Wenatchee Outdoors

Snowshoe Stroll at the Hatchery
2025-02-28 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-01 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Presents
Begin the year with new discoveries! Starting from the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery, join Wenatchee River Institute naturalist guides on a one-mile snowshoe trail along beautiful Icicle Creek. We will learn about native wildlife and ecology along the way. What signs do we see along the trail that tell us what animals were there? How do the plants and animals survive winter? Even if this is your first time on snowshoes, come along and enjoy this fun outdoor winter program! Bring your enthusiasm for the wonders of winter and nature, and make sure to dress in warm layers.
Meeting location – Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery visitor center.
Difficulty level – Beginner level, all skill levels are welcome. Not ADA accessible due to non-plowed trails.
Provided – Snowshoes, gaiters, and poles.
Limit of 12 participants per group – Registration required for everyone in the party.
Free for children 5 and under (only 2 spaces available per trail group): there are no snowshoes available at this size.
Cost – Pay What You Can:
We offer the Pay What You Can model in recognition that paying for education programs looks different for different people.
These price suggestions are based on the costs to WRI to put on this program. If you want to attend this program, we want you to be there. Use the below discount codes to adjust the total cost of tickets:
$20/person
This option may be for you if you are excited to support WRI, and attending this program doesn’t put a strain on your weekly budget.
$10/person
This option may be for you if your budget is tight, but still really want to attend this program and support WRI.
$5/person
This option may be for you if your budget is very tight, but still really want to attend this program and support WRI.
Additional donation option to add a little extra so others can attend at a lower cost.
Click here for the link to register

WRI Astro on the River
2025-03-27 20:30 - 22:00 | Wenatchee River Institute, 347 Division St, Leavenworth, WA, United States
About
Join WVAC members at Wenatchee Rover Institute near the Red Barn in Leavenworth. The WVAC team will talk about the different types of telescopes and how they work. We will have multiple telescopes out showing some of the seasons’ best and brightest celestial objects, connecting you to your natural heritage, the night sky. Bring your deepest cosmological questions!
This program is almost entirely telescope based.
This program may be held in the red barn if weather is inclement. Should this occur, we will show off the different types of telescopes and how beginners can get started in astronomy.
Program Rules

During the program, please avoid the use of white light, red lensed lights are allowed.
Please dress appropriately for the weather and possible wind; insect repellant may be necessary.

Location
We will all meet at the covered picnic shelter at WRI where introductions and general outline of the program. From there we will walk down to near Barn Beach for the event.
How to Sign Up
Space is limited to 35 people, so please register ahead of time to reserve your spot in the free program. Registration is required on the WRI website under events.
Cost
While the event is free, donations are gladly accepted. All donations go towards WRI and help continued community-based programming.

Earth Day Fair Fun Run
2025-04-19 08:30 - 14:00
Sign up ($10.00)
Join us for a 5 km or 1 mile Fun Run to celebrate Earth Day. Race starts at 9:30am near the Smith Gym, along 5th Street on the campus of Wenatchee Valley College (WVC). 1 mile is 1 lap and 5 km is 3 laps.
There is preregistration here, and day of registration and bib pick up starts at 8:30am. If you are a WVC student, you receive FREE registration and you need to register on the day of the event (do not pre-register). Please bring student ID.
This event is co-hosted by Sustainable NCW and Wenatchee Valley College and is a fundraiser for both. After your race, stick around to enjoy the many booths, kids activities, music and food of the Earth Day Fair, which is happening from 10am to 2pm at WVC around the central fountain.
Location
Wenatchee Valley College near the Smith Gym
1300 Fifth Street
Wenatchee, WA US 98801
Additional race information can be found on the race website.

International Dark Sky Week
2025-04-21
This week is International Dark Sky Week. While this is not an event be sure to observe the week by enjoying the night sky. Remember to look up!
You can learn more at: https://idsw.darksky.org/

Hatchery Star Party
2025-04-27 21:30 - 22:30 | Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery(12790 Fish Hatchery Rd)
This is WVAC’s flagship event. This event is for the whole community; members and non-members; those just curious and advanced amateurs. No registration is required, come on out and show up.

