Exactly What to Do in Leavenworth, WA: A Complete Guide

The Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, nestled away in the eastern foothills of the Cascades in Washington State, is surprisingly enjoyable without feeling artificial or overdone. It doesnโ€™t appear like a themed town like this should work, and weโ€™ve been to a few like it that definitely donโ€™t, but Leavenworth is exceptional.

The mixture of limitless access to outdoor exercises extending from hiking to water sports, the wealth of farm-fresh produces (mainly apples) developing in the fertile valley nearby, and the charming, uniform Bavarian-style (ish) design produce a magical ambiance.

The town of Leavenworth, Washington serves as an ideal weekend escape from Seattle or can be enjoyed on a day trip. During my latest visit, I was already planning my next excursion – this time in winter – before departing, demonstrating my fondness for Leavenworth.”

In this guide, we aim to provide you with all of our favorite things to experience in Leavenworth, Washington, as well as our suggestions on where to eat, drink, and stay.

a crowd of people walking down a street with umbrellas

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we donโ€™t stand behind 100%.

Where is Leavenworth, and Why Does it Exist?

Leavenworth is situated in the eastern foothills of the Cascade mountain range in Washington State, approximately 120 miles east of Seattle and 22 miles northwest of Wenatchee.

It lies adjacent to Highway 2, the principal thoroughfare crisscrossing the Cascade mountain range from Monroe, Washington all the way to St. Ignace, Michigan.

We in fact traveled along Route 2 during our excursion to Glacier National Park, though I didnโ€™t make that association until approximately 47 seconds ago.

Originally, it was a thriving timber community, partially because the Great Northern Railroad was directly in town. Then, in the 1920โ€™s, the railroad relocated to nearby Wenatchee.

Though it may not seem like a long way today given most travel by vehicle, in 1925 it was essentially a death sentence for Leavenworth. The timber industry declined, shops began closing, and the population dwindled.

In the early 1960โ€™s, two businesspeople from Seattle decided to purchase a cafe in town, for reasons unknown, and shortly thereafter one of the men became the head of a committee focused on revitalizing Leavenworth. Timely, indeed? Prospectively next questionable investment, I seek a similar committee to optimize outcomes.

In any case, they conceived the notion of a Bavarian theme to stimulate tourism and reinvigorate the economy, and thus Leavenworth as we know it currently was born.

a row of stairs leading up to a church

The Best Things to Do in Leavenworth, Washington

Let`s discuss some of the primary attractions that draw visitors to Leavenworth, Washington.

Normally, we provide the logistics โ€“ how to get there, where to stay โ€“ at the beginning, but in this case you can find those at the bottom, below the guide to what to do in Leavenworth.

Hiking Near Leavenworth

Let`s begin by discussing our favorite hiking destination in the area. Leavenworth and its surrounding region is home to some magnificent hiking trails. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness, one of the finest hiking destinations in Washington and likely the whole Pacific Northwest, lies close to Leavenworth. Below are three hike options to consider adding to your schedule while visiting.

First and foremost is the hike up to Colchuck Lake. This remains one of our favorite hikes in Washington, serving as the gateway to the Enchantments.

If youโ€™re unfamiliar with the Enchantments, it involves about a 20 mile backpacking trail up Aasgard Pass and through a rocky wilderness area containing a string of gorgeous alpine lakes that offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We have visited Colchuck Lake twice in the past year, once as part of our backpacking trip into the Enchantments, and once to celebrate my mother`s birthday. Reaching Colchuck Lake is relatively easier compared to other hiking trails in the area.

a mountain range with mountains in the distance

The hike to Colchuck Lake will not be simple, but the views will certainly be worth the physical effort required.

Youโ€™ll ascend 2,600 feet over the course of the 9 mile hike (thatโ€™s a roundtrip), and when you reach the top, youโ€™ll emerge onto a stunning turquoise alpine lake that is surrounded by the jagged rocky peaks of the Enchantments, including Dragontail Peak which is directly ahead across the lake.

