Wenatchee Confluence State Park is a 194-acre scenic park located at the confluence of the Wenatchee and Columbia rivers. The park includes river access, camping, and more.
Confluence State Park Wenatchee has two distinct sections, the North and South. The North is made up of a recreational area, while the south is a wetland and a natural area. It's in the south portion of the park that you're more likely to see wildlife.
Wenatchee Confluence State Park: Need to Know
The park is located along the Columbia and Wenatchee Rivers in the city of Wenatchee, Washington, the self-described Apple Capital of the World. While there, you'll have the opportunity to fish, swim, play on the sports field, play tennis, boat, and camp.
A Discover Pass is required to park in any of the lots in the park. You can buy one for $30 a year or for $10 a day.
The park is only 10 minutes from downtown Wenatchee by car and only a short 40-minute walk if you want to explore the city on your way there. It's in the northern part of the city, closer to Sunnyslope than the central part of Wenatchee.
Wenatchee Confluence State Park History
The state designated this area a park in 1990 and divided it into two distinct personalities. The northern section is where you'll find your amenities and the southern section is wetlands.
Informational signs at Wenatchee Confluence State Park overlooking the Columbia River
Directions to Wenatchee Confluence State Park
Use the map below to navigate to Wenatchee Confluence State Park:
Best Time to Visit Wenatchee Confluence State Park
The best time to visit Wenatchee Confluence State Park is in the summer when you have the opportunity to swim in both the Wenatchee and Columbia rivers, as well as the area where the two meet.
In the fall, the trees change color, making your experience entirely different. But, usually, by then, the water is far too cold to make swimming enjoyable.
Weather at Wenatchee Confluence State Park
Wenatchee Confluence State Park is in the Wenatchee River Valley and, therefore, somewhat isolated from the rainier and snowier weather in the spring and winter. In the summer, you can expect highs in the high-80s, with some days reaching the 100s. In the winter, temperatures fall to the mid-to-high 30s with lows in the 10's.
Camping at Wenatchee Confluence State Park
There is camping at Wenatchee Confluence State Park! There are 8 campsites in the part with a total of 52 full-hook-up RV sites. There is also:
One dump station
6 restrooms
16 showers
The park's campground sites also include picnic tables, campfire grills, and space for RVs and/or tents. The max site length is 65 feet!
Check out Traverse the Pacific Northwest's Guide to Camping at Wenatchee Confluence State Park for more!
What to Do At Wenatchee Confluence State Park
Here are a few of the most popular things to do at Wenatchee Confluence State Park:
Go Boating on the River
Whether you choose to boat down the Columbia or the Wenatchee, the park is a perfect place to start your river adventure in the Wenatchee area of Washington. On both sides of the river, you'll see rolling hills that in winter, are covered with snow. The park also offers a boat launch to make your experience there easier.
Explore the Wetland Natural Area
The south part of the park is a designated natural area, preserved by the state beginning in 1990. It's a striking contrast with the more park-like northern section of the state park.
Go Swimming in the Columbia and Wenatchee Rivers
How many state parks boast the option of swimming or floating in multiple rivers?? Not many. At Wenatchee Confluence State Park, you can explore the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers. There is even a designated swimming area!
Visit Horan Natural Area
On the other side of the footbridge from the main park, there is the Horan Natural area, where you can hike and explore a more wild-feeling area.
Play Sports
The park is home to a tennis court as well as a baseball and soccer field. There is also a volleyball court. There's no shortage of activities to enjoy in this area!
Go on a Hike
Wenatchee is a fantastic place to go on a hike! Particularly down by the river. Keep reading to explore a few of our favorite hikes near Wenatchee Confluence State Park. Each demonstrates the beauty of the area, and none are too strenuous!
Hiking in Wenatchee Confluence State Park
Here are a few of our favorite hikes near Wenatchee Confluence State Park:
Wenatchee Confluence Loop Trail
The Wenatchee Confluence Trail is the main hiking trail in the park. It is an easy 3-mile loop that should only take you around an hour to complete.
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
3 miles | 50 feet | 1 hour | 1/10 |
The trail crosses the scenic and historic Wenatchee bridge and provides access to both the north and south portions of the park. You'll also get great views of both rivers as you cross the bridge!
Balsamroot Trail and Jackhammer Trail Loop
Just west of the main park area is the Foothills North Natural Area, a portion of the Wenatchee Foothills that's home to several very scenic trails. In the summer you're likely to see wildflowers and expansive views of the surrounding river valley.
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
4.5 miles | 1,200 feet | 3 hours | 4/10 |
We highly recommend trying the Balsamroot Trail and Jackhammer Trail up to Kenzie's Landing. The trail gains around 1,200 feet over its 4.5 miles, so is generally considered a moderately difficult undertaking.
A very popular hike up to the ever-visible Saddle Rock formation above Wenatchee. While this hike is around a 15-minute drive from Wenatchee Confluence State Park, it's well worth the effort if you want an even better view of the area.
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
2.5 miles | 1,000 feet | 2 hours | 3/10 |
There are several possible paths to the summit, as you'll see by the many branching, dirty trails in the area. There are countless trails through the Wenatchee Foothills that allow hikers, runners, and bikers to explore the area.
Another popular hike not far from Wenatchee Confluence State Park. It climbs the hills behind West Wenatchee to the Castle Rock formation.
Distance | Elevation Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
1.8 miles | 650 feet | 1.5 hours | 3/10 |
Like the Saddle Rock Trail, the Castle Rock Trail is considered a moderate hike and provides beautiful views of the Columbia River and Wenatchee itself.
FAQs
Does Wenatchee Confluence State Park have showers?
Yes, Wenatchee Confluence State Park does have showers. They are coin-operated (and only accept coins). There are a total of 16, and 8 of them are ADA.
Do you need a Discover Pass for Lake Wenatchee?
Yes, you need a Discover Pass for Lake Wenatchee. You will need this specific parking pass for any state park in Washington.
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