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WENATCHEE VALLEY VISITORS GUIDE | SPRING & SUMMER 2022
Columbia Basin: A region of natural and industrial wonders
World photo/Mike Bonnicksen Nicholas Atherton, at right, rides a scooter on a new boat dock as he checks out the new on-island boat launch with his dad Derrick and friend Jerett Rodwell in Riverbend Park at Crescent Bar. The Atherton’s of Maple Valley, have been coming to the island for 30 years, where family members have a home.
The Columbia Basin
“Forged by ancient lava flows and then scoured by the Lake Missoula Ice Age Floods, Grant County has some of the most uncommon and beautiful topography found anywhere on Planet Earth. With more than 140 lakes and reservoirs Grant County offers world-class fishing, hunting, hiking trails and camping.” — tourgrantcounty.com Spread across the southwestern half of the state, the Columbia Basin is a vast region filled with broad swatches of blue sky, deep coulees and volcanic buttes. Though the region is best known for its hydropower and crops, it is so much more than that. The Columbia
Basin of Washington is home to unique natural landmarks, historic sites and plenty of options for entertainment. Dams are the life support of the Basin, bringing much-needed water to crops and — along with the region’s many wind farms — providing a low-cost power source that serves clients around the world. More than 670,000 acres of the Columbia Basin are irrigated and the region is known for growing fruit, onions, beans, potatoes and more.
County’s website, the Gorge Amphitheatre plays host to world-renowned performers — and of course, spectacular views. Seated on the lip of the Columbia River, it is a concert venue like no other, with seating for 20,000 and breathtaking views of sheer basalt cliffs.
Attend Farmer Consumer Awareness Day: Head to Quincy the second Saturday in September for the annual Farmer Consumer Awareness Day and enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts, a cook-off and local delicacies, among many other things. Check out Ancient Lake
Things to do
Catch a concert at the Gorge: Considered one of the “most scenic concert venues in the world,” according to Tour Grant
Tasting Room Hours: Friday-Sunday ~ Noon to 5pm Located above Three Lakes. Take Malaga-Alcoa Hwy., right at West Malaga Rd., follow the Wine Country signs and turn left on Cathedral Rock Rd. 3450 Cathedral Rock Road, Malaga WA • (509) 679-0152 MalagaSpringsWinery.com
Malaga Springs Winery (Visitor’s Guide) Full Color