all seasons adventure
Photo by McGlinn’s Public House
Photos by McGlinn’s Public House
Choose a scene above to explore summer, winter, and year-round experiences in Crescent Bar and beyond.
the wintry hidden gem
Winter is a vastly underrated season here in this beautiful Central Washington location.
No longer must you escape the state to find sunshine in the chillier months. With cool, dry temperatures and a frequently crisp blue sky, many outdoor favorites are enhanced by this peaceful season, as they’re set against the striking winter landscape.
This time of year brings a flurry of uniquely seasonal offerings. Crescent Ridge enjoys primetime proximity to some of our states premier winter sports hubs and festive locales.
Of course, there’s comfort in the everyday luxuries at home too. It’s hard to beat a winter dip in the hot tub, warming up with a glass of Beaumont Cellars wine, or simply cozying up at home to watch the snow dust the basalt cliffs.
But when exploration calls, take full advantage of your home as an adventure equipped base for all the standout seasonal activities our region has to offer.
Winter Sports
Skiers and snowboarders, rejoice!
Crescent Bar is ideally situated between the Cascade Mountains to the west and the Stuart Range, Wenatchee, Entiat and Chelan Mountains to the north. Once the snow starts to fall, Crescent Ridge becomes a convenient gateway to all your favorite winter sports. Remember those 300 days of sunshine? Who doesn’t love a bluebird day?
Our Favorite Snow Spots
Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort
Badger Mountain Ski Area
Echo Valley Ski Area
Stevens Pass Ski Resort
The Summit at Snoqualmie
Snowmobiling
If snow machines are more your style, there is no shortage of maintained trails in Central Washington. Set out on an exhilarating expedition through iconic regional terrain.
For a complete list of officially recognized motorized sno-parks and trails, check out the Washington State Parks website.
Our Favorite Snomobile Routes
Echo Valley Ski Area Sno-Park
Blewett Pass Sno-Park
Lake Wenatchee Sno-Park
Stemilt-Colockum Sno-Park
Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Speaking of snowy trails, the crisp, cool winters of Central Washington are fit for great cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. With new snowfall, popular hiking trails welcome winter trekkers, offering a rare opportunity to explore some of the most breathtaking routes in relative solitude.
For a complete list of officially recognized non-motorized sno-parks and trails, check out the Washington State Parks website.
Our Favorite Groomed Trails
Plain Valley Nordic Trails
Wenatchee Crest Skiing and Snowshoe Trailhead
Nason Ridge Sno-Park
Chiwawa Sno- Park
Our Favorite Backcountry Routes
Goldcreek Pond
Skyline Lake
Hex Mountain
Surprise Lake Snowshoe
Stargazing
The end of summer marks the beginning of Central Washington’s impressive stargazing season. The expansive skies, dry climate, and low levels of light pollution combine for incredible night sky visibility. Plus, shorter daylight hours mean lots of time to appreciate the starry phenomenon.
At Crescent Ridge, the best seat in the house could be your own backyard. Your patio is an unbeatably comfy vantage point, so snuggle up and prepare for a dazzling show over the Columbia.
Up for a dark sky adventure? Pack your blanket and thermos and head out to these notable stargazing locations. Some have even spotted the northern lights here!
Our Favorite Viewpoints
Sun Lakes State Park
Lake Wenatchee State Park
Steamboat Rock State Park
Table Top Mountain (they host annual “star parties” here every summer!)
Central Washington University Observatory
Wellness and Rejuvenation
Though technically this should be in the “all seasons” category, winter weather definitely puts us in the mood for relaxation and days spent being pampered. In addition to a suit of luxury wellness services, escape the chilly temperatures by enjoying hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms at one of the area’s tranquil spa locations. Treat yourself to a day of self-care. You deserve it!
Our Favorite Spa Destinations
Sagecliffe Resort and Spa
Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort
Post Hotel Leavenworth
Seasonal Events
There’s no shortage of seasonal fun around here in Central Washington. Enjoy some of our favorite regional holiday events and activities linked below. Be sure to follow us on Instagram for local events spotlights!
Seasonal Events
Drive The Quincy Valley i-90 Christmas Light Display
Leavenworth Village of Lights: Christmas Town
Lake Chelan Winterfest
Downtown Yakima Lighted Holiday Parade
the summer icon
At Crescent Bar, summer is king. It’s what we’re known for, and we can personally attest that it lives up to the excitement. Sun drenched days spent cruising the Columbia, concerts echoing through the canyon, endless rounds of family golf (and golf cart rides), this is what it’s all about.
Whether your an adventurer or a leisure enthusiast, there’s something for everyone at Crescent Ridge. Who else has a full-service tasting room + bistro AND the Columbia River in their backyard? Take full advantage of warm, sunny days enjoying the best of what summer means to you in Central Washington’s ultimate playground.
Boating and Water Sports
Enjoy unprecedented access to the calm, inviting stretch of river known as Wanapum Lake with two convenient boat launches and a full-service marina to launch all kinds of water fun—from waterskiing, tubing and jet skiing to pontoon boating. Want to test out the waters? Rentals are available through our friends at Crescent Bar Excursions.
Every home at Crescent Ridge features an oversized garage, suitable for most popular watersports toys and more. Explore our home designs for specifications on how these insulated and temperature-moderated garages can work for you.
Non-Motorized Water Sports
No boat? No problem!
