Wenatchee Confluence State Park

Wenatchee Confluence State Park: Apple Capital’s Historic Rivers Meeting Place

Wenatchee Confluence State Park occupies the dramatic meeting point where the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers converge, creating Washington’s most significant river confluence destination with 194 acres of recreational opportunities and cultural heritage. This unique park spans both sides of the Wenatchee River, offering everything from the state’s longest loop trail to a protected wetland nature preserve, while serving as the historic heart of the Apple Capital of the World.

Wenatchee Confluence State Park Fast Facts

Park Overview

Wenatchee Confluence State Park spans the historic meeting point of two of Washington’s great rivers, where the Columbia River continues its 470-mile journey to the Pacific Ocean and the 53-mile Wenatchee River completes its dramatic descent from Lake Wenatchee through Tumwater Canyon. The park is bifurcated by the Wenatchee River into distinct north and south sections connected by a footbridge, creating diverse recreational and ecological experiences within a single destination.

The north section in Sunnyslope provides suburban recreational amenities including camping, boating, and sports facilities, while the south section in West Wenatchee features the Horan Natural Area, a carefully constructed wetland preserve created from former apple orchards. This unique dual character reflects the park’s rich cultural heritage as a traditional Indigenous meeting ground that later became the heart of Michael Horan’s National Apple King orchards, earning Wenatchee its reputation as the Apple Capital of the World.

Activities & Recreation

Facilities & Amenities

Wenatchee Confluence State Park provides comprehensive recreational facilities centered on its strategic river confluence location. Seventy picnic tables and numerous braziers are available first-come, first-served, while a reservable kitchen shelter features electricity, 12 tables, and barbecue facilities. The park’s two-lane watercraft launch includes boat trailer parking and serves as a gateway to Columbia River recreation, with daily launch permits available on-site for $7.

The crown jewel of park facilities is the 10-mile Apple Capital Loop Trail, Washington’s longest loop trail, which runs through the park and connects multiple riverfront parks while crossing two bridges over the Columbia River. Trail extensions include a paved Rocky Reach trail cycling route covering 5.5 miles to Lincoln Rock State Park, plus a shorter 2.2-mile path leading into downtown Wenatchee for urban exploration.

Camping & Accommodations

The park offers 60 campsites total, including eight standard sites and 52 full hookup sites, each equipped with picnic tables and campfire grills. Maximum site length reaches 65 feet with limited availability for larger RVs. ADA-accessible restrooms and showers are conveniently located near camping areas, and a dump station serves RV campers with additional $5 trailer dumping permits available on-site.

For larger gatherings, Wenatchee Confluence State Park features a group camp accommodating 50 to 300 people, making it suitable for everything from family reunions to organizational retreats. The park’s year-round camping availability takes advantage of the area’s relatively mild climate and extensive recreational opportunities across all seasons.

Planning Your Visit

A Discover Pass is required for day visits, with annual passes available for $45 and daily passes for $10. For watercraft launching, visitors need either an annual launch permit or combination of a Discover Pass and daily launch permit. The park’s location at the north end of Wenatchee provides easy access to numerous regional attractions including Ohme Gardens, Rocky Reach Dam, Mission Ridge Ski Area, and the Washington State Apple Commission Visitor Center.

The park operates under lease from Chelan County Public Utility District, which developed the facilities as part of Rock Island Dam environmental mitigation. This unique arrangement ensures long-term recreational access while supporting Columbia River management and environmental protection initiatives throughout the region.

What to Bring & Know

• Bicycles or skating equipment for the state’s longest loop trail system
• Boating equipment and proper launch permits for Columbia River access
• Swimming gear for the designated swimming area during summer months
• Camera for capturing the dramatic river confluence and surrounding mountain views
• Interest in apple industry history and Indigenous cultural heritage of the confluence area

Final Word

Wenatchee Confluence State Park preserves the historic meeting place of two great rivers while providing modern recreational access to Washington’s Apple Capital heritage, making it an essential destination for understanding both natural and cultural confluence.

This park is part of the Explore Washington State Parks Directory—showcasing all of Washington’s State Parks from the rugged Pacific coast to the Cascade peaks. Whether you’re camping under old-growth forests, hiking scenic trails, or discovering local history, we’re highlighting the places where people connect with the state’s incredible natural and cultural heritage—all year long.