Nestled in a valley in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, sits Lake Wenatchee and the small town of Plain, Washington.

Plain is located in North Central Washington and is only 14 miles north of the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth. It’s surrounded by forested hills, mountains, and water and is the perfect place for a quiet relaxing retreat or an adventurous day of outdoor recreation.

While in Plain, take a walk around Beaver Valley Lodge that has a nice lawn for a picnic and is a popular summertime wedding location.

If you’re looking for something to eat, stroll next door to Just Plain Grocery for snacks and refreshments.

Or if you need other supplies, visit Plain Hardware that has everything from flashlights and camping gear, to boutique clothes and gifts, and even Bigfoot souvenirs.

Just a few miles from town, sits Lake Wenatchee State Park with nearly 500 acres of camping and over 12,000 feet of waterfront where you can find playgrounds, sandy beaches, a protected swimming area, forested trails, and boat access. This glacially-fed lake is a popular destination for stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing where exploring the shoreline can lead to a full day of adventure.

Outside the state park, travel the roadways for a variety of views of mountains, wilderness, open meadows, and wild rivers.

Want to escape the pavement? Go for a hike on one of the many trails in the area to wander through the forest and find yourself in nature.

The area also has a number of mountain bike trails that offer miles of well-graded singletrack for beginners and more advanced riders.

Mountain Springs Lodge is located in Plain and is a must-stop destination no matter the season. They offer a host of family-friendly activities year-round taking advantage of their beautiful property. For instance, Horseback Riding. No experience required. Ride several trails around the area depending whether you’re looking for a brief introduction, or a multi-mile adventure.

Looking for even more thrills? Sign up for their zipline course, Leavenworth Ziplines, for high-flying fun through the trees as you work your way up to the longest and highest line that soars up to 200 feet over the valley floor.

Just a mile North of Lake Wenatchee is Fish Lake, a smaller lake that offers great fishing year-round for both trout and perch. Rent fishing poles, gear, boats, and buy bait on-site to enjoy a leisurely afternoon with your bait in the water. Fish Lake also has pontoon boats available for rent if you’d like to just head out to the middle of the lake to soak in the sun.

Next time you visit North Central Washington, take a detour off Highway 2 at Cole’s Corner to visit Plain and the Lake Wenatchee area. You’ll be glad you did!