Biking the Apple Capital Loop Trail is a must-do Wenatchee adventure—22 miles of riverfront beauty, mountain views, and park connections encircling the Columbia River. But why let the day end when you finish your ride? By adding a scenic Columbia River cruise with Wiley’s Boat Rides, you elevate a great outing into a memory-making Wenatchee experience.
Discover the Apple Capital Loop Trail: Wenatchee’s Biking Paradise
Trail Overview
- Length & Terrain: The Apple Capital Loop Trail is a primarily paved, multi-use path stretching for 10 scenic miles as a loop (22 miles including spurs), circling the Columbia River through Wenatchee and East Wenatchee.
- Highlights:
- Passes through riverfront parks, natural habitats, and city sights.
- Crosses three bridges, offering both cityscapes and wild, open views.
- Designed for all skill levels—wide and mostly flat, with a few gentle hills on the north side.
- Activities: Perfect for biking, walking, jogging, skating, and even cross-country skiing in winter.
- Trail Access & Amenities:
- Multiple trailheads: Riverfront Park, Walla Walla Point Park, Hydro Park, and more.
- Restrooms, water stations, and picnic areas accessible at several parks along the route.
- Bike rentals available downtown, making it easy for visitors to join in.
Why Bikers Love It
- Diverse Scenery: Enjoy stretches of lush parks, wild riverbanks, open meadows, and city skyline—all in one continuous ride.
- Wildlife Watching: Spot bald eagles, otters, beavers, and butterflies, especially near Confluence State Park and the natural east shore.
- Comfort & Convenience: The trail is ADA-accessible, with plenty of access points, bike racks, and nearby cafés and markets for refueling.
After the Ride: Why a River Cruise Completes Your Wenatchee Day
Biking the Apple Capital Loop Trail activates your senses and gets your heart pumping. But afterward, nothing feels better than shifting gears—literally and figuratively—to a breezy, river-level cruise where you can see the scenery from a whole new angle.
Relax & Recover
Kick off your biking shoes and let the current do the work—float past the very parks and bridges you biked, with fresh breezes, shaded seating, and river views you simply can’t get from land.
Private Group Adventures
Wiley’s Boat Rides offers private cruises for your group—perfect for families, couples, or new friends from the trail. Choose a mellow sightseeing float, a splashy thrill ride, or a bit of both.
See & Learn
Your captain (and local expert) shares Wenatchee river lore, points out wildlife, and answers your questions—turning your ride into a full-circle story of the Columbia River Valley.
Bring Your Snacks & Photos
Pack a post-ride picnic or snacks—many riders enjoy local fruit or market treats on board. Wiley’s Boat Rides even supplies free video and photos, so you get to star in your own Wenatchee adventure story.
Year-Round Outings
Boats run spring through fall (and often winter, weather permitting), with shaded seating for summer, lap blankets for cool days, and USCG-licensed captains ensuring safety for all ages.
How to Seamlessly Pair Biking and Cruising
Begin Your Day on the Trail
- Start early to maximize cooler temps and quieter paths.
- Ride the full loop or pick your favorite segments; be sure to include stops at Riverfront Park, Confluence State Park, and Hydro Park for the best vistas.
Refuel in Downtown Wenatchee
- Plenty of options for lunch, coffee, or a quick snack before your cruise.
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You can conveniently pick up supplies or picnic fixings at Pybus Public Market, just steps from the river.
Board Your Wiley’s Boat Ride
- Meet at the marina near downtown Wenatchee—easy to reach from any spot on the trail—after making a booking in advance with Wiley’s Boat Rides.
Enjoy Your Cruise:
- Sit back and soak up the sights you saw from your bike—now reflected in the river or framed against the sky.
- Customize your adventure: ask for a relaxing float, high-speed spins, or an in-depth wildlife tour (just mention your biking adventure when booking for a tailored experience).
Wrap Up Your Day
- After disembarking, stroll the Apple Capital Loop Trail’s riverfront segments at sunset, or celebrate with ice cream, a wine tasting, or time in one of Wenatchee’s parks.
Tips for the Best Biking & Cruising Day
- Layer Up: Start your morning cool and peel off as the sun rises. Bring river-friendly shoes or a change if you want to get wet!
- Book in Advance: Especially on weekends and during summer, Wiley’s Boat Rides spots fill quickly. Booking both your trail bike rental and cruise in advance ensures a seamless day.
- Flexible for Groups: Both the trail and the cruise can accommodate groups—perfect for family outings, team-building, or a friends’ adventure.
- Keep Hydrated & Fueled: The trail is mostly exposed, so refill water bottles at park stations and snack on local fruit or energy bars along the way.
Why This is the Ultimate Wenatchee Adventure Combo
- perience Wenatchee’s landscape from trail and water—no other pairing immerses you in so much local beauty, fun, and relaxation.
- It’s the perfect balance: high-energy biking, then cool-off cruising, all against a stunning river and mountain backdrop.
- Wiley’s Boat Rides turns “post-ride recovery” into a highlight of your day with friendly, local-guided excursions and legendary scenery.
Ready to Ride & Cruise?
Check trail maps, plan your Apple Capital Loop Trail ride, and book your Wiley’s Boat Ride online or by phone. For an even bigger adventure, invite friends, family, or your riding club. The Wenatchee valley is
ready—discover it by pedal and by paddle, and make your own summer story on the trail and river.
Bike, cruise, repeat: the Apple Capital Loop Trail and the Columbia River—two Wenatchee icons, one perfect day.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main loop is 10 miles, but connecting spurs take the total trail mileage to 22 miles.
Bike rentals are available downtown, especially out of Pybus Public Market or nearby sporting goods stores.
Yes, subject to availability—but it’s best to book Wiley’s Boat Rides in advance, especially for private group rides.
Expect bald eagles, osprey, herons, beavers, otters, butterflies, and more, depending on the stretch of trail and season.
Most private cruises run 1–2 hours, with flexibility to match your plans for riding and sightseeing.
Absolutely—both activities are suitable for most ages and fitness levels, and boats are private to your group, with all safety equipment provided.