A SENSE OF PLACE

Google Maps may help you get from one address to another, but it won’t help you understand the nuanced geographic details that a local will use when giving directions (try typing “the Pondo” into your phone and see how far it gets you).

The name Plain serves as sort of an umbrella term for a handful of close, but geographically separate areas. If you ask someone who lives here where they live they will rarely say Plain (unless they’re right in the heart of the valley). Instead, they will usually tell you they live down River Road or the south shore of Lake Wenatchee or somewhere in the Ponderosa (i.e “the Pondo”).

Locations of Note

Beyond the general neighborhoods in the area there are a few landmarks and locations that you’ll hear referenced quite often.

1. Beaver Hill - Refers to both the windy, steep road that brought you down into Plain and a popular hike for both locals and visitors. The trailhead is across the road from the parking pullout at the top. It’s not a long trail, but steep in places. The views are worth it.

2. The Walking Bridge - This is the old bridge at the end of Chapel Drive. No cars are allowed on it anymore and it’s a great location for river views and photo opportunities.

3. Natapoc Ridge - Most of the roads traverse the ridge and have great views. There are a few dead end spurs, but go explore. You’ll end up back down on a major road.

4. Mosquito Alley - A straight stretch of the Wenatchee River that is a popular put-in for floaters and tubers during the summer. It lives up to its name.

5. Dirtyface - A peak that towers over the north shore of Lake Wenatchee with a trail that winds up to the top. The trail, however, is four miles with 4000 ft. of elevation gain so hike it prepared.

6. Bee Sting Hill - This round knob looms up into the middle of our little valley. Its northwest face is the sandstone cliffs that fall directly into the river that you can see from the bridge. No one knows how it got its name. If you find out, let us know.

7. Maverick Saddle - This is an easily recognizable notch in the Entiat Ridgeline. (Not shown on map above.)