The Apple Capital Loop Trail is one of the key features of life in Wenatchee and East Wenatchee. It can be accessed at a number of points, crosses the Columbia River twice, and meanders past a wide variety of urban and natural scenery. There’s a lot of reasons to make use of the Apple Capital Loop Trail but one of the best is as a picnic destination.
Here’s a look at some of what we think of as the best picnic spots on the Apple Capital Loop Trail:
Picnic at Walla Walla Point Park
Walla Walla Point Park is probably the most popular spot along the trail. It really has everything for the active family, including climbing toys, volleyball courts, swim area, as well as handball, tennis, and basketball courts. Settling in at one of the many picnic tables there can allow different members of the family to sprint off to enjoy any of those fun pursuits, only to come back for food and drinks after an appetite has been worked up.
Picnic at Wenatchee Confluence State Park
Wenatchee Confluence State Park is located north of the Wenatchee River and is popular with those wanting to visit and be close to town, while enjoying the camping experience. There are some great picnic spots there towards the water where a unique swimming and wading area is located. Again, lots of fun can be had as there are playground toys, tennis and basketball courts, and all kinds of water recreation available there. This can be a fun picnic spot for families with young children.
Picnic Spots Just North of the State Park
Just north of Wenatchee Confluence State Park is a narrow strip of park that lines the Apple Capital Loop Trail as it heads towards the Odabashian Bridge. This area really isn’t a destination part of the trail which makes it perfect for a quiet picnic spot. There are tables nestled in little hollows and along low bank access to the Columbia River. Bring your own entertainment activities or just some scooters and bikes and you just may feel you have this little part of the park and trail to yourself.
A Picnic at the 9th Street Trailhead
The 9th Street Trailhead is located in East Wenatchee and offers a nice parking lot and immediate access to one of the most beautiful parts of the Apple Capital Loop Trail, an area known to locals as “Porter’s Pond”. There are no picnic tables located in the area but two great picnic spots are right there near the fountain, using the low wall as a place to sit, and then down towards Porter’s Pond, again using the low wall for a place to sit. This is yet another great spot to bring bikes and scooters too.
Picnic at the Orondo Street Boat Launch
A fun picnic spot along the Apple Capital Loop Trail is the Orondo Street Boat Launch. When you find your spot there you can enjoy watching boats being loaded into and out of the water, a good amount of people watching, and all the activity out on the Columbia River. Before or after eating you can also walk down boat launch or even out on the nearby boat dock at the north end of the parking lot. You can even walk over to the very popular Pybus Market which is an outstanding place to walk through and experience.
Picnic at Riverfront Park
The main part of Riverfront Park sits at the bottom of 5th Street on the Wenatchee side of the river and is a great picnic spot. There are lots of picnic tables available, plenty of shade trees, and some nice things to see. Before or after enjoying your picnic, you can get out and look at the phenomenal amount of sculptures and pieces of art that line this part of the Apple Capital Loop Trail. Again, there’s plenty of activity out on the water to enjoy viewing from there too.
Picnic at the Linden Tree Area
The Linden Tree Area is a historic part of the Apple Capital Loop Trail, featuring an old barn with ties back to the early days of agriculture along the river. The barn is now used as a boathouse and there are some nice shady areas and picnic tables scattered about the area to enjoy a picnic at. You can also get down to the water in the Linden Tree Area, including at a neat spot where a small creek flows into the river.
The Apple Capital Loop Trail is a fabulous feature of the Wenatchee area and lends itself greatly as a place to get out and enjoy a meal at. Any of the above picnic spots will serve you well and as you get out and explore it you may find a few favorites of your own.