Enjoy the Blooming Spring Orchards Near Leavenworth
Imagine driving along a roaring river surrounded by blooming orchards perfuming the cool air! Ready for a road trip? The perfect daytrip from Seattle for some fun in the mountains.
Photo credit: Dan Lewis
Head over to the Leavenworth/Wenatchee area in the spring and cruise through the blooming orchards on this tour, originally put together by Savor Central Washington (Formerly Cascades Farmland). You can either drive segments—or the entire route from Leavenworth, past Wenatchee, and on to Orondo. In 2023, expect peak apple blossoms April 26-30.
While exploring, there are many opportunities to stop at the wineries and fruit stands along the way. Even if the fruit isn’t ripe yet, you can pick up pickles, preserves, wine, and other treats.
If you do this trip in late April or early May, make sure to catch the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival in Wenatchee’s Memorial Park to enjoy good food, music, vendors, and events including a parade and 5K. The 2023 Festival runs from April 27th-May 7th.
Please remember that these are working orchards—people and pets are not permitted on orchard property.
Perfect Stops On Your Day Loop From Seattle
Start by heading up Stevens Pass and enjoy the drive along the Wenatchee River into Leavenworth. Once there, stop for a coffee, a pastry, or a meal at one of the many restaurants in the quaint Bavarian village and enjoy a leisurely stroll through one of the many shops. Once you have finished your break, follow the blossom trail down the Wenatchee River, stopping at Prey’s Fruit Barn near Leavenworth and Smallwood’s Harvest in Peshastin or Barns Etc Hard Cider Shed in Cashmere (open in May).
When you get to Wenatchee, take Alt 97 up the east side of the Columbia River to Orondo, where you can get a treat at Lone Pine Fruit & Espresso. You can turn around here or, to make a full loop, continue up Alt 97 into Chelan, where you can take a walk along the river at the Chelan Riverwalk Park, and then head back along Highway 97, taking Blewett Pass at the junction with US 2. Make sure to stop at Miller Orchards if you are visiting after they open May 1st. This route takes you through Cle Elum and over Snoqualmie Pass, where you can stop for a drink at Dru Bru before dropping back down into Seattle.
A Time to Stretch and Relax
If you want a place to stretch your legs and enjoy the beauty of the area, check out the Waterfront Park in Leavenworth, Peshastin Pinnacles State Park on the way to Cashmere, Lincoln Rock State Park on the way to Orondo, and the Swauk Forest Discovery Trail at the top of Blewett Pass.
East from Cle Elum, the fastest route is down I-90, but if you want a scenic drive that doesn’t add too much time to your trip, consider taking Highway 10 through the Upper Yakima River Canyon into Ellensburg.
