Welcome to Eastern Washington Windermere

DOUGLAS COUNTY

County Offices
203 S. Rainier Street
Waterville 509-745-8529
http://www.douglascountywa.net/

Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 628
Waterville 509-745-8871

Douglas County is located near the geographic center of Washington State. It borders with Grant County to the east, with a part of Kittitas County to the south, with Okanogan County to the north and Chelan County to the west. The county was created out of Lincoln County in 1883 and is currently home more than 39,000 residents.

Lifestyle
Douglas County is number seventeen in size on the list of all Washington’s counties. Geographically, this county is very diverse. The main industry in the county is agriculture. Apples, wheat, pears and cherries are the main agricultural products here. The County Seat is Waterville. The largest cities are East Wenatchee and Bridgeport.

The quality of life in the county is very high, seen in the increases in new residents and a growing economy. The area’s beauty and recreational opportunities are some of the reasons people relocate to Douglas County.

Water and water related recreation are a big part of the lifestyle in Douglas County. With the Chief Joseph Dam of the Columbia river being right at Bridgeport. The reservoir behind the dam is named Rufus Woods Lake, and runs for 51 mi up the river channel. Bridgeport State Park, on the lake, is adjacent to the dam.  Besides the lakes and river, residents also enjoy hiking, biking, hunting and exploring the high desert terrain that makes up their community. The region is home to several unique geologic formations that just begged to be explored including the Haystack volcanic formations and the Moses Coulee basalt mountains. These large preserves are protecting open skies, dramatic geology and fascinating desert species in this region. Totaling more than 30,000 acres, these are some of the Nature Conservancy’s largest preserves in Washington, offering incredible geological scenery such as Ice Age floods-carved coulees, pothole lakes, haystack boulders, waterfalls, and dunes. Winter recreation Is just as popular with residents, with the opportunity to enjoy alpine skiing very close to home as well cross country skiing on miles of trails. Only 12 miles from Wenatchee, Mission Ridge ski area is built into a 2,000-acre basin on the Eastern side of the Cascade Mountains.

The county offers a balance of larger city amenities coupled with the quality of life of a smaller town. Residents enjoy exploring close to home on the Apple Capital Loop Trail, a pedestrian and bicycle path that runs along the banks of the Columbia River, crossing the river at two locations and connecting the cities of East Wenatchee and Wenatchee. Found along this area is Pybus Public Market; a local gathering place with retailers selling locally grown fruits and vegetables and others offering a quality selection of artisan and ethnic products.

Adjacent to the waterfront is beautiful historic downtown Wenatchee. Home to numerous small businesses and unique local shopping and dining experiences. The Wenatchee Valley Mall, located in downtown East Wenatchee, gives residents and visitors a more urban retail experience with over forty stores from local and national retailers. The performing and visual arts are highly valued in the region adding to its cultural diversity and remembering its history. East Wenatchee is actively involved in international relations through an ongoing cultural exchange with Misawa, Japan its sister city.

Services
Quality educational opportunities are available in and near the county, underlined by excellent public-school districts and options for select private and parochial schools. Several local school districts offer a full spectrum of educational opportunities for local students. The Eastmont School District is the largest in county and its area covers approximately 150 square miles. The school district currently enrolls approximately 6,200 students in grades K-12. It offers students comprehensive educational opportunities in all areas of study.  For those looking for higher educational opportunities, there are a number of local and online opportunities available from state and regional colleges and universities for students of all ages. The Wenatchee Valley College district serves an area the size of Massachusetts and Rhode Island combined, covering more than 10,000 square miles of Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan counties. The Wenatchee campus is 52 acres in size and is located near the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains. This college system serves close to 6,000 students in the region and offers multiple degree programs. Through its distance learning programs, WSU offers residents a wide selection of degree options. Washington State University (WSU) is a 4 year institution. WSU offers more than 150 undergraduate programs and 100+ master’s and doctoral degrees.