The best period to be at Colchuck is either early in the morning, before the sun rises above the mountains, or late in the day, after the sun dips behind the peaks on the other side of the lake.

a man standing on top of a rock surrounded by mountains

Reaching Colchuck Lake very early is important to secure a parking spot since it is an extremely popular trail. Our minivan previously accessed the rough road there before 7:00 am at the latest.

Other excellent hiking paths near Leavenworth comprise ascending to the Icicle Ridge, which has less crowds than Colchuck Lake, and the easier mainly flat Icicle Gorge Trail (more data here), Eightmile Lake, and .

Float the Icicle River

a river that has a bunch of animals in it

During the hot summer months, when temperatures often reach triple digits during the peak heat hours of the day, there`s nothing better than cooling off by floating down the Icicle River. One of the easiest and most convenient ways to do this is by going with a local outfitter, who will provide an inner tube, lifejacket, and transportation to the starting point.

From there, youโ€™ll get a (highly brief) safety guidance, and then youโ€™ll meander your way down the river in your tube, stopping at any beaches youโ€™d like along the way to unwind in the sunshine, before ending your journey at the beach in downtown Leavenworth.

Youโ€™ll return their tube and life jacket, and walk a few hundred feet up the hill to find yourself right in the center of Leavenworth at Waterfront Park.

Itโ€™s a really simple float, and itโ€™s suitable for all ages. Bring a cooler with snacks and beverages, and make a half day of it!

Whitewater Rafting on the Wenatchee River

If youโ€™re looking for a slightly more adventurous river activity than the float on the Icicle River, look south towards the Wenatchee River.

The Wenatchee is one of the best rivers in Washington, and itโ€™s the most accessible river to raft if youโ€™re coming from the Seattle area. Itโ€™s a Class III+ river, which basically implies there will be some intense moments, but not to such an extent that you canโ€™t bring kids who are 10 and older.

It is worth noting (I have previous work experience running trips on the Wenatchee River) – the whitewater activity on the Wenatchee is at its peak early in the season.

That means roughly mid-May through mid-June (exact dates rely on the snow accumulation and weather that particular year). Water levels are high, rapids are raging, and it`s a splendid time.

If youโ€™re coming to Leavenworth between mid-July and August, the river conditions involve more floating, with just a couple of areas of small rapids. If you prefer more challenging whitewater and excitement, it`s best to visit earlier in the season.

A few companies to look into include: Blue Sky Outfitters,Osprey, and Wild Water. All offer basically the same experience, though some propose full or half day excursions depending on available time.

For informational purposes, the best section of the river is the lower half, which is the portion featured on half day excursions. Therefore, on both full day and half day trips, visitors can experience the high quality section of the river.

Taste Some Cider

Weโ€™re BIG cider fans, and this region (particularly Wenatchee) is home to the majority of the apples consumed day after day.

Yes, even if youโ€™re from across the country. Wenatchee is renowned as the apple capital of the world. And you know what that implies?

CIDER.ย 

Over the past five years or so, multiple venues serving cider have opened in Leavenworth. Currently there are four such establishments, which is remarkable!

Here are those locations, and our thoughts on where you should go to taste cider, whether youโ€™re an aspiring cider connoisseur (like us) or youโ€™ve never had cider before in your life.

