Outdoors

<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   If you go ... What: The 11-mile paved Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail runs along the east and west sides of the Columbia River and crosses it twice in addition to crossing the Wenatchee River. Where: Good starting points include the pedestrian bridge that goes over the railroad tracks in downtown Wenatchee not far from the Wenatchee Convention and Visitors Bureau (25 N. Wenatchee Ave., Wenatchee; www.wenatcheevalley.org; 800-572-7753) and Wenatchee Confluence State Park (333 Olds Station Road, Wenatchee; www.parks.wa.gov; 509-664-6373). When: Walk, bike or roller blade in spring, summer and fall or cross-country ski or snowshoe in the winter. Who: There are some moderate hills on the trail, but it is relatively flat and should be appropriate for all ages and abilities, depending on how much of the trail you hike or bike. Information: Because six agencies run the loop trail, there are numerous Web sites with information. See www.chelanpud.org/apple-capital-loop-trail.html for a map and basic information and www.genesbmx.com/apple-capital-recreation-loop-trail.html for further details and history. Pig out: After burning off a few calories on the loop trail, put them back on with doughnuts at Sure to Rise Bakery in downtown Cashmere just west of Wenatchee (115 Cottage Ave.; 509-782-2424) or with pastries at Anjou Bakery between Wenatchee and Cashmere on Highway 2 (www.anjoubakery.com; 509-782-4360).   CONTACT THE HERALD Melanie Munk, Features Editor munk@heraldnet.com   Published: Saturday, June 30, 2007 Apple Capital tour Loop trail in Wenatchee is early summer delight By Sarah Jackson Herald Writer Summer, technically, is here. In Western Washington, of course, that means the weather simply feels a bit more like spring. But if you truly want summer now - hot, sunny, satisfying summer - why not treat yourself to the charms east of the mountains? Obvious bets are the hiking and recreation escapes of Leavenworth and Lake Chelan, but what about Wenatchee? Not only is the city becoming a destination for skiers in winter and wine-touring fans in the fall, but it's also home to some of the state's best summer recreation, including the often-overlooked Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail. The paved 11-mile riverside loop trail, one of the longest, if not the longest, trail of its kind in the state, should be on every Washingtonian tourist's list. It's a wonderful way to get your bearings in Wenatchee and an ideal place to warm up your hiking or biking legs before the truly punishing heat of the east sets in and turns the surrounding mountains completely brown. You'll get a sampling of urban and rural scenery over the course of the trail, including grassy parks, water-lapped beaches and dry brushy desert with splashes of the Cascade Mountains in the distance. Wildlife, including marmots, quail and swallows darting like fighter pilots, will greet you along the way, especially if you set out in the early morning or evening. Three bridges - two reserved for pedestrians - will help you cross the Columbia River twice and the Wenatchee River once, providing ample opportunity for wide views and, if you're a photographer, perfect pictures of the river and valley. There are numerous options for starting your trip on the trail, including downtown Wenatchee, home to the convention and visitors bureau on Wenatchee Avenue where a new pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks leads to the trail. You also can begin your journey at many other public points on the trail too, including Wenatchee Confluence State Park. The 197-acre recreation haven is home to RV and tent campsites, a playground, a swimming beach, sports fields, picnic areas, natural wetlands, interpretive trails and essentials such as restrooms, drinking water and showers, all set at the meeting of the Wenatchee and Columbia rivers. If you plan to do the entire trail - a relatively flat but long day hike or a respectable bike ride - be sure to treat it as a wilderness experience. Bring appropriate clothing, snacks, water, sunglasses, sunscreen and, though it's not one of the 10 essentials, bug spray. While the Wenatchee side of the Columbia River provides a somewhat urban parklike atmosphere along the trail, the East Wenatchee side is more rural with long stretches without flush toilets and drinking fountains. On the eastern side of the Columbia you can also take a side trip on a 1.3-mile paved spur trail that goes south along Highway 28 to Rock Island Hydro Park, a county PUD park where you'll find sports fields, picnic areas, swimming, a boat launch and restrooms. Similar to the Burke-Gilman Trail in Seattle, the main loop trail, completed in 1994, is not 100 percent picturesque. You'll see the backsides of some of the city's massive fruit-packing plants and you'll walk beside busy U.S. 2 traffic on the Odabashian Bridge, which spans the Columbia River at the trail's north end. Despite its imperfections, however, the trail is something of an interagency miracle with six local, county and state bodies involved in its upkeep and management. Wenatchee Parks and Recreation specialist Sarah Fitzgerald said the trail is especially popular with locals who use the trail for their commutes and exercise. "Even people who don't use it are really proud of it," she said. "I think it makes our riverfront really beautiful. It's the first step in making our riverfront a destination." When you're done with the trail, be sure to explore the area's growing cadre of respectable pubs, restaurants and enticing bakeries (see the sidebar with this story for bakeries), all sitting amid some seriously stunning scenery. Reporter Sarah Jackson: 425-339-3037 or sjackson@heraldnet.com.

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