Mount Rainier and the North Cascades

Next up was Chelan, a busy resort town on a large lake. It was a little cold for a swim, so we enjoyed the views from the banks. Lake Chelan was carved by a glacier and cuts a thin swath into the heart of the Cascades. Passenger ferries cross the lake, which is 50 miles long, but we arrived too late to catch the 8:30 a.m. round trip on the Lady Express.

For the next 40 miles to Wenatchee, U.S. 97 south runs along the Columbia River and the massive Lake Entiat, formed by a river dam. We stopped at one of the many roadside fruit stands to purchase a small box of golden Rainier cherries, fresh-picked and luscious, before briefly detouring west into the mountains to the curious little Bavarian-inspired village of Leavenworth. Taking a cue from their Alps-like setting, the local folk--who are not necessarily of German descent--decided to revitalize their once-failing community by creating an ersatz Bavarian village. Shopkeepers and restaurant crews are decked out in lederhosen. At Best of the Wurst, we got into the spirit with grilled sausages and sauerkraut.

A view of Mount Rainier (it's to the hiker's right), from Emmons Glacier (Jack Coble) [enlarge photo]

Yakima is an agriculturally rich city, noted in particular for its cherries, apples, and very good wines. It's possible to taste for free at 46 Yakima Valley wineries, many of which are clustered south of town. Espinoza's Mexican and American Restaurant and Cantina, a local favorite, serves up fajita and taco plates along with other Mexican dishes. The Espinoza family opened Washington State's first Mexican restaurant 51 years ago in Seattle; this location, decorated in splashy colors, dates to 1985.

Day two

Lodging

Food

Attractions