a kitchen counter with a stainless steel counter top

  • Leavenworth Cider House: This spot and the one below are equally good places to sample cider in Leavenworth, in our opinion. They have an immense selection of ciders โ€“ mostly from Washington โ€“ available on tap, with an even larger assortment in bottles and cans. Theyโ€™re helpfully color-coded from dry to sweet to aid navigation of the enormous tap list. They also serve food like pizza, pretzels and sausages (though itโ€™s not gluten-free!).
  • Bushel and Bee: We discovered this establishment during our previous visit, and appreciated it. Their taps are evenly split between beer and cider, and offer some truly intriguing ciders on tap (obtaining a flight to sample as numerous as achievable). They moreover carry an agreeable collection of ciders in containers and cans that you can both take home with you or consume on location. They hold a charming rear patio region, though it becomes swelteringly hot in the summer season. The founder is a previous raft guide who aimed to generate an exceptional place to relish cider in Leavenworth.
  • Archibald James Wine & Ciderworks: While the spots above are excellent locations to try a wide variety of ciders from different producers, this place actually manufactures their own cider. They have a small tasting room at the far end of town (the southwest end, for clarity) where visitors can sample the current ciders they have available. Experiencing ciders alongside the cider maker provides a completely different experience than selecting a flight of cider from an establishment with 30+ taps of it, and Iโ€™d advise it if theyโ€™re open during someone`s time in the area (they werenโ€™t when we visited).
  • PS: if Barcelona is one part of a broader trip throughout Spain, do not overlook our guide to gluten free restaurants and bakeries in the nation`s capital, Madrid.

a glass of wine sitting on top of a wooden table

a restaurant with tables, chairs, and tables in it

โ€ฆ Or Some Wine

This region, as well as other parts of Eastern Washington, are also renowned for cultivating some of the finest wine grapes in Washington state.

While there are numerous tasting rooms in town where you can sample wines from various producers, weโ€™d suggest venturing out of town and heading to one of the actual wineries situated within 15 minutes of downtown Leavenworth.

The Silvaraโ€™s Winery, located on a hilltop overlooking the Wenatchee Valley, allows patrons to sample their wines either indoors or on their spacious outdoor patio. They do not cultivate their own grape vines but craft small-batch wines using grapes from some of Washington`s finest vineyards.

Icicle Ridge is one of the more well-known wineries in town, and their tasting house is less than ten minutes from downtown Leavenworth. Their tasting room is essentially a huge rustic log cabin, with great views of Icicle Ridge across the river. They started growing grapes on the property two decades ago in 2000.

Eagle Creek Winery remains a bit detached from the well-trodden path, situated in the hills north of Leavenworth, but stays under ten minutes from downtown. They create their wines utilizing a blend of grapes developed on their property along with grapes from producers throughout the Columbia Valley. Ahead`s up โ€“ they`re exclusively accessible between May and October for tours and tastings at the vineyard.

Explore Downtown Leavenworth

a very nice looking building with a lot of windows

Downtown Leavenworth is a charming little town with all sorts of fun shops, bars, restaurants, cafes, and more attractions.

We recommend exploring the entirety of the downtown area on foot while visiting the town. Be sure to pop into any shops that catch your interest as you walk around (and perhaps sample some wine along the way).

Here are a couple of spots that stood out to us. Youโ€™ll find more in the sections on cider above, and the sections on where to eat and drink below.

people that are walking down the street

a garden filled with lots of flowers in front of a building
  • Icicle Brewing Company: This spot is ideal for beer lovers. They have a lovely outdoor space (with fireplaces!), and they use ingredients sourced very locally (like water from the Icicle River). They also offer gluten free beer in cans, and a couple of ciders on tap.
  • The hike starts from a moderately small trailhead off Stevens Canyon Road ( here on Google Maps), and there are no restrooms or water fill stations here.

  • Whistlepunk Ice Cream: Leave it to Alysha to locate the finest frozen treats in town. Spoiler: this is it.
  • Posy Handpicked: We walked by this location early one morning before the opening time and made sure to come back later. Itโ€™s a cool little shop, showcasing work from various local creators. I personally liked Whiskey Jack Designs โ€“ an artist based in Leavenworth- which I discovered at Posy.
  • A small coffee shop located at the southwest end of town called Argonaut Espresso serves what many consider to be the finest coffee in Leavenworth. They offer quality espresso drinks and seasonal beverages made with care, such as the lavender matcha latte that was enjoyed.
a person holding a spoon and a cup of ice cream

a coffee cup sitting on top of a wooden table

What to Do in Leavenworth: How to Plan a Perfect Day Trip to Leavenworth

Taking a day trip to Leavenworth from Seattle (which is likely where most visitors are coming from) is long, but doable. It takes approximately two to two and a half hours of driving each way.

