4. Leavenworth is an outdoor heaven

Located in the midst of the Cascade Mountain Range, Leavenworth is a jewel for outdoor recreation. The area provides easy access to outstanding skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, boating, fishing, white-water rafting, and mountain biking opportunities. Adventure-seekers are especially attracted to the surrounding wild glacial waters, three sublime ski passes, and the hundreds of miles of (often challenging) hiking and biking trails that weave through the forest, mountains, and pass gorgeous emerald lakes. One of our favorite things to do around Leavenworth is watching the sunset from the Peshastin Pinnacles. This small park is about a 15 minute drive from Leavenworth. A grouping of tooth-like sandstone rocks stand tall here against the vineyards and golden hills of the Wenatchee Valley. You can hike the switchback trails to the top, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and wine country around. During sunset, you can see the valley turn a beautiful golden color.

Pechastin Pinnacles Hike

The Enchantments is probably the most popular hike in the area. This hike is extremely tough if done in a day as it is more than 20 miles end-to-end with an elevation change of 11,000 feet. However, getting to these awe-inspiring alpine lakes is absolutely worth it. You can also break up your journey by camping, but must get lucky in the lottery system if you want to stay overnight in the Enchantments area. We hiked the Enchantments last summer and it took us over 15 hours to complete as a day hike. Check out our day hiking video below for more information so you can hike the Enchantments with confidence and good preparation. You can also do the Colchuck day hike. Colchuck is known as the most beautiful lake near Leavenworth, if not in all of Washington State. The Colchuck Lake is also part of the Enchantments. The hike is about 8 miles round trip with 2280 feet of elevation gain, and takes between 4.5 to 6 hours total. And while the final ascent to the lake is steep and rough in places, the majority of the trail is moderate and just spectacular.

Breathtaking Colchuck Lake

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