road trip seattle to leavenworth

12 Stops to make on the drive from Seattle to Leavenworth

The Bavarian village of Leavenworth has become a famous tourist destination in recent decades and now averages 3 million visitors annually.

The drive from Seattle to Leavenworth is only around 2.5 hours so is a destination that attracts locals, residents from neighboring cities and states, and even tourists from across the country.

What I noticed when planning my itinerary was a lack of information on which places to stop at along the way. To me, half the fun of a road trip is getting to pop into local shops, cafes, and restaurants so I decided to make this guide to make it easier for you to plan your own Seattle to Leavenworth road trip!

There are two ways that you can get from Seattle to Leavenworth, the north or the south route.

While both routes had a lot to offer my friend and I decided to take the northern route which takes I-5 to Hwy 2. It was said to be a more scenic and slower-paced drive because the speed limit is 50 mph whereas the alternative would be taking 90 E and US-97 N on 70 mph roads.

About the Drive From Seattle to Leavenworth

The distance from Seattle to Leavenworth is either 128 miles (206 kilometers) on I-5 to US 2 or 135 miles (17 kilometers) if taking 90 E and US-97 N. Even though the latter is more miles you can go faster so it is the quicker route.

The US 2 via Stevens Pass has more natural scenery than the US-97 route which is a highway so it’s harder to stop and the scenery is less natural (think powerlines).

There will be no need for snow chains if you have four-wheel drive but they can help if you are nervous or want more traction. If it is snowing you are legally required to have them in the vehicle in case you need them, but you don’t have to drive with them on. Taking the US 2 via Stevens Pass will be more manageable because of the slower speed limit.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Leavenworth ?

There is really no bad time to visit Leavenworth but summer will guarantee clear roads, open trails, and swimmable lakes, however, the downside is that the town will be hopping with tourists.

Many visitors are enticed to visit Leavenworth in autumn because of the beautiful fall foliage and Oktoberfest celebrations but this also means there will be crowds and limited accomodations.

Around Christmastime is another fun time to visit Leavenworth – I mean what’s more festive than a snow-covered German village adorned with holiday lights? The drive to get there might prove to be more difficult depending on the weather and snow chains might be helpful in some areas.

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds in town then spring is the best choice. Unfortunately, there will be lots of rainy and cloudy days which can block the views as you drive to Leavenworth, and in early spring a lot of the hiking trails along the way will either still have some snow or be blocked completely.

How Many Days to Spend in Leavenworth?

Most people recommend taking a day trip from Seattle to Leavenworth and while you’d have plenty of time to explore Leavenworth for the day you’ll miss out on all of the cool stops that you’ll pass on the drive there.

I personally recommend allowing a half day at the least but preferably a whole day to fully enjoy the stops mentioned on this list. Then, spend one or two nights in Leavenworth so you can explore the town. There are also many other nearby places for adventure if you continue past Leavenworth but you would need to allow more time on your itinerary for that.

12 Best Stops on the Drive From Seattle to Leavenworth

If you are a hiking enthusiast or want to give yourself flexibility in case the weather isn’t in your favor you could spend 2 days driving to Leavenworth and camp or spend the night near Index (where a lot of the best hikes are).

1. Gas Works Park

When you wake up I recommend eating a snack that will hold you over for a couple of hours because there is an amazing breakfast stop next on this list that is well worth the hour drive outside of Seattle!

On your way out of Seattle, Gas Works Park is a convenient stop-off before you get going to Leavenworth. This is also a smart way to knock off another activity if you only have one or 2 days in Seattle .

Gas Works Park sits on Lake Union and the most unique thing about this park is the bronze industrial remnants of the old gasification plant. But that’s not all there is to see here as you’ll get an uninterrupted panorama of the Seattle skyline.

Parking here is free and easy and you won’t need to spend long here, maybe 15 minutes or so to walk around and enjoy the views.

2. Sultan Bakery for breakfast

As promised, your first official stop will be for breakfast in the tiny town of Sultan. Sultan’s Bakery is way more than just a bakery, however, those items are incredible too but I’m getting ahead of myself.

Their breakfast menu quite literally has all of the omelet, scramble, and breakfast plate and sandwich options you could dream up and the best part is that the prices are cheap and the servings are enormous!

I ordered a spinach and Swiss omelet and potatoes and my friend went for the biscuits with egg, sausage, and gravy. We were both super impressed with the flavors and the quality of the ingredients.

The long pastry and baked goods case will be the first thing you notice when you step inside and to be honest, I think it would be hard to go wrong with anything they make here! There are massive cookies, bars, cakes, donuts, cinnamon rolls, and more!

If you can try to get here early as it is a popular choice and parking can be limited.

Do yourself a favor and stop at Sultan’s Bakery because it is NOT one to miss on your drive from Seattle to Leavenworth!

Note : Sultan’s also serves lunch if you are driving through Sultan at a different time of the day.

3. Gold Bar

Just 6 miles (9.7 kilometers) from Sultan is Gold Bar. Because we had already fueled up at Sultan’s Bakery we didn’t need to make a stop here but until you get to Leavenworth, Gold Bar will be the largest town you will pass through.

They have a couple of small grocery stores if you need any groceries or snacks, a couple of coffee shops, a few restaurants, and a second-hand shop called Rerouted .

If you are driving through during blueberry season (June to September) make sure to stop at Willberry Farms for some fresh berries!

If you really want to get adventurous and plan in advance you can even go whitewater rafting with Alpine Adventures !

