Wenatchee River

The Wenatchee River begins as runoff of Lake Wenatchee at Lake Wenatchee State Park. After a few twists and turns through the Wenatchee National Forest the river meets the Chiwawa River north of the Shugart Flat. From the confluence of the Wenatchee and Chiwawa Rivers the river heads south past the city of Plain.

From Plain the river twists and turns southwest as it heads towards the Tumwater Campground. The river passes under U.S. Highway 2 before beginning its journey next to the highway as it flows down Tumwater Canyon towards Leavenworth. The river will pass over the Wenatchee River Dam along the canyon. This section of the river has the most spectacular views of the river as it crashes over the rocks below the high mountains above.

Before the river reaches Leavenworth it takes a quick turn south and then north again to run along the shores of Waterfront Park in Leavenworth.

From Leavenworth the river continues southeast along U.S. Highway 2 as it passes by the cities of Peshastin, Dryden, and Cashmere. In Cashmere the river runs along Riverside Park.

The river continues down from Cashmere and passes by Monitor and Wenatchee River County Park before continuing between Wenatchee and Olds Station and finally coming to an end as it drains into the Columbia River.

This section of the river below Leavenworth is popular for whitewater rafting.