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3. Leavenworth is an All-Year-Round Destination
With four distinct seasons being suitable for different outdoor activities and festivities, Leavenworth receives tourists all-year-round.
Leavenworth in winter
During the winter and early spring season there is inevitable snow, which is ideal for various winter sports activities in the area. Visitors can ski or snowboard in the nearby Steven’s Pass area, or simply go snowshoeing and engage in other snowy activities around Leavenworth itself. Lake Wenatchee even has cross-country skiing in the winter months. There are also the winter’s incredibly popular Christmas-lighting ceremonies, that turn Leavenworth into an undeniably magical winter town.
Leavenworth in winter
Leavenworth in spring
When the snow finally starts to melt around late April or early May, blankets of wildflowers start to cover the mountainsides. This makes spring an enjoyable time for hiking and mountain biking. However, some areas are not snow-free until June! For example, the well-known Enchantments trail is only accessible from mid-June. We hiked up to Colchuck Lake at the end of May and the lake was still partly frozen!
Spring season with wildflowers – Lake Chelan
Leavenworth in summer
That being said, the summer in Leavenworth is the perfect time to go camping and do multiple-day hiking in the surrounding mountains. A must-do hike is the Icicle Ridge Trail. It takes roughly 90 minutes to reach the beautiful lookout point, with views of the town and surrounding peaks. The trail is about 6 miles total and is mainly switchbacks until you reach the ridge. Be aware that this trail gets very busy during the weekend.
The Icicle Ridge Hike view from the ridge
The endless sunshine and high temperature also encourage paddle boarding or tubing in the calm waters of Icicle Creek, or white-water rafting for the adventurous souls. You can also go river tubing and rafting at Leavenworth’s waterfront park. If you’re not a water fan you can also explore the waterfront by foot. There are many trails that wind through the park, offering beautiful vistas of both the river and the mountains.
Leavenworth in fall
When the fall finally comes around, the leaves become colorful, the air crisp, and the famous Oktoberfest brings plenty of beer and joy! Oktoberfest is usually celebrated across 3 weekends in October. With four entertainment venues, live music, traditional food, and delicious beer, this is a highlight in Washington State and the West Coast!
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