Ohme Gardens offers more than just stunning views of the Wenatchee Valley.
Aside from the vistas at almost every turn and every gap in the trees, there are the trees themselves and other plants on an otherwise windswept desert hillside above the Columbia River and the north side of the city of Wenatchee.
Not to mention about one miles's worth of stone pathways weaving throughout, plus ponds and gurgling waterfalls.
And keep an eye out for wild animals that may wander by and take advantage of the man-made oasis among the grass and sage brush.
Upon a recent visit, three bighorn sheep were grazing near the parking lot as an early evening thunderstorm rumbled nearby.
Also watch for log structures throughout the gardens left by the Ohme family who planted the trees and watered them from five gallon milk cans.
Over their four decades of owning this steep plot of land starting in 1929, they brought in the stones to make the rugged pathways and dug out the ponds and waterfall beds.
It was signed over to the state of Washington to preserve its legacy, and the state in turn signed it over to Chelan County. The county turned it into a park.
The gift shop and entry payment window is manned by a kindly older gentleman who can tell you all about the gardens.
Adults are admitted for $8.00 and youth age 6-17 for $4.00. Children age 5 and under get in free.
Entrants are offered the use of walking sticks hung behind the gift shop for the duration of their visit.
They are a necessity on the sometimes steep and always rugged paths, which are not fit for users of wheelchairs or walkers.
Pets are not permitted.
Parking is free, with accomodations for buses and recreational vehicles.
The grounds are also available for weddings and other occasions if people so desire.
You can call (509) 662-5785 for more information on Ohme Gardens, or email info@ohmegardens.org or look them up at ohmegardens.org.
Operating season is April 15 through Oct. 15 with it closed for July 4.
Park hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the last entry at 5:15 p.m.
How to get there:
Ohme Gardens provides views of the entire Wenatchee Valley, and the entire Wenatchee Valley can see them.
They are the tall stand of trees on an otherwise brown hill above the Columbia River looking north.
They are right near the junction of Highways 2 and 97A. Take Easy Street and veer right onto Ohme Gardens Road. Watch for Ohme Gardens Road as a turn to the left, with going straight putting you on Ohme Road instead.
Go up Ohme Gardens Road through some houses and watch for the entry sign on the right.
The address is 3327 Ohme Road, Wenatchee, WA 98801.
Text and photos by Tim Clinton.
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