If planning a summer day trip to Leavenworth from Seattle and up for an early start, we recommend beginning the day with a hike to Colchuck Lake. The challenge? Need to be at the trailhead by 6:30 am, meaning leaving Seattle by 4:00 am (see below for alternatives if not ready for that very early wake up call).

But trust us, it will be worth the effort. I recently did it with my mother for her birthday, and she continues to praise the experience.

a mountain range with mountains in the distance

Arrive at the parking area as early as humanly possible, and start the trail promptly thereafter. Spend some time at the summit exploring the lakeside and standing in wonder of the sheer natural splendor of the lake before picking your chin up off the trail and heading back the way you came.

  • Le Altre Farina del Mulino: There are a few bakeries in Rome that are entirely gluten free, and this one is our favorite. Mornings offer cornetti con crema di Pistacchio (our favorite), while lunchtime brings pizza al taglio (pizza sliced in squares, a Roman specialty) and other savory lunch items.

After lunch, spend approximately an hour wandering around downtown Leavenworth. Pop into stores that catch your interest, and admire the Bavarian-inspired architecture.

a glass of water sitting on top of a wooden table

a banana sitting on top of a paper towel

Then, you should have a drink! Make sure you have a designated driver, then sample some beer at Icicle Brewing, hard cider at Leavenworth Cider House (or Bushel & Bee Taproom), or wine at Archibald James.

By this point in the afternoon, it`s wise to start the return journey home. Nevertheless, those seeking an evening meal could delight in the sister restaurants Yodelin Broth or Los Soรฑadores prior to departing.

Beginning your hike later? Consider trails like Icicle Ridge or the scenic Icicle Gorge loop instead of the early morning climb to Colchuck Peak. Or spend the morning floating down the Icicle River.

How to Spend an Amazing Weekend in Leavenworth

If youโ€™ve got a little more time in Leavenworth, youโ€™ll be able to fully take advantage of the abundance of outdoor activities on the mountain townโ€™s doorstep.

Again, it is assumed you`re here in the summer. At the bottom of this section are some winter activity suggestions.

Arrive on Friday evening and get settled before heading out to dinner in the town.

On Saturday, get up early and head out to the Stuart Lake Trailhead to tackle the hike to Colchuck Lake. When youโ€™re done, return to your hotel and get cleaned up before going to either Sausage Garten, which has gluten free options, or Mรผnchen Haus for a well-earned lunch.

Spend the rest of the day sampling beers, wines, and hard ciders in Leavenworth, while also stopping into the assorted shops and tasting rooms lining the downtown streets here and there. Weโ€™d propose trying beer at Icicle Brewing, hard cider at Leavenworth Cider House (or Bushel & Bee Taproom), or some wine at Archibald James.

For dinner, head to Yodelin Broth or Los Soรฑadores, then return to your lodging for a well-earned rest.

On Sunday, take a leisurely float down the Icicle River to relax in the sunshine. The float should take a couple of hours, so pick up lunch in town before starting the journey back home. Prior to departing the area, stop at either the Icicle Ridge Winery or Silvara Winery to sample some locally produced wine straight from the source.

Coming in the Winter? During the winter months, your days should likely include activities such as skiing down the slopes at Leavenworth Ski Hill or the nearby Stevens Pass resort (or cross-country skiing), visiting the baby reindeer at the Reindeer Farm, and witnessing the lighting of the Christmas tree as the sun dips behind the Cascade Mountains. At night Leavenworth comes alive with the glow of Christmas lights adorning every tree, building, and light pole in Downtown Leavenworth, creating an incredibly romantic atmosphere.

