State of Bliss

Take a trip to the high desert this fall … the high desert you might not know but truly should! Washington State’s sunny and arid eastern side—from Wenatchee through Lake Chelan to the Methow Valley, bordered by North Cascades National Park—is an absolute revelation. Relish the apple capital of the world, the mountainous landscapes, rolling vineyards, pristine lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, and spirited small towns brimming with cuisine, art, and culture. Just a few hours east of Seattle, here’s a road trip itinerary to see this hidden gem of Washington State.

Week: 10.21.2024
Regions: Northern & Southern CA

Wine Down, Dine Out in Lake Chelan

Wine Down and Dine Out in Washington State at Lake Chelan

The fertile soil around Washington State's Lake Chelan is ripe for more than just the amazing apples. Vineyards here yield high quality grapes, and some of the country’s best less-discovered wineries. Locals know it, and you will too when you start choosing from the more than 30 wineries in the region.
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What's Up, Winthrop!

Visit Vibrant Winthrop in the Methow Valley of Washington State

It’s not just its location close to Washington State’s spectacular and less visited national park (North Cascades) that makes Winthrop such a winsome mountain town. This lively enclave in the Methow Valley bristles with a whimsical blend of Wild West charms, contemporary culture, and a mosaic of outdoor adventures—from river to lake to waterfalls, and beyond.
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Washington State With a Twisp

Visit the Creative Hamlet of Twisp in the Methow Valley of Washington State

It’s home to one of the best coffee cafés in the country, and that’s just one of the many cool thing about Twisp, an under-the-radar yet thoroughly kinetic bohemian mountain hamlet hidden high in Washington State’s Methow Valley.
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America's Lake Como (Without the Crowds)

Washington State Little Bear Trail Hike in Lake Chelan State Park

If Italy’s famed Lake Como has an American doppelganger, it’s Washington State’s Lake Chelan. This charming town, surrounded by good earth for growing standout apples and grapes, is named for its marquee oasis. The lake, fed by glacial activity dating thousands of years, is the deepest (1,486 feet) in Washington State.
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Little Valley, Big Apple

Visit Wenatchee the Apple Capital of Washington State

During the fall season, your road trip route between Seattle and the high desert destinations of Lake Chelan, Twisp, and Winthrop likely involves passing through Wenatchee—also known as “the apple capital of the world.” But it’s not just apples that are booming here. Wenatchee has a distinct verve of agricultural ingenuity and art inspired by historic roots and contemporary influence.
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  1. Napa's Art of the Matter

    Downtown Napa uncorks more than just excellent wine. Art has firmly established itself along the walkways and parkways in the area, punctuated by an annual ArtWalk (year-round) and a temporary Lighted Art Festival.

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  2. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

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  3. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax.

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  4. Hike Artdoors

    Add a little color to your new year. This 3-mile loop through the Montalvo Arts Center mixes the beauty of the natural world with local artists’ creations.

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  1. Animal Encounters

    Located where Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge overlooks the Sacramento River, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is 300 acres of gardens, a museum and playground, aquarium, and unforgettable up-close animal encounters!

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  2. Sundialed

    Redding is home to one of the world’s most famous pedestrian-only bridges—the Sundial Bridge was created by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava (its sister bridges are in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Seville, Spain). The glass-deck bridge across the Sacramento River is a true sundial....

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  3. View from Keys View Joshua Tree

    Trio of Trails

    Get into Joshua Tree National Park Park early and hit the classic circuit of short trails before the crowds arrive. We also have some food and overnight recos.

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  4. White Tank Campground for Stargazing

    Heaven for star buffs: the best campground in Joshua Tree National Park for night-sky viewing, in a place named an International Dark Sky Park, with a full-on observatory just minutes away! White Tank Campground is at 3,800 feet in the eastern part of the park.

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