Leavenworth is no ordinary eastern Washington town. It’s a Bavarian-style village tucked on the east side of the Cascade Mountains, along the scenic Wenatchee River — a river known for its whitewater and mountain views.
You might expect Bavarian villages to be located in, well, Bavaria. But after the collapse of the local logging industry in the 1960s, Leavenworth reinvented itself with Alpine-inspired architecture, year-round festivals, and Bavarian charm. They already had their own “Alps” — the North Cascades — just outside town. Today, more than two million visitors come each year to enjoy its mountain setting, outdoor adventures, and Old World atmosphere.
Outdoor Paradise in the Cascades
Leavenworth is surrounded by mountains, forests, and rivers, offering endless recreational opportunities — hiking, camping, rafting, fishing, skiing, and wine tasting among them. For those of us who live on Washington’s wetter west side, it also makes for a sunny, drier winter escape.
Nearby, the Enchantments area is one of Washington’s most breathtaking wildernesses, with jagged granite peaks, turquoise alpine lakes, and mountain goats wandering among the rocks. Along with the challenging Enchantments hikes, many gentler trails around Leavenworth still showcase incredible views and wild beauty.
My family and I have made many trips to the area over the years — hiking, rafting, backpacking deep into the Enchantments, camping, and, most recently, a trip to explore the fall colors.
The Enchantment Lakes
At the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness lies the Core Enchantment Zone, a stunning region above the treeline filled with mirror-like lakes, snowfields, and sculpted granite peaks. Getting there, however, takes determination — either a grueling day hike or a coveted backcountry camping permit. In fact, your odds of winning a Core Zone permit in the annual lottery are only around 2%.
After several years of trying, Mary and I finally scored a less-than-perfect permit: two nights at Lake Stuart, a beautiful spot but well outside the Core Zone, which meant extra miles and elevation gain on our summit day.
Our friend Patrick, a dedicated outdoor adventurer, joined us on the trek. We started early, reaching Colchuck Lake under calm skies, and found a flawless reflection of Dragontail Peak and Aasgard Pass mirrored on the water. The route from there climbs steeply through a boulder field toward the base of Aasgard — a 2,200-foot ascent that’s as challenging as it is memorable.
Reaching the top rewards you with sweeping views back over Colchuck Lake and the surrounding peaks. A pair of mountain goats even posed perfectly for photos — a highlight of the day. Wandering among the lakes and snowfields of the Core Zone felt like stepping into another world.
By the time we returned to our Stuart Lake campsite, we’d covered roughly 17 miles and over 4,000 feet of elevation gain. We slept soundly that night — with very tired legs and satisfied smiles.
Camping and Lodging Around Leavenworth
If you prefer something less strenuous than the Enchantments, the surrounding Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offers peaceful campgrounds along Icicle Creek and plenty of scenic, moderate trails. The Forest Service campgrounds are well-maintained and surrounded by tall evergreens, and booked through recreation.gov. Lake Wenatchee State Park and private sites like the KOA provide family-friendly options.
Over the years, we’ve stayed everywhere from tents to cabins. One spring, we rented a rustic, chalet-style cabin tucked in the woods, complete with a hot tub — and a curious bear that knocked over our garbage can in the middle of the night.
Rafting, Kayaking, and Hiking Along the Wenatchee River
For those who prefer staying near town, the Wenatchee River provides endless opportunities for recreation. Gentle trails wind along its banks, and the Old Pipeline Trail crosses a historic bridge into Tumwater Canyon, where the river crashes through boulders and Class V rapids.
There are also easier, scenic walks along the river right in downtown Leavenworth through Waterfront Park, where cottonwoods and maples turn brilliant gold in the fall.
And for thrill-seekers, the Wenatchee’s spring runoff brings big, exciting whitewater. Several outfitters offer guided rafting trips. On one trip, we brought our own Aire Super Puma and ran a Class III section — expecting a mellow ride after rafting Idaho’s Hell’s Canyon on the Snake River, Lower Salmon River, and Main Salmon River. Instead, we found pushy waves, raft-flipping holes, and adrenaline-pumping fun that reminded us this river has a personality of its own.
Downtown Leavenworth: A Bavarian Holiday Village
Leavenworth shines year-round, but fall and the holiday season are especially magical. We’ve made autumn trips just to see the brilliant fall colors — and they never disappoint. Once the snow falls, over half a million Christmas lights transform the Bavarian-style downtown into a true winter wonderland, earning Leavenworth the nickname “America’s Ultimate Christmas Town.”
The shops are as charming as the buildings themselves, with unique finds at Kris Kringl, The Wood Shop, and Mountain Country Corner. For dining, you’ll find everything from Bavarian bratwurst to Pacific Northwest cuisine. One of our favorites is München Haus, an outdoor beer garden serving German sausages with craft beer — the perfect post-hike or après-ski stop.
Leavenworth on the Cascade Loop
Leavenworth is a highlight of the 440-mile Cascade Loop Scenic Byway, a road trip that winds through the North Cascades, passes the cowboy-themed town of Winthrop, and returns along the Salish Sea. We’ve also added a side adventure to Stehekin, a remote mountain village accessible only by boat, plane, or foot — an unforgettable glimpse into the wild heart of Washington.
Conclusion
Whether you come for the mountain trails, river rapids, or Bavarian charm, Leavenworth, Washington truly offers the best of both worlds — rugged outdoor adventure and cozy alpine hospitality. From the high lakes of the Enchantments to the festive glow of Christmas lights downtown, it’s a destination that keeps us coming back season after season.