Have a telescope but don’t know how to use it? or want some pointers? this is an opportunity to get to know your telescope.

No telescope? No problem! Astronomy is for sharing. Members will have red lanterns below their telescope. Come on up and see what we are looking at. Every member will have a different telescope and looking at something else. The secret password is “Whatchya Looking at?” This is a place for exploration of the curious and answering any questions you have from deep cosmic questions to what type of telescope you should get.

Have a telescope and know what your doing? Great! Come on out and meet our members. This is an event for astronomers of the community. This event allows all of us to connect to one another and to our cosmos.

Every person will be greeted by a WVAC member so new-comers know where to start and how the event works. Come on out and we can all enjoy the stars together in a comfortable environment.
Bathrooms will be made available on nights that USFWS staff is available in the main building.
Program Rules

During the program, please avoid the use of white light, red lensed lights are allowed. White lights are allowed for emergency use.
Please dress appropriately for the weather and possible wind; insect repellant may be necessary.

Location
We all will park at the USFWS Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Parking Lot just outside of the gate. The gate will be half closed, but please do not drive beyond the gate.
The Telescope Area is just beyond the main building, about 50 yards from the parking lot. Walk beyond the gates and follow that main roadway straight until you see our red illuminated light sign board.
How to Sign Up
No registration is required. No need to sign up, just come on out and show up. Stay as long as you would like. But please arrive on time, so we can start introductions and explain how the event works.
Cost
While the event is free, donations are gladly accepted. All donations go to Friends of the Hatchery non-profit organization where they will use the proceeds to install a Sky Quality Meter to quantify light pollution growth.
Google Map Location Hyperlinks:
Parking Lot
Telescope Area

Wildflower Walk on Ski Hill - WRI Bird Fest
2025-05-17 12:00 - 15:00
Leader: Don Schaechtel, Connie McCauley, Nancy Dunn
Trip Difficulty: Easy
Limit: 24

Spend an afternoon walking the trails at the historic Leavenworth Ski Hill. You will discover an amazing diversity of wildflowers and flowering shrubs, with the possibility of a visit by a white-headed woodpecker. We will see camas, lupines, tiger lilies, false Solomon’s seal, Mariposa lilies, and many others. If that is not enough, you will learn how to tell the difference between arrowleaf balsamroot and mule’s ears. Handouts will be provided. Your guides are members of the Wenatchee Valley Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society. Bring water, binoculars, and dress for the weather. Register through the Wenatchee River Institute Bird Fest at https://wenatcheeriverinstitute.org/bird-fest/schedule.html

Hatchery Star party
2025-05-18 21:30 - 22:30, 2025-07-24 22:30 - 23:30, 2025-08-28 21:30 - 22:30, 2025-09-25 21:00 - 22:00, 2025-10-23 20:00 - 21:00 | Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery(12790 Fish Hatchery Rd)
This is WVAC’s flagship event. This event is for the whole community; members and non-members; those just curious and advanced amateurs. No registration is required, come on out and show up.

Have a telescope but don’t know how to use it? or want some pointers? this is an opportunity to get to know your telescope.

No telescope? No problem! Astronomy is for sharing. Members will have red lanterns below their telescope. Come on up and see what we are looking at. Every member will have a different telescope and looking at something else. The secret password is “Whatchya Looking at?” This is a place for exploration of the curious and answering any questions you have from deep cosmic questions to what type of telescope you should get.

Have a telescope and know what your doing? Great! Come on out and meet our members. This is an event for astronomers of the community. This event allows all of us to connect to one another and to our cosmos.

Every person will be greeted by a WVAC member so new-comers know where to start and how the event works. Come on out and we can all enjoy the stars together in a comfortable environment.
Bathrooms will be made available on nights that USFWS staff is available in the main building.
Program Rules

During the program, please avoid the use of white light, red lensed lights are allowed. White lights are allowed for emergency use.
Please dress appropriately for the weather and possible wind; insect repellant may be necessary.

