional person fees, which doesn’t really make sense when there isn’t a minimum of ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Bearfoot Chalet-Private, Hot Tub, WIFI, Dogs OK
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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