Eating and Drinking in Leavenworth

Among our preferred establishments in Leavenworth for consuming and imbibing are those specializing in coffee, beer, and bratwurst.

Coffee in Leavenworth

If you are familiar with me, you know I enjoy coffee greatly. And I generally have strong viewpoints about my coffee.

The coffee establishment considered by many to serve the best brew in Leavenworth, and not with faint praise – Argonaut Espresso. Operating from a compact coffee window alongside a pleasant outdoor patio on the town`s southwest perimeter, they also plan to open a larger location on the western fringe of downtown Leavenworth.

They offer excellent coffee โ€“ I sampled an espresso shot, which is my gauge for coffee shop quality these days, and it was well-pulled โ€“ and their seasonal beverages are inventive too. Alysha indulged in a Lavender Matcha latte, still speaking fondly of its flavor.

a woman sitting at a table with a cup of coffee

I also stopped by J-5, and I was quite disappointed. My expectations were high, as it seemed like the type of place I would enjoy (if you choose to go there, visit the location not on the main square), but the coffee just wasn`t very good.

Eating in Leavenworth

Sausage Garten: One of our favorite dining experiences in Leavenworth was at Sausage Garten. It`s an outdoor beer garden with a window where you can select from various types of sausages and mustard-based toppings (we recommend the sweet and hot mustard). All sausages are gluten-free (though served on a bun, which you must request they omit), and they have a list posted of mustaches that are gluten-free. Be sure to try the currywurst. They also offer pretzels, which my non-gluten free companions enjoyed despite my longing for them.

a patio area with tables, chairs and umbrellas

Yodelin Broth: Regrettably, this location was closed on the two days we happened to be in town, but it was highly recommended by a staff member at Loge, and their menu presents broths and rice bowls to choose from highlighting fresh Pacific Northwest ingredients (frequently local salmon). It also has a cool atmosphere with string lights and outdoor seating overlooking the river. Itโ€™s on the east side of town, beneath the Bavarian Ritz Hotel.

Los Sonadores: This Mexican restaurant, located on the ground floor of the Bavarian Ritz, offers some of the best Mexican cuisine in Leavenworth itself. Their menu highlights include birria tacos and crispy polenta. Moreover, they have many gluten-free selections and sometimes serve Ghostfish beer, considered one of the top gluten-free beers.

Whistlepunk Ice Cream: since the temperature was very high, Alysha wanted ice cream. this seemed like the best spot for ice cream given the long line waiting to enter before they even opened for business.

a woman sitting at a table eating a donut

Mรผnchen Haus and Andreas Keller are two potential locations to explore if one aims to sample a more extensive range of traditional German meals rather than just sausages. Regrettably, neither establishment is particularly suited for individuals like myself with gluten sensitivities, so we ultimately did not visit. However, for those seeking soft and fluffy pretzels, apple strudel, or schnitzel, adding them to your list could prove rewarding! Mรผnchen Haus places more emphasis on sausages, while Andreas Keller presents a more diverse array of options.

Beer, Wine, and Cider in Leavenworth

I previously highlighted some of these in the section above, but it merits repeating here because Leavenworth occupies a unique geographical position where there are farms and orchards cultivating grapes, apples, and hops all within a short distance. Not many places on earth can claim that ( New Zealand might be the only other one I can think of).

Beer

This hike departs from the sizable parking area directly outside the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center (located here on Google Maps), which features ample parking spaces, yet frequently fills by 9:30 am in summertime. Hence why an early start is advised.

a bottle of beer sitting on top of a sidewalk

Cider

We enjoy cider greatly, and Leavenworth is a fantastic location to sample cider whether you`re a cider aficionado, or have never tried it before.

Wenatchee is the apple capital of the United States, and itโ€™s a 20-30 minute drive out of town before youโ€™re surrounded by orchards as far as the eye can see.

