The Greater Wenatchee Area
Wenatchee
This beautiful city of Wenatchee rests in the foothills of the Cascade Range, just below the confluence of the Wenatchee and Columbia rivers, opposite East Wenatchee. The name derives from the Yakima Indian wenachi, meaning “river flowing from a canyon.” It was founded in 1888. With the development of the Columbia River Irrigation Project, the city grew as a packing and shipping center for a large fruit growing district. The city is the headquarters of the Wenatchee National Forest and is a base for the resort areas of the eastern Cascades. The city hosts the annual Washington State Apple Blossom Festival (April–May).
East Wenatchee
In 1908, the first highway bridge to span the Columbia River opened. The privately owned bridge carried people, horses, wagons, and automobiles; it also supported two large water pipelines along its sides. This bridge, still standing today, opened East Wenatchee and the rest of Douglas County to apple orchard development. East Wenatchee also made aviation history when pilots landed the first trans-pacific flight, Miss Veedol, on a nearby airstrip known then as Fancher Field. East Wenatchee is known for its substantial agriculture presence. Commercial crops primarily include apples, sweet cherries and pears. Apricots, peaches, nectarines, and plums are also grown.
Malaga
Malaga is an unincorporated community in Chelan County, Washington, United States. Founded in 1903, Malaga is located on the Columbia River 6.5 miles east-southeast of Wenatchee.
Chelan
The City of Chelan was found by settlers in the late 1800s. These settlers were impressed with the area they constructed a sawmill at the foot of the lake now known as Stehekin. At the same time, local ranchers were beginning to discover that orchards could be planted without the need of irrigation. Chelan now is the only incorporated community in the Northern part of Chelan County and is located along the Southeast end of Lake Chelan. The City of Chelan remains a destination for recreation, water sports & wine tasting with over 40 wineries & 250 acres of vines.