Sandwiched Between Seattle And Spokane Is One Of Washington's Highest Towns With Historic Charm

Covering more than 71,000 square miles, Washington is known for its diverse landscapes, imposing glaciers, national parks, and towering peaks. As home to dozens of mountain ranges, including a substantial portion of the 700-mile-long Cascade Range, the Evergreen State offers plenty of high-altitude fun for visitors. It is these sweeping Cascade views that help frame the town of Waterville, along with heaps of historic charm, of course.

Situated two and a half hours west of Spokane and three hours east of Seattle, Waterville rests atop the Waterville Plateau at an elevation of 2,622 feet in Douglas County. Sitting at the foot of the 4,259-foot-high Badger Mountain, the town is one of the highest in the state, with the Columbia River and its valley resting below. The town was founded in 1883 on land owned by settler Albert T. Greene and known by two previous names: Okanogan City and Jumper's Flat. It would eventually be renamed Waterville when a dependable water supply was discovered on the land. It began as a cattle-ranching community before wheat farming became the dominant industry.

Some of Waterville's earliest wooden buildings from the 1800s fell victim to fire, prompting new construction using local brick in the early 1900s, with many of them listed on the Washington Heritage Register and the National Register of Historic Places. This small town of around 1,100 residents attracts visitors throughout the year thanks to its historic downtown, outdoor activities, and opportunities to soak up the crisp mountain air.

Begin your exploration at the 1903 Waterville Historic Hotel on U.S. Route 2 before setting off on a self-guided walking tour of the significant buildings. The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation's website offers an interactive guide to the eight structures. Among them is the 1903 Douglas County Courthouse, The Nifty Theatre (known for hosting vaudeville-style performances and movies), and the Queen Anne-style Canton House. Stop in at the Douglas County Museum, which features exhibits across 15 galleries on the local area and town history, and a collection of over 4,500 rocks and minerals. You'll also want to check out the Downtown Waterville Historic District, a grouping of historic buildings which served as the business hub in the early 1900s. Today, it is home to a variety of local businesses, including Auntie Bling's Attique, known for its selection of quilting supplies, antiques, and gifts, and The Douglas County Historical Society Thrift Shop, which supports the society's efforts and the museum with proceeds from sales.

Adjacent to the historic downtown is Pioneer Park, dedicated in 1939, with a sunken garden, sports courts, picnic tables, and a playground. Surrounding the park are clusters of early 20th-century Craftsman and bungalow homes and historic churches. Waterville is also home to a 29-stop Barn Quilt Trail, where painted quilt blocks adorn barns and other landmarks. Further details are provided by the Waterville Main Street Association.

You can keep the rustic charm theme throughout your visit by dining at Knemeyers Eatery & Spirits, housed in a historic brick structure with vintage decor and historic wall art. History buffs headed toward Seattle should be sure to include Steilacoom, the oldest town in Washington, about three and a half hours away from Waterville.

Waterville is a year-round destination where visitors can enjoy mountain air, community events, and outdoor activities. Time your visit to coincide with the North Central Washington Fair, held annually in August, and featuring exhibits, a carnival, food, and live entertainment. As part of the fair, the Big Bend Round-Up rodeo and horse racing event take place during the weekend.

Mountain bikers ready to undertake a challenging ride should consider the 47.5-mile Waterville Loop route up Badger Mountain Grade, taking riders all the way to elevations above 4,000 feet. Along the way, you can view the wheat fields, pine forests, and working ranches. The ideal seasons are spring for wildflowers and fall for colorful foliage, but summertime rides are doable if you stick to morning hours before heat sets in, according to Wenatchee Outdoors. For some winter fun, the Badger Mountain Ski Area, operated by volunteers from the Waterville Lions Club, is open on weekends for downhill skiing and sledding.

To get here by plane, there's a public airport in Waterville. However, the Pangborn Memorial Airport (EAT) in East Wenatchee (30 miles away) offers regular connections through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). In Wenatchee, you can embark on further adventure at Wenatchee Confluence State Park, a riverside spot with scenic camping and excellent fishing.