Leavenworth Cider House is my preferred variety of ciders on tap, with over 20 to choose from, generally sourced from the Pacific Northwest. They also have a great bottle selection.

Bushel & Bee provides taps with an equal division between beer and cider, and they also have a solid selection of bottles and cans that you can either enjoy there, or take home to savor later (my mom and brother both bought multiple bottles to enjoy at home).

Last but quite important is Archibald James, who is a wine and cider maker with a shop at the western end of the main street where you can get a flight of either one. Regrettably, they were closed when we were in town (theyโ€™re open on weekends), but I managed to find their cider on tap at Bushel & Bee and enjoyed it.

It`s the top cider maker in town, so I`d head here to learn about the cider production process and taste it straight from the source (but the selection won`t be as expansive as the two cider-focused tasting rooms, which are good spots to try a wide range of cider).

Wine

You have two options here โ€“ go to a winery in the town of Leavenworth, or pay one of the wineries just outside of town along Highway 2 a visit and go straight to the source. Either way, youโ€™ll be trying the same wines (if youโ€™re comparing between the same winery), but the ambiance will differ.

  • Goose Ridge Winery: My younger brother recommended this location, and the cider was relatively good. I wasnโ€™t totally sure what to anticipate, given its primary focus on wine. The Lavender Honey was a little sweet for our tastes, but it was extremely lavender-forward, which I liked. Overall, Iโ€™d select the other places above before this one if youโ€™re looking to sample some cider.

Where to Stay in Leavenworth

Thereโ€™s a nice range of places to stay in Leavenworth for a wide range of budgets and styles, from camping to the way-too-expensive Post Hotel. Iโ€™m not sure who has a thousand dollars to spend on a night in a hotel, but it ainโ€™t us.

Loge Camps

We have personally resided at Loge Camps in multiple cities on the West Coast and enjoy them. In Leavenworth, they have two properties.

a building with a sign on the side of ita patio area with a patio table and chairs

During our latest trip, we lodged at the Riverside Cabins, which are just across the bridge from downtown Leavenworth. They are within walking distance, and offer complimentary bicycles for borrowing. The cabins themselves are pleasant as well, with a studio layout, private bathrooms attached to the rooms, and a nice patio overlooking the Icicle River below.

The shared spaces incorporate a communal kitchen (with oven, stove, etc.), an outdoor dining area with Traeger grills for barbecue if desired, and a pleasant green place with hammocks and Adirondack chairs. Generally recommended, though I wish the internet was better in the individual cabins.

a large brick building with a view of a city

Their other establishment โ€“ Loge Downtown โ€“ sits firmly in the heart of downtown Leavenworth. It provides both hostel- and hotel-style lodging in a decidedly more social atmosphere than the Riverside Cabins. Friends of ours stayed there around the same time and enjoyed their experience there as well.

It allows pets, which is why they selected it, and it offers a range of room styles from shared bathroom private rooms to private rooms with their own bathrooms. There`s also an on-site beer garden, cafe, and complimentary bicycle rentals (though you can walk anywhere in the town quite effortlessly from there).

Bavarian Lodge

a large building with a lot of windows on it

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Distance from London: 1.5 hours by train from London Bridge Station | ๐Ÿ“ Google Maps location | Whitstable website

The location is perfectly situated in the heart of downtown Leavenworth. Some lodging options provide cozy fireplaces, private balconies, and family areas, and all rooms include a full breakfast.

One thing to note is that they charge an additional $15 per adult guest after two per room, which is applicable if you plan on selecting a room with two queen beds and sharing between four adults.

Eightmile Campground

We stayed at Eightmile Campground for a night before hiking to Colchuck Lake, and it surpassed our expectations.

Firstly, it gets very hot during the summer months, and the campground is heavily forested. We arrived at the Safeway in Leavenworth around 4:00 pm, and at that time it was around 100 degrees. I was roasting alive.

When we arrived at the campground, the temperature was very pleasant thanks to the tree coverage.

