Hike of the Week: Apple Capital Trail
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| The Apple Capital Trail rolls on-providing excellent views of the Columbia River |
Apple Capital
Enjoy good hiking in the core of Washington’s apple country
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
November 10, 2006
Quick Facts
Location: Wenatchee-East Wenatchee
Land Agency: Washington State Parks, city of Wenatchee, city of East Wenatchee, Chelan County PUD and Douglas County Parks.
Roundtrip: 11.0 miles
Elevation gain: minimal elevation gain
Access: Several access points. Parking, camping and easy access from Wenatchee Confluence State Park
Green Trails: Wenatchee/Mission Ridge, WA-No 211S
Western Washington hikers looking for a little flood relief may want to trek over to the Wenatchee Confluence State Park this weekend. Just follow US 2 east to the city of Wenatchee where the overflowing Wenatchee River drains into the Columbia. Here at the Wenatchee Confluence you’ll find a 200 acre state park blending the natural world with the tamed.
The northern half of the park consists of manicured lawns sprouting 59 campsites and over 100 picnic tables. There’s tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts as well as two play areas for the little ones. There’s a roped-off beach too on the Columbia-something to think about in the months ahead. The southern half of the park consists primarily of the Horan Natural Area-a bird bursting marshland. Access this area, home to eagles, osprey, waterfowl, and songbirds via a 1.5 mile nature trail.
The nature trail connects with the paved Apple Capital Trail which runs through the park connecting the campground and day use area with the natural area. The Apple Capital Trail makes for a great bike ride, run, or an all day hike. This 11 mile loop runs along the Columbia River through Wenatchee connecting to other parks. The trail then crosses the river to East Wenatchee on an old Railroad bridge. Here you can veer off on a 1.5 mile extension to the Rock Island Hydro Park or head north on the Columbia’s east bank to the US 2 bridge to loop back to the state park.
From the east side enjoy natural habitats and good views of Wenatchee and Mission Ridge hovering above. Enjoy too, the mighty Columbia, swelling a bit more from all of the recent rains.