Location
We all will park at the USFWS Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Parking Lot just outside of the gate. The gate will be half closed, but please do not drive beyond the gate.
The Telescope Area is just beyond the main building, about 50 yards from the parking lot. Walk beyond the gates and follow that main roadway straight until you see our red illuminated light sign board.
How to Sign Up
No registration is required. No need to sign up, just come on out and show up. Stay as long as you would like. But please arrive on time, so we can start introductions and explain how the event works.
Cost
While the event is free, donations are gladly accepted. All donations go to Friends of the Hatchery non-profit organization where they will use the proceeds to install a Sky Quality Meter to quantify light pollution growth.
Google Map Location Hyperlinks:Parking Lot Telescope Area

Lake astro program
2025-05-25 22:30 - 23:30, 2025-07-12 22:30 - 23:30, 2025-07-26 22:30 - 23:30, 2025-08-09 22:00 - 23:00, 2025-08-31 21:00 - 22:00 | Lake Wenatchee State Park, 201 Washington St, Cashmere, WA, United States
About the Program
Grab a blanket or a chair and lay out under the stars on the beach of Lake Wenatchee South Park where WVAC members will answer your deepest cosmic questions, dive into the depths of the cosmos, explore our small harmonious Solar System, and massive chaotic celestial objects.
Every program is different in this series and is catered to the curious and imaginative. So, bring your deepest cosmic questions and let’s blast off into space!
This program is subject to cancellation or change based on weather conditions. Check back here or call 218 403-1345 to see if the program is cancelled or changed in anyway if weather looks inclement.
This program can be either telescope based or a constellation tour depending on wind.
Program Rules
During the program, please avoid the use of white light, red lensed lights are allowed. If you’re driving to the event, please try to avoid pointing headlights towards the beach while parking.
Please arrive 10 minutes early, dress appropriately for the weather and possible wind; insect repellant may be necessary. The event is free. Day use visitors will require a Discover Pass on their vehicle for parking.
Location
This program will take place on the large South Beach at Lake Wenatchee South Park. There will be a red-illuminated sign at the event. Please arrive early to avoid shining white lights onto the beach.
Cost
While this program is free, we do accept donations. All donations will be used to expand WVAC’s programming and outreach efforts. A Discover Pass ($30) or a Daily Permit ($10) is required for parking in State Parks, be sure to display this permit on your dashboard. A credit card machine is available in the parking lot.

Backpacking Class- Outdoor for All Ages
2025-08-07 15:00 - 17:00
Join our all-ages backpacking class!
Discover the essentials for a safe and enjoyable adventure: learn about gear, Leave No Trace principles, trail etiquette, top destinations, and everything else you need to hit the trail with confidence. We’ll also guide you through workouts tailored to every fitness level, so you’re fully prepared for your next hike. We can’t wait to help you build the skills and confidence to explore the outdoors!
Location: Leavenworth Ski Hill, 10701 Ski Hill Dr, Leavenworth, WA 98826
If you have any questions please contact: dhartl@sl-fnd.org or krissy@wenatcheeoutdoors.org

Adventure Training: Get Trail Ready with Loaded Carries!
2025-09-17 17:30 - 18:30 | Saddle Rock Trailhead, 1130 Circle Street, Wenatchee, Washington, 98801, United States
Join Adam Vognild for a loaded carry, ruck, or weighted hike—different names for the same fun and challenging activity! Learn how to use “loaded carries” to build strength and endurance for backcountry adventures, whether you’re hiking, backpacking, skiing, or alpine climbing.
Why hike with weight? It’s a powerful mix of strength and conditioning that directly translates to better performance in the mountains. Loaded carries can be done anywhere, anytime, by anyone fit enough to hike in the hills.
During the session, we’ll cover the dos and don’ts of starting out and how to incorporate loaded carries into your training program safely and effectively.
Adam Vognild.
What to bring: your backpack, 2–3 gallons of water, and hiking poles. This session is suitable for anyone who can walk outdoors with a pack and wants to do it a little better!
Scroll to the bottom of this page to rsvp and save your spot. Max of 12.