My Finding’s Tip : Heading to Leavenworth with your dog? Stop at this off-leash area to let your dog let out some energy on the way

4. Wallace Falls State Park

Just 5 minutes north of Gold Bar town is Wallace Falls State Park and with over 12 miles (12 kilometers) of trails, you’ll have lots of opportunities to go hiking.

The most popular sight here is in fact, Wallace Falls and there are two main routes to get there. The first is Wallace Falls via Woody Trail which is a relatively easy 5-mile out-and-back route that takes most people around 3 hours to complete.

The whole trail is very scenic as it goes right alongside the Wallace River and you’ll see Lower and Middle falls before reaching the Upper Wallace Falls. After the first viewpoint of the falls, the trail gets steep and has switchbacks.

The longer way to Wallace Falls is the challenging 11.1-mile Wallace Falls and Wallace Lake Loop . 2 of the miles of the trail from the falls to the lake are on a dirt service road which isn’t the prettiest but once you reach Wallace Lake it’s the perfect place to go for a dip in the summer months.

It does take around 6 hours to complete this hike so you’d need to either camp here for the night or come back on your way back to Seattle.

If you’ve worked up an appetite after hiking in Wallace Falls State Park I’d recommend eating in Gold Bar first before continuing on your Seattle to Leavenworth road trip.

Note : A Discover Pass is required to enter this park. You can purchase yours online in advance here .

5. Bridal Veil Falls & Lake Serene

Two of the most beautiful places on the drive from Seattle to Lake Serene are Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Serene! From Gold Bar, it’s only 8 miles (13 kilometers) to the trailhead which is located right before you reach the small town of Index.

From the pictures I kept seeing leading up to our road trip, this was a stop I was most looking forward to but unfortunately for us, the forecast showed rain and the lady who was working at the Espresso Chalet (one of the next stops on this list) told us that those trails still had too much snow (it was early May).

However, if you do have the opportunity to hike it, please do! Getting to Bridal Veil Falls will only take around an hour (2 miles) so a 2.5-hour stop to do this hike is definitely doable on the way to Leavenworth.

To get to the falls take the right turn-off once you reach the fork. Once you see that viewpoint and come back to the fork you can head to the left which you can continue on for 0.2 miles to see the lower cascade of Bridal Veil Falls. From here you can choose to turn back or you can continue for an additional 2 miles to reach Lake Serene.

Adding on Lake Serene to this stop will take at least another 2.5 hours so you probably won’t have time unless you are camping or staying at a hotel nearby. However, if getting to the lake is a priority you could eliminate some of the stops from the list on the way there and finish them on your way back to Seattle.

6. Index Bridge

Once you reach Index you’re officially at the halfway mark on your drive from Seattle to Leavenworth!

Index Bridge is a quick stop just minutes from the Bridal Veil Falls Trailhead right in Index town. From the arched cement bridge (which is cool in its own right) there is a beautiful view of the churning Skykomish River, an old metal bridge, and mountainscapes.

In Index itself, there isn’t much else besides a few lodges (one has a restaurant), and The Riverhouse Cafe (only open on weekends). The cafe is also attached to the Outdoor Adventure Center so during the summer months you could go river or whitewater rafting !

My Finding’s Tip: Refill your water bottle from the spigot at the park by the public restrooms . The worker at the general store told us it’s some of the purest water in Washington – it tasted so clean!

7. Espresso Chalet

Another few minutes from Index Bridge is your next stop right on US 2!

The Espresso Chalet is a coffee stand in Index that has BLOWN UP on Instagram for its Sasquatch theme and direct views of Index Mountain from the back deck. Instagram is how I found out about this place so we had to check it out and see if it was really as cool as everyone says.

If you visit on a cloudy day there may barely be a view, if at all, and you’ll be thinking, is this it? But I promise if you come on a clear day the experience is totally different!

We actually came to the Espresso Chalet twice and the first time we could only see a tiny bit of the peak which was a letdown but thankfully we decided to stop again on the way back from Leavenworth to Seattle and we had a perfect view! It was just as awesome as it looks in pictures.

To be completely transparent though, my friend and I didn’t really like the taste of their coffee, however, we both liked the Chai Latte!

8. Heybrook Lookout or Ridge Trailhead

Once you’ve finished your drink at the Espresso Chalet you’ll be energized for a hike that is right in the general vicinity.

There are two trails that have very similar names the 1.9-mile Heybrook Lookout Trailhead and the 2.8-mile Heybrook Ridge Trailhead . While they both have views of the same mountains and take around 1.5 hours to complete, the main difference between the two is that the Heybrook Lookout is a short steep trail that takes you to a wooden lookout tower whereas the fairly easy Heybrook Ridge Trail ends with a lookout point.

After some confusion as to which trail was which we decided to go with the ridge trailhead mainly because the manmade wooden tower that is on the lookout trail didn’t seem as adventurous to us. It was a mostly shaded trail will various terrains that kept things interesting.

Once at the top, we saw an okay view of the mountains but it was overcast so our visibility wasn’t the best. The main issue we had with this trail was a noisy powerline once at the top so for this reason I wish we would have gone for the Heybrook Lookout Trail instead.

My Finding’s Tip : We were informed by someone that a lot of car break-ins happen at the Heybrook Lookout Trailhead parking lot . For this reason, try and keep most of your valuables on you or out of plain sight.

Note : We ran into some confusion on if a parking pass was needed but both places are free.

9. 59er Diner Leavenworth

After burning off some calories on one or more of the hikes in Index what could possibly be a better reward than a juicy burger, fries, and a milkshake? If you can wait for the 45-minute drive that it takes to reach 59er Diner you’re in for a mouthwatering meal in a