The views from Ohme Gardens are stunning.
Cascade peaks lie to the west, the Columbia River Valley stretches out below the bluff to the east and Wenatchee sprawls southward.
The immediate surrounding nine acres of gardens aren’t bad, either.
When Herman and Ruth Ohme bought 40 acres for an orchard in 1929, the plot included a rocky bluff that they loved for the views, and they dreamed of transforming it into an alpine meadow, with evergreens, flowers and pools.
Long story short: They succeeded wildly, and Ohme Gardens eventually grew from a private retreat to a beautiful public park owned by Washington state and managed by Chelan County.
With more than 100 plants from achilla (common yarrow) to viola (wild violet) along about a mile of stone paths, it makes a lovely hour’s walk, or you can just take your sweet time.
Keep your eyes and ears open for the more than 30 bird species that pass through or inhabit the gardens. Things change seasonally, so you might want to time visits for spring, summer and fall.
If you go
Getting there: Arriving on U.S. 2, merge onto U.S. 2/97 North, left onto Easy Street (first stoplight), right onto Ohme Gardens Road, left onto Ohme Road. Follow signs to the entrance. The address is 3327 Ohme Road, Wenatchee, phone 509-662-5785.
Hours: Open daily from April 15 to Oct. 15; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. spring and fall; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.
Admission: Adults $7, youth 6 to 17 $3.50, children 5 and under free with an adult.
Parking: Free
Other considerations:
•Bring good walking shoes.
Stone walkways and steep paths prohibit wheelchair or stroller use.
Some walkways are steep and narrow, so know your physical limitations.
Pets are not allowed.
Young children must remain with adults. No running.
Except for water bottles, no food or beverages are allowed inside the gardens, but there is a picnic area outside.
Events at Ohme
If you need an excuse other than the scenery to go over the mountains to Ohme Gardens, the gardens host a number of events through the season. Here are a few:
Summer wine gala: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 9. Live music, award-winning local wines, and fare from regional chefs are featured. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. Tickets $45 per person before July 4, $55 after. Purchase at www.wenatcheewines.com or in person at Wenatchee Valley Visitor Bureau (5 S. Wenatchee Ave., Suite 100, Wenatchee), Ohme Gardens and at participating wineries.
Shakespeare in the Gardens: 7 to 8:30 p.m. July 19 to 21. The Wells House Players of Wenatchee present “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Subaru Summer Music Series: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, July 8 to Aug. 5. $12 adults, $6 youth. JunkBelly, July 8; Michael Carlos Band, July 15; Icicle Creek Youth Symphony, July 22; Kevin Jones Band, July 29; OK2Botay Steel Band, Aug. 5.
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