Adam is a WenOut volunteer and owner and operator of Encompass Coaching, where he helps people become more resilient and achieve their health and wellness goals.
He can be reached at 509-669-0409 or encompassfitnesscoach@gmail.com

WRI Astro Along the River
2025-10-02 20:00 - 22:00 | Wenatchee River Institute, 347 Division St, Leavenworth, WA, United States

WenOut Kids Thursday's
2026-03-26 15:30 - 16:30
Wenatchee Outdoors is looking forward to offering kids outings this spring each Thursday. Activities will include hiking, biking, birding, story time, and more. Details and locations will vary each week. Dates include: March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28.
Due to changing spring weather conditions, event details may change. Please be sure to check our website for the most up-to-date information, updates, or cancellations before attending.
Time: 3:30pm
Location: Horan Natural Area
Details: Join us for a bird watching walk through Horan Natural Area. We will look for different birds throughout the walk, and hopefully see the eagles nest! We will start at Confluence Park, walk to the end of Horan Natural Area and back. This should be about a 2 mile mostly flat walk. Bikes are not allowed in Horan, strollers are ok.
*Children must be accompanied by an adult*

WenOut Kids Thursday's
2026-04-02 15:30 - 16:30
Due to changing spring weather conditions, event details may change. Please be sure to check our website and social media channels for the most up-to-date information, updates, or cancellations before attending.
Time: 3:30
Location: Kenzie Landing
Guest: Virginia Shoup from Wenatchee River Institute
Details: We will hike the Kenzie’s Landing trail up to the three-trail saddle and back down. This will be approximately a 1-1.5 mile hike, 400ft of elevation gain. Virginia Shoup from Wenatchee River Institute will lead a discussion following the hike on the picnic table by the trailhead.
*Children must be accompanied by an adult*

WenOut Kids Thursday's
2026-04-09 15:30 - 16:30
Due to changing spring weather conditions, event details may change. Please be sure to check our website and social media channels for the most up-to-date information, updates, or cancellations before attending.
Date: 4/9/2026
Time: 3:30
Location: Wenatchee River Institute, 347 Division St, Leavenworth, WA 98826
Guest: Join Angela as she leads the kids through the WRI Story Walk on campus! 📖🌳 Fun stories, fresh air, and outdoor adventure await!
Details: The Wenatchee River Institute Story Walk offers a charming way for families to engage with nature and literacy simultaneously along the Leavenworth waterfront. Located on the WRI campus, this self-guided activity features deconstructed pages of a children’s picture book installed on signposts along a gentle, shaded trail. The walk covers a distance of 0.25 to 0.4 miles, making it an easy, accessible loop for strollers and young children. With stories that rotate seasonally to reflect the changing environment, it provides a fresh and educational outdoor experience that is free and open to the public year-round.
*Children must be accompanied by an adult*

WenOut Kids Thursday's
2026-04-16 15:30 - 16:30
Due to changing spring weather conditions, event details may change. Please be sure to check our website and social media channels for the most up-to-date information, updates, or cancellations before attending.
Date: 4/16/2026
Time: 3:30
Location: Rocky Reach Dam, 5000 State Hwy 97A, Wenatchee, WA 98801
**We will meet at the lower park shelter area**
Guest: Kristin Lodge from Rocky Reach Discovery Center
Details: We will have representatives from the Rocky Reach Dam helping us learn about salmon for our nature and conservation inspired learning! This will take place in the lower sheltered area at the Rocky Reach Discovery Center. Kids can play on the playground following the salmon activities or explore around the Discovery Center.
*Children must be accompanied by an adult*

WenOut Kids Thursday's
2026-04-23 15:30 - 16:30
Due to changing spring weather conditions, event details may change. Please be sure to check our website and social media channels for the most up-to-date information, updates, or cancellations before attending.
Date: 4/23/2026
Time: 3:30
Location: Old Butte via Jacobson Trail head
Guest: Jenise Coates a Wenatchee Outdoors volunteer
Details: We will be hiking the Old Butte trail while reading the story boards along the way. We will start at the Jacobson Trailhead. This hike will be about 1.6 miles round trip with about 200-400 feet elevation gain. Jenise Coates will join us for a discussion about nature journaling during the hike. *Please bring a blank journal or notebook to practice nature journaling* (if possible)
*Children must be accompanied by an adult*

