Douglas County: Riverfront Trails, Parks and History

The Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail runs for more than 13 miles along the Columbia River waterfront. Its section in Douglas County is seven miles long, paved and extends from the Odabashian Bridge to Rock Island Hydro Park. These two figures describe different stretches: the longer distance refers to the trail along the river, while the shorter one refers to the section in Douglas County. The trail includes a network of three connecting bridges: Two cross the Columbia River, and one crosses the Wenatchee River. A section of the Rocky Reach Trail runs through Douglas County between the Odabashian Bridge and Lincoln Rock State Park.

Riverfront, Parks and Trails

At Rufus Woods Lake, Bridgeport State Park has 7,500 feet of freshwater shoreline. A gentle, three-mile paved bike trail also runs from the park to the dam. The easy, paved three-mile bike trail is simple to factor into your day’s plans.

Daroga State Park offers a different landscape: a green oasis amid the dry, gently rolling hills of Central Washington. The park has two boat launches for motorized watercraft. The waterfront trail, bike route and boat launches do not offer the same experience; together, they show different ways to experience the landscape and water.

Nature and Regional Orientation

The Bridgeport Wildlife Area Unit lies immediately south of the city of Bridgeport in Douglas County. Above Bridgeport, the area features basalt cliffs overlooking the Columbia and Okanogan rivers. The interior service roads can be used for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

As a general guide, recreational development in Douglas County is typically focused on the Columbia River corridor from Trinidad in the south to Bridgeport in the north, as well as the Badger Mountain area. These two geographic focal points can help you organize your trip themes without combining the distinct places and activities into a single destination.

History, Museums and Seasonal Experiences

The Douglas County Museum has a rock and mineral collection featuring gemstones, minerals, petrified wood, meteorites and thunder eggs, which resemble geodes. In Waterville, the Downtown Waterville Historic District tells the story of the city’s development. It includes most of the brick buildings in the business district that were built during its formative period, including general stores, clubhouses and fraternal lodges, and banks. The district reflects Waterville’s rise from a planned townsite to an agricultural trade center.

Interpretive programs at Bridgeport State Park also cover different topics: the operations of Chief Joseph Dam and the region’s wildlife. At Badger Mountain, the Ski Hill adds a seasonal activity. Founded in 1938, it is run entirely by volunteers. It generally operates each year from January through March; check the details for the current season before your trip.

When choosing the focus of your trip, you can distinguish between waterfront trails and water-based activities, natural areas, local history and seasonal skiing.

Discover more destinations: East Wenatchee, Kitsap, Skamania, Spokane, Whitman County, Grant County, Pacific County, Chelan County

For the main travel overview: Washington.