The steady waters of Wanapum Lake make for easy cruising on your SUP, kayak, or floatie. Even better? You’re never far from a drop in spot. Launch from the marina or simply walk in and push off from the riverbank to enjoy a casual paddle or float
Rentals are available through our friends at Crescent Bar Excursions..
Biking
If you’ve ever driven through Central Washington it should come as so no surprise that this landscape is a biker’s paradise. While you can always take a casual ride on a beach cruiser around Crescent Bar itself, those looking for a bit more excitement will find no shortage of local mountain bike paths nearby.
Our Favorite Bike Trails
North Potholes
Dusty Mountain Biking Trail
Gorge Bound
Golf
If a tee time is calling, Crescent Bar offers two public, 9-hole family-friendly courses on the island at Crescent Bar Golf Course and at Sunserra. Both are a short cart ride from Crescent Ridge.
For the full 18, Central Washington features an incredible collection of nearby courses to challenge casual players and test even the best scratch golfers.
Colockum Ridge Golf Course
Rock Island Golf Course
Highlander Golf Course
Three Lakes Golf Course
Wenatchee Country Club (private)
Desert Canyon Golf Course
Bear Mountain Golf Course
The Links at Moses Pointe
Pickleball
If you are up for some friendly competition, Crescent Ridge is introducing the area’s first purpose built pickleball courts for Owners and guests. Bring your paddles and a few friends down for hours of fun, fast-paced play suitable for people of all skill levels. Courts arrive in 2024!
Seasonal Events and Activities
Drawing the most visitors to Central Washington of any time of year, summer is a very active time for events and activities hosted by local businesss. Be sure to follow us on Instagram for local events spotlights!
Summer Concerts
Beaumont Cellars Summer Concert Series
Crescent Bar Association Concert Series
Concerts at The Gorge Amphitheater
Seasonal Activities
U-Pick Produce
Farmers Markets
Guided River Rafting
Leavenworth Adventure Park Alpine Coaster
A special Year round destination
Though you may know us as Washington’s flagship summer destination, there’s a much greater story to tell about Crescent Bar. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, this unique location offers a remarkable number of activities and events that can be enjoyed through every season.
We invite you to explore this special region as you delight in a truly year-round destination.
Scenic Strolls and Hikes
If you’d prefer to keep it simple and stick to your hiking boots, there are plentiful local opportunities for gorgeous winter walks and hikes that won’t typically require strapping on crampons.
Right here in your neighborhood you have access to the Crescent Ridge trail system, a network of paved routes winding through the golf course, down by the riverfront, and climbing all the way up to the scenic viewpoint at the top of the ridge itself.
Our Favorite Year-Round Hikes
Frenchman Coulee
Ancient Lakes
Ginko Petrified Forest
Dry Falls Canyon
Wildlife Watching
Central Washington is a quietly revered destination for bird watchers, nature photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Here, adventure starts at your front door. A short walk from The Vineyard, the expansive river’s edge sand spit walking trail is a great place to admire the peaceful majesty of the Columbia and spend time with your neighborhood river otters, beavers, gulls, ducks and herons. You might see mule deer on the grass as well as Northern Flickers, American Red Robbins, sparrows, quail and warblers. At 2.5 miles, this scenic path is a favorite for brisk morning walks and casual evening strolls.
If you’re up for a more remote expedition, check out some of these renowned regional wildlife areas. Don’t forget to pack your binoculars!
Our Favorite Wildlife Areas
Colockum State Wildlife Area
Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility
Paul Rodgers Wildlife Park
Hanford Reach National Monument
Notable Species
Elk
Eagles
Owls
Golden Eagles
Fishing
Of course, Crescent Ridge enjoys immediate access to the Columbia River. Whether you choose to cruise up and down its mighty expanse or simply cast from the shore into Wanapum Lake, a day spent fishing is possible year round, just steps from your front door.
Our Favorite Fishing Spots
Quincy Lake
Dusty Lake
Burke Lake
Ancient Lakes
Mattoon Lake
Kachess Lake
Potholes Reservoir
Common Fish
Rainbow Trout
Walleye
Panfish
Smallmouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
Wine, Cider and Beer Tasting
Fun fact - the vines planted in our Vineyard neighborhood sit in the Ancient Lakes AVA. This burgeoning wine region also offers tours and tastings at seven (and counting) local wineries. Additionally, for hops and cider lovers, Central Washington doesn’t disappoint, with many nearby breweries and cideries to choose from.
Below is a list of some of our favorite locations and most notably Beaumont Cellars, who will be offering a tasting room experience at Crescent Ridge in 2024.
Nearby Wineries
Beaumont Cellars
White Heron Cellars
Jones of Washington
Cave B Wine Estate
Ancient Lakes Wine Co.
Burke Vineyard Estate
Errant Cellars
Breweries + Cideries
Ancient Lakes Brewing
Badger Mountain Brewing
Ten Pin Brewing Co.
Snowdrift Cider Co.
Union Hill Cider Co.
Arts and Culture
Photo by Rocky Reach Discovery Center
Interested in more intellectual pursuits? How about a date night in town for dinner and a show? Learn more about the storied history of our region, discover local artists, or catch a play at some of Central Washington’s notable museums, galleries, and theaters.
Local Arts and Culture Centers
Grant County Historical Museum
Rocky Reach Dam Discovery Center
Columbia Basin Allied Arts
Moses Lake Museum & Art Center
Wanapum Heritage Center
Learn more about CRESCENT RIDGE
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