WenOut Kids Thursday's
2026-04-30 15:30 - 16:30
Due to changing spring weather conditions, event details may change. Please be sure to check our website and social media channels for the most up-to-date information, updates, or cancellations before attending.
Date: 4/30/2026
Time: 3:30
Location: Pybus Public Market, 3 N. Worthen St., Wenatchee, WA 98801
**Meet in the grass near the boat parking lot on the North East corner of the market**
Guest: Jenise Coates, Wenatchee Outdoors volunteer
Details: This will be a wheels outing! Plan to bike, scooter, roller blade, etc. We will start at Pybus and bike for about 30 minutes. Jenise Coates will be back to lead a discussion about nature journaling following the ride. *Please bring a blank journal or notebook to practice nature journaling* (if possible)
*Children must be accompanied by an adult*

WenOut Kids Thursday's
2026-05-07 15:30 - 16:30 | Castlerock Trailhead, 1963 Castlerock Ave, Wenatchee, 98801, United States
Due to changing spring weather conditions, event details may change. Please be sure to check our website and social media channels for the most up-to-date information, updates, or cancellations before attending.
Date: 5/7/2026
Time: 3:30
Location: Castlerock Trailhead, 1963 Castlerock Ave, Wenatchee
Details: We’ll meet at the Castlerock Trailhead and hike the lower Castlerock Loop. Hike is approximately 1 mile. *We practice Leave No Trace at Wenatchee Outdoors, and will do our best to leave the trailhead and area as we found it.*
*Children must be accompanied by an adult*

WenOut Kids Thursday's
2026-05-14 15:30 - 16:30 | Squilchuck State Park, 2805 Mission Ridge Road, Wenatchee, 98801, United States
Due to changing spring weather conditions, event details may change. Please be sure to check our website and social media channels for the most up-to-date information, updates, or cancellations before attending.
Date: 5/14/2026
Time: 3:30
Location: Squilchuck State Park, 2805 Mission Ridge Road, Wenatchee
Guest: Thom Schroeder, Wenatchee Outdoors President
Details: Come ride the pump track at Squilchuck State Park! BYOB- bring your own bike. Discover Pass required to park at Squilchuck!
*Children must be accompanied by an adult*

WenOut Kids Thursday's
2026-05-21 15:30 - 16:30 | Enchantment Park, 299 Enchantment Way, Leavenworth, WA, United States
Due to changing spring weather conditions, event details may change. Please be sure to check our website and social media channels for the most up-to-date information, updates, or cancellations before attending.
Date: 5/21/2026
Time: 3:30
Guest: Riley Baxter, YMCA
Location: Enchantment Park, 300 Enchantment Park Way, Leavenworth, WA 98826
Details: Calling all scientists! We will be joined by Ryley Baxter of the YMCA, who will be bringing microscopes for us to examine our “findings” from the area around the park. Join us at Enchantment Park in Leavenworth for outdoor play, biking at the pump track, or a walk through Blackbird Island. *We practice Leave No Trace at Wenatchee Outdoors, and will do our best to leave the park area exactly as we found it.
*Children must be accompanied by an adult*

WenOut Kids Thursday's
2026-05-28 15:30 - 16:30 | Confluence State Park, 333 Olds Station Rd, Wenatchee, WA, 98801, United States
Due to changing spring weather conditions, event details may change. Please be sure to check our website and social media channels for the most up-to-date information, updates, or cancellations before attending.
Date: 5/28/2026
Time: 3:30
Location: Confluence State Park, 333 Olds Station Road, Wenatchee
Guest: Riley Baxter, YMCA
Details: Calling all scientists Part 2! Riley from the YMCA is back this week with microscopes. We can meet at Confluence State Park by the playground for playtime and microscope exploring of the nature at Confluence.
*Children must be accompanied by an adult*
