Facility Overview

The Apple Capital Loop Trail 27th St. Trailhead parking facility is a dedicated open-air surface lot situated at 2 River Ave (at the intersection of 27th Street NW and Empire Avenue NW) in East Wenatchee, Washington. Managed in partnership with local park authorities, this public staging area provides direct access to the eastern corridor of the scenic 10-to-22-mile paved Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail along the Columbia River. The lot features an organized, paved layout designed specifically for recreational trail visitors, community runners, and cyclists.

Because the facility is an entirely uncovered, ground-level lot, there are no vertical clearance restrictions or low-hanging garage beams. This wide-open headroom makes the lot exceptionally accommodating for standard passenger cars, large pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, commercial high-roof vans, and vehicles outfitted with rooftop bicycle racks, kayak carriers, or cargo boxes. The turnaround spaces and stall dimensions provide comfortable maneuvering room for standard vehicles as well as recreational haulers.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Positioned along the scenic, semi-arid bluffs and riverbanks of Douglas County, the 27th Street Trailhead serves as a premier launch point for exploring Central Washington’s premier outdoor network. Key regional highlights and walking/cycling destinations include:

• Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail: Direct on-site access to Washington State’s most renowned paved multi-use trail, connecting more than 10 to 22 miles of scenic paths along both banks of the Columbia River.
• Richard Odabashian Bridge (US-2 / US-97): Located approximately 1.5 miles north, carrying the trail across the river to north Wenatchee and the northern spur toward Lincoln Rock State Park.
• Porter's Pond Nature Area: Situated south along the trail, offering protected wetlands, birdwatching, and serene wildlife habitats within a short walk or bike ride.
• Wenatchee Confluence State Park & Walla Walla Point Park: Located directly across the river via the northern loop crossing (accessible in 10 to 15 minutes by bicycle).
• Pybus Public Market & Historic Downtown Wenatchee: Located roughly 4 miles south along the loop trail or an 8-minute drive across the George Sellar or pedestrian bridges, offering artisan dining, local produce, and boutique shops.
• Eastmont Parks & Community Center: Located just a 5-minute drive southeast in East Wenatchee, featuring sports complexes and community recreation.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Drivers can conveniently reach the 27th St. Trailhead from State Route 28 (Sunset Highway), turning west toward the river via 27th Street NW and following signs down to Empire Avenue NW and River Avenue. Ingress and egress are straightforward with wide curb aprons and clear sightlines, minimizing traffic congestion even on sunny weekends and peak cycling hours.

Regional transit is provided by Link Transit, which serves Douglas and Chelan counties with regular bus routes running along State Route 28 and Sunset Highway. For regional vehicle travel, the lot is located moments from US Highway 2 and US Highway 97 via the Odabashian Bridge, allowing seamless travel north toward Chelan, west toward Leavenworth and Stevens Pass, or south toward Quincy and I-90.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Free Public Parking: Complimentary parking provided for loop trail visitors, runners, and cyclists.
• Open-Air Headroom: Zero overhead height limitations, easily accommodating oversized SUVs, lifted trucks, and tall roof-mounted bike carriers.
• On-Site Restroom Facilities: Portable or seasonal restroom amenities available directly adjacent to the trailhead staging area.
• Direct Paved Trail Ingress: Immediate, curb-free transition from the asphalt parking stalls to the ADA-compliant paved Apple Capital Loop Trail.
• Scenic River Views: Immediate vistas of the Columbia River, surrounding orchards, and the Cascade foothills.
• Informational Kiosks & Signage: Trail system maps, mileage indicators, and interpretive signage covering trail etiquette and local ecology.

Ideal For

• Bicyclists & E-Bike Riders: Cyclists looking for a convenient, quiet staging location to begin a complete 10-mile river loop or head north toward Lincoln Rock State Park.
• Joggers & Walkers: Fitness enthusiasts, dog walkers (on leash), and casual strollers seeking paved, level paths along the east shoreline.
• Nature Lovers & Photographers: Birdwatchers visiting Porter’s Pond and the Columbia River riverbanks during golden hour.
• Commuters & Daily Travelers: Non-motorized commuters connecting between East Wenatchee and business hubs across the river in Wenatchee.

Visitor & Driver Tips

• Park Operating Hours: The trailhead parking area is officially open daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM; overnight camping or parking is not permitted.
• Sunny Season Preparation: The East Wenatchee shoreline has minimal tree canopy; carry extra water, sunscreen, and sunglasses, especially during hot summer afternoons.
• Peak Arrival Hours: Parking spaces tend to fill quickly on sunny weekend mornings from spring through early autumn. Arrive before 9:00 AM or in late afternoon for easy stall availability.
• Lock & Secure Belongings: As with any open recreational trailhead, do not leave electronics, purses, or valuable sports gear in plain view inside unattended vehicles.
• GPS Directions: Set navigation directly to 27th Street NW & Empire Ave NW or 2 River Ave, East Wenatchee, to avoid gravel utility roads along the railway corridor.