The medical facilities available to the area are outstanding. Healthcare options abound in the county with several hospitals serving the residents healthcare needs. Confluence health runs two full service hospitals and several clinics, these include Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee and Wenatchee Valley Hospital. The Wenatchee Valley Medical Center, as well as several medical clinics also supplies a wide variety of services.

Communities

Bridgeport
City Offices
509-686-4041
http://bridgeportwashington.net/

Chamber of Commerce
509-686-9501
Nestled at the base of Chief Joseph Dam on the Columbia River, Bridgeport’s main area industry is agriculture with apple and cherry orchards in and around the City. Outside of the City wheat fields are common.  The area is full of outdoor recreation opportunities and beautiful scenery. The city is a popular destination for anglers, hunters, kayakers, boaters, photographers, golfers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.  The reservoir behind the dam is named Rufus Woods Lake, and runs 51 mi up the river channel – making water and water recreation a big part of life here. Bridgeport State Park, on the lake, is adjacent to the dam.  Set directly behind Chief Joseph Dam on the Columbia River, the park offers a ton of recreation for locals.  The lake is popular for swimming, boating and year-round fishing. Walleye and rainbow trout are just some of the species that call the lake home.  Residents have access to everything they need in the community, whether its basic supplies or a fun night out. They do not have to go far from home.

East Wenatchee
City Offices
509-884-9515
https://www.eastwenatcheewa.gov/

Chamber of Commerce
509-662-2116
http://wenatchee.org/
East Wenatchee is located in the Wenatchee Valley along the east shore of the Columbia River and across the river from the City of Wenatchee.  The climate and location provide unlimited outdoor recreational opportunities.  Mission Ridge is a “world class” ski area located 30 minutes from downtown.  Lake Chelan is one of many spectacular areas within an hour’s drive where residents can go to get away from home.  East Wenatchee residents appreciate the community’s character, setting and climate; the region is famous for its natural beauty.  The Apple Capital Loop Trail, a 10-mile pedestrian and bicycle path, meanders along the banks of the Columbia River, crossing the river at two points and connecting the cities of East Wenatchee and Wenatchee. The title “Apple Capital of the World” was given to Wenatchee since agriculture has been the area’s leading industry for over a century.  The Washington State Apple Blossom Festival, held the first weekend in May each year, is one of the top ten festivals in the nation.  From its foundation in agriculture, the region’s economy has diversified to include year-round tourism and a variety of industries. The Wenatchee Valley Mall, located in downtown East Wenatchee, has over 40 stores from both local and national retailers.  With four distinct seasons, 300 sunny days a year, a river running through town and mountains surrounding the valley, East Wenatchee is a great place to call home.

Waterville
Town Office
509-745-8871
http://www.ci.waterville.wa.us/

Chamber of Commerce
202-780-6595
http://www.watervillewashington.org/
This quaint community of 1200 sits amid a sea of grain overlooking the orchards and Columbia River 2000 feet below. The rugged landscape has a unique collection of natural features that were carved by glaciers, including rugged peaks, haystack like rock formations and canyons.   Sitting on top of the Waterville Plateau, the small community of Waterville is surrounded by large expanses of wheat fields, and a spectacular view of the majestic Cascade Mountain Range. Founded in 1885 and incorporated in 1889 by the Territorial Charter, it holds the long-standing claim as the highest incorporated town in Washington State with an elevation of 2,622 feet above sea level.  Waterville was established as the Douglas County seat in 1887. Residents here enjoy a relaxed lifestyle and a low cost of living, and a quiet small town lifestyle.  Residents and visitors enjoy the many historic buildings, Waterville Museum, Pioneer Park, a municipal pool, the Badger Mountain Ski Area, snowmobiling, snow kiting, and other outdoor activities. Nearby lakes and the Columbia river mean that residents never want for fun.  Waterville also hosts the North Central Washington Fair held each year the third week of August.  With larger communities close by, residents of Waterville can enjoy their pace of life knowing that everything they want is available close to home.