Wenatchee

Wenatchee is a city in Central Washington on the western bank of the Columbia River, nestled between mountain ranges and fruit orchards at 237 meters elevation. Wide streets run through residential and commercial districts, while riverside parks provide access to the water.

The Great Northern Railway reached the settlement in 1893, turning it into a transportation crossroads. Irrigation systems developed in the early 20th century transformed the surrounding land into a major apple-growing region.

The name comes from the Wenatchi people, who have fished and lived along the Columbia River for centuries. Today apple orchards line the valley floor, turning white with blossoms in spring and heavy with fruit in autumn.

The city sits along main highways connecting eastern and western Washington. Trails in nearby mountains are accessible during summer, while the river provides year-round boating opportunities.

Clyde Pangborn and Hugh Herndon landed east of town on October 5, 1931, after completing the first nonstop flight across the Pacific. The two pilots had spent over 41 hours in the air, covering more than 7200 kilometers (4500 miles) without stopping.

Location: Chelan County

Inception: 1892

Elevation above the sea: 237 m

Website: http://wenatcheewa.gov

GPS coordinates: 47.42333,-120.32528

Latest update: December 12, 2025 22:59