Central Washington Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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
Default Image

Wapato Point

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

Wapato Point
Default Image

Crescent Bar

If you're spending some time in Crescent Bar, Columbia River is a top sight worth visiting.

Crescent Bar
Default Image

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
Default Image

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 NZ$155 per night from 16 July to 17 July
NZ$155
16 July - 17 July
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! (2,598 reviews)
Great hotel with friendly staff
"Friendly staff, good location, clean, bed was comfortable. Nothing bad to say, I'd recommend anyone to stay here"

Reviewed on 9 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 NZ$405 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
NZ$405
10 Aug - 11 Aug
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! (1,380 reviews)
"Great location and clean room"

Reviewed on 7 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 NZ$568 per night from 14 July to 15 July
NZ$568
14 July - 15 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chelan. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Clean, family friendly, nice breakfast, and comfortable rooms with a great view of the lake. Not walkable to town or any other dining but the room had a nice kitchenette available. The pool area was great, very clean."

Reviewed on 8 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 WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,197 reviews)
Great Stay at The Virginian Resort
"We had a great one-night stay at The Virginian Resort. The room was clean, spacious, and cozy, with a comfy bed and strong AC. Loved the outdoor seating by the creek—perfect for enjoying pizza from next door. Super convenient location with a store right nearby. Would definitely come back!"

Reviewed on 9 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 WiFi, 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 WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Desert Canyon Golf Resort and Daroga State ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (9 reviews)
"Beautiful views!"

Reviewed on 1 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Central Washington