Leavenworth-Area Outdoors Activities

Leavenworth, in Washington’s Cascade Mountains, enjoys an ideal setting for a variety of outdoor activities. With four distinct seasons, Leavenworth has year-round opportunities to enjoy the nearby mountains and waterways.

Hiking is incredibly popular in Leavenworth, and with good reason: Several excellent trails sit within a few miles’ drive of downtown. For a long and rewarding day hike, head to either Lake Stuart or Colchuck Lake, both pristine alpine lakes backed by sharp peaks. For shorter, less challenging hikes, head to Icicle Gorge for a flat walk through this narrow canyon.

Leavenworth enjoys a hot and dry summer, with plenty of opportunities to cool off, from exciting whitewater rafting trips to more mellow tubing and float trips. Several companies in town offer guide services, but consider heading to Leavenworth Mountain Sports, where friendly guides help you pick the best adventure. You can’t go wrong with a stand-up paddle-boarding trip down mellow Icicle Creek, where you can spot salmon below your board, along with other wildlife along the shore. LMS offers both guided trips and rental services for DIY trips.

Guided horseback riding trips of varying length are also a great way to get out into the postcard-worthy scenery. And if you’re looking for a thrill, Leavenworth has a zip-lining course, too.

In winter, your options include just about everything imaginable: ice climbing, snow tubing, snowshoeing, front and backcountry skiing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling and dog sledding.