Looking for a peaceful valley retreat surrounded by orchards and mountains? Head to Peshastin! Nestled in the heart of Washington's Cascade foothills, Peshastin offers small-town charm, fruit stands, riverfront scenery, and easy access to outdoor recreation. Whether you're exploring nearby Leavenworth or hiking local trails, Peshastin is the perfect base for your Central Washington adventure.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Peshastin is during the spring through fall (May to October). Enjoy wildflowers in spring, u-pick orchards and warm hikes in summer, and colorful foliage and apple harvests in autumn. Winter is quieter and ideal for snowshoeing or nearby ski trips.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Peshastin is located just off U.S. Route 2, about 30 minutes from Wenatchee and 2.5 hours from Seattle.
- By Air: Pangborn Memorial Airport (EAT) in Wenatchee is the nearest airport, about 35 minutes away by car.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Empire Builder line stops in Leavenworth (10 minutes away), with service from Seattle and Spokane.
Where to Stay
- Wedge Mountain Inn – Comfortable roadside motel with mountain views, located right in Peshastin.
- Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort (Leavenworth) – Eco-lodge with rustic elegance, art, and dining just 15 minutes away.
- Bavarian Lodge (Leavenworth) – European-style stay with easy access to shops, trails, and alpine charm.
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Peshastin Pinnacles State Park – Climb or hike among sandstone spires with panoramic valley views.
- Smallwood's Harvest – Family-friendly farmstand offering fresh produce, animal encounters, and gift shopping.
- Icicle Creek Trail – Scenic trail near Leavenworth that follows the creek through lush forest and granite peaks.
- Wenatchee River – Enjoy rafting, kayaking, or fly fishing on this beautiful, nearby waterway.
- Local Orchards & Fruit Stands – Stop at seasonal roadside markets for apples, cherries, and cider tastings.
Unique Attractions
1. Paddle the Rapids with Wildwater River Guides
I like:
"Experience thrilling whitewater rafting, enjoy an exciting adventure on scenic rivers."
For more than 30 years, Wildwater River Guides, based in Peshastin, Washington, have been providing guided adventures on the most exciting and scenic rivers in Washington. Wildwater trips are operated by passionate and highly professional river guides who practiced their sport all over the world.
Wildwater provides superb service, top of the line equipment and the highest certification standards for their guides in Washington state. The company offers instructions on whitewater kayak trips, specialty kayak clinics, guided river Stand Up Paddleboarding trips, guide training and whitewater rafting trips on seven most exciting Washington rivers, of different difficulty level, including Class IV Green River and Class III-V Skykomish River.
Wildwater River Guides, Phone: 509-470-8558
2. Sip and Savor Local Wines at Icicle Ridge Winery
I recommend:
"Savor handcrafted wines, admire breathtaking mountain views from a rustic log cabin."
Icicle Ridge Winery is a family-owned winery in Peshastin, Washington, with their own vineyard on Icicle Ridge in Peshastin and tasting rooms in Leavenworth and Peshastin. The vinery is located in the beautiful 5000-square foot log house in the foothills of Cascade Mountain.
The log house, also home of the vineyard owners Louie and Judy Wagoner, has a charming tasting room with massive hand-carved tables where guests can taste their award-winning wines while enjoying magnificent views of the Icicle Ridge and surrounding vineyards. Icicle Ridge Winery specializes in the estate-grown ice wines, but also produces specialty fruit wines, as well as the well-known classic varietals.
Icicle Ridge Winery, 8977 North Rd, Peshastin, WA 98847, Phone: 509-548-7019
3. Pick Fresh Produce and Family Fun at Miller Orchards
I love:
"Pick fresh fruits, enjoy a family-friendly outing with seasonal produce."
Henderson Miller and his wife Martha moved to the Wenatchee Valley in 1902 to start a church. They did it and the church is still working. They also planted an orchard on the land previously covered in trees.
Today, the fourth generation of Millers tend the orchards and farm the land. All their produce is grown right in their orchard in Peshastin, Washington. The orchard grows apples, pears, cherries, apricots, nectarines, plums, and more and the farm grows asparagus, eggs, corn and more. Visitors are invited to take a tour of the farm on their antique tractor, with comfortable seats on straw bales, before stocking up with the fresh produce on their stand on Highway 97.
Miller Orchards, 7306 US-97, Peshastin, WA 98847
Where to Eat
4. Fuel Up with Comfort Food at Big Y Cafe
I enjoy:
"Savor homestyle comfort food, enjoy a quick, affordable meal in a cozy setting."
Located at the junction of Highway 97 and Highway 2 in Peshastin, Washington, Big Y Cafe is a quaint family-style eatery that has been popular with locals and travellers since 1939. Cozy, simple environment, friendly atmosphere and whole day breakfast remained the same even after Big Y became part of the Wild Huckleberry restaurant group.
It just took over some of the Huckleberry’s favorite menu items. Many of the Big Y classics are still there, such as the Trucker Burger and the famous Avis’ pie. The menu is large, with all the comfort food and everyone’s favorites, from waffles and pancakes to burgers, sandwiches and salads.
Big Y Cafe, 7546 Saunders Rd, Peshastin, WA 98847, Phone: 509-548-5012
More Places to Eat
- Cider House (Leavenworth) – Farm-to-table eatery serving local ciders, burgers, and vegetarian dishes.
- Dan's Food Market (Leavenworth) – Not just groceries—pick up picnic fixings, deli sandwiches, and fresh coffee.
- J5 Coffee (Wenatchee) – Grab artisan espresso and pastries from this roastery with serious mountain vibes.
- Rudloof's Pizza (Leavenworth) – Local favorite for hearty pies after a long hike or river day.
If you are interested in local events:
- Leavenworth Autumn Leaf Festival (September) – Celebrate fall with parades, Bavarian music, and changing leaves.
- Wenatchee Apple Blossom Festival (late April–May) – Regional favorite featuring parades, art, and carnival fun.
- Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival (December) – Magical alpine holiday event with lights, music, and festive cheer just minutes from Peshastin.
- Peshastin Library Book & Bake Sale – Small-town community events are charming and typically tied to local organizations and schools.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes to 1 Hour of Peshastin, Washington:
- Leavenworth (10 min) – Explore this Bavarian-themed village with festivals, breweries, and alpine scenery.
- Cashmere (15 min) – Visit the Aplets & Cotlets Candy Factory or stroll antique shops in this historic town.
- Wenatchee (30 min) – Walk the Apple Capital Loop Trail or visit Ohme Gardens and the Pybus Public Market.
- Lake Wenatchee State Park (45 min) – Swim, paddle, or hike in a spectacular setting at the foot of the Cascades.
- Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort (1 hr) – Winter day trip for skiing and snowboarding with incredible ridge-top views.
I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
- Where is Peshastin located?
- Peshastin is a small community in Chelan County, Washington, on the banks of the Wenatchee River, at the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.
- What outdoor adventures can visitors experience in Peshastin?
- Peshastin is a starting point for spectacular wild water adventures organized by the Wildwater River Guides.
- What makes Peshastin a notable wine destination?
- The unique climate and soils have enabled several award-winning wineries to produce high-quality wines, notably Icicle Ridge Winery.
- What is the historical significance of Peshastin’s orchards?
- The hills around Peshastin were known for orchards long before wineries took over. One of them, Miller Orchards, has been growing cherries, pears, apricots, and more since the early 19th century.
Map:
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