This Quiet Washington Town Is An Underrated Gem For 2026
You might be feeling the weight of high expectations for 2026, but make sure to save some time for traveling this year! Fortunately, if you live in Washington, you’re already close to plenty of incredible spots. If you need a little inspiration to get your planning started, consider adding Cashmere to your travel list for 2026. Beautifully located at the foot of the Cascades, this small town sits in the shadow of Mount Cashmere as it towers 8,500 feet above the valley. As you might expect, the hiking opportunities here are magnificent, while the Wenatchee River provides thrilling whitewater rafting right through the heart of the region. The surrounding orchards and the historic Pioneer Village make it worth a visit as well. So strap on your hiking boots, bring your appetite, and get ready to discover what makes the unsung town of Cashmere so special.
Exploring The Great Outdoors
If you enjoy hiking, rock climbing, or white water rafting, Cashmere has the perfect outdoor activity for you. The first destination to have on your radar is Peshastin Pinnacles State Park, a 34-acre day-use park that is part of the Wenatchee River Valley. The park is particularly well known for its stunning sandstone slabs, and a short trail network zigzags past some of the best climbing areas. Although the park is currently closed for the winter, it will reopen to visitors around mid-March.
The Wenatchee River also winds along the northern edge of Cashmere, making it a great basecamp for a day on the rapids. You’ll find several rafting outfitters in the area, such as Action Rafting Company, which offers several trip types. The Wenatchee River trip features Class III rapids, with travelers able to pick between a half-day excursion and a full-day excursion that includes a deli lunch. Both trips provide all the necessary gear, meaning you just have to show up ready for a good time!
Orchards, Wineries, & Restaurants
Cashmere is surrounded by apple and pear orchards, resulting in a rich agricultural and culinary scene. Travelers hoping to visit the local orchards can drive ten minutes west to Nicholson Orchards, a beloved spot featuring a fruit stand and seasonal events such as autumn cider pressing. Miller Orchards is located just down the road from Nicholson’s, offering a seasonal fruit stand that is open from May to November each year. For an afternoon of wine tasting, head over to Icicle Ridge Winery to sample a variety of award-winning wines while overlooking the vineyards and the gorgeous ridge for which the winery is named.
Back in town, you can enjoy a hearty meal at one of Cashmere’s delicious restaurants. Travelers craving authentic Mexican food will love Agave Azul, which serves a variety of dishes, including freshly made salsa, guacamole, enchiladas, tacos, flautas, and more.
A Trip Through Time
Founded in the late 19th century, Cashmere remains a traditional American town with much of its character preserved within the Cottage Avenue Historic District. Lined with early 20th-century Craftsman bungalows, Cottage Avenue captures the essence of an early orchard town. Make sure to stop by the Cashmere Chamber of Commerce lobby to pick up a walking tour brochure to make the most of your stroll.
For even more Cashmere history, spend an afternoon at the Cashmere Museum and Pioneer Village. The museum houses 13,000 square feet of Native American objects and pioneer artifacts, while the Pioneer Village's antique-furnished cabins offer a truly immersive look into the town’s past.
An Exciting Event Calendar
If you have flexible travel dates, you might consider planning your trip around one of Cashmere’s energizing events or festivals. In the summer, for example, the small town hosts Founder’s Day, a large celebration that takes place on the last weekend of June, featuring a parade, art and crafts, live entertainment, and plenty of food. Honoring its orchard roots, Apple Days takes place during the first weekend of October in the Pioneer Village, where people come dressed in period clothing to enjoy activities such as apple pie contests, horse-drawn wagon rides, dog pulls, and more. The holiday season is another exciting time in the town, with the community coming together for Christmas in Cashmere. This annual celebration includes a photo op with Santa himself, Christmas concerts, and Christmas lights, among other festive events.
Extending Your Trip
Since nobody wants a vacation to end, why let yours? Consider extending your trip to include visits to some of the other nearby towns. Just 15 minutes northwest of Cashmere, Leavenworth offers the chance to experience the Cascades with a Bavarian twist, complete with German restaurants like München Haus and renowned festivals such as Oktoberfest. Wenatchee, meanwhile, is about 15 minutes in the opposite direction and is another wonderful destination for outdoor recreation. Hikers and bikers will love exploring trails like the Apple Capital Loop Trail, a paved trail along Wenatchee’s riverfront, or heading out to the relatively remote Burch Mountain - Eagle Rock, a hike that provides incredible views of the Cascades, Wenatchee River, and Columbia River.
Your Memorable Trip Awaits This Year
Washington is full of beautiful travel destinations, but the real challenge is finding gems that remain off the beaten path. Cashmere is a perfect example, offering the same stunning Cascade beauty as neighboring Leavenworth while avoiding the larger crowds. The town's event calendar stays busy year-round as well, featuring a variety of community festivals that celebrate every season. Regardless of the time of year that you decide to visit Cashmere, you are almost guaranteed to have one of your most memorable trips yet!