It serves as an affordable camping choice, but few sites necessitate early reservations especially on weekends. Water is recommended to bring yourself, as solar pumps weren`t consistently productive for us, depleting our reserved supply instead of reliably drawing from outside taps.

Getting to Leavenworth

Leavenworth is fairly easily accessible from Seattle. You have two options: driving yourself, or taking Amtrak (which requires you to spend at least one night in town). If youโ€™re doing it as a day trip from Seattle, youโ€™ll have to drive yourself.

Driving

Driving yourself along Interstate 90 eastbound from Seattle over Snoqualmie Pass represents the most direct route to reach this location. From there, a turn onto US Highway 97 guides travel upwards and over Blewett Pass before linking up with Highway 2 for the final miles into Leavenworth.

It will take you sometime between two and two and a half hours, depending on conditions and traffic flow.

Returning over Snoqualmie Pass on Sundays, especially in summer, can involve heavy traffic, so planning is important. This route is generally well plowed in winter but rises over 5,000 feet so snow chains may be necessary given the elevation.

I remember a few times over the past few years where the pass had to completely close due to huge snow storms, but those occasions are relatively uncommon.

Taking the Train

Taking the train necessitates staying at minimum one night in Leavenworth if using this transportation method, as the schedule does not allow for a day trip (as written, the train arrives in Leavenworth at 12:10 pm and departs the following direction at 1:00 pm).

The single exception, which contributes to why I say it takes a bit of planning, is during winter between Thanksgiving and Christmas, when there exists a distinct train route that departs Seattle early, deposits you in Leavenworth for the day, and returns to Seattle later, after the famous tree lighting ceremony in Leavenworth has occurred

It`s pricier as it incorporates a continental breakfast and full sit-down dinner, but it presents a suitable way to experience Leavenworth in winter without driving over the pass.

When to Visit Leavenworth

Summer, fall, and winter (Thanksgiving to New Years Day) are all great seasons to visit Leavenworth. Each period has a distinct set of advantages and disadvantages, which weโ€™ll go through below.

Summer remains our preferred season to visit, as we enjoy hiking and the Enchantments hike ranks amongst our all-time favorites, spanning over 20 miles in its entirety. Though ambitious, hiking just to beautiful Colchuck Lake offers a suitable portion.

That excursion is accessible in the summer and early fall seasons, and is a must if willing and capable of traversing the 9 miles and 2,400 feet of ascent.

The long daylight hours are great for wandering around town in the evening, soaking in the festive atmosphere and enjoying a nice cold drink out on one of the many outdoor patios in town. Both prices and crowds tend to be high.

Autumn is also a good time to visit, both because the weather remains fairly pleasant through mid-September, and because Oktoberfest transforms Leavenworth into a playground for beer fans.

Fall colour starts to display along the river and in the Enchantments (including Colchuck Lake) sometime in October, but the precise timing fluctuates by year.

Winter โ€“ specifically between Thanksgiving and Christmas โ€“ is also a fantastic time to visit Leavenworth. Having traveled to Berlin in winter specifically to experience the Christmas Markets in Germany, I am entirely in favor of anything resembling a German Christmas Market.

Buildings covered in snow, Christmas lights, and the tree-lighting ceremony highlight a winter visit, and prices will be high on those precious winter weekends between the two major holidays.

Between January and March, Leavenworth transforms into a different type of outdoor recreation hub, with Stevens Pass and Mission Ridge, two of Washingtonโ€™s top ski destinations (plus the smaller but more convenient Leavenworth Ski Hill) both within day trip range from Leavenworth. Plus abundant snowshoeing nearby.

Spring is a shoulder season where it remains too cold and early to do some summer outdoor activities, meaning it will be a less expensive time to visit if outdoor activities are not a high priority.

Youโ€™ll still be able to participate in snowshoeing, and skiing is likely possible into April, relying on weather patterns of a specific year.


Additional Areas to Visit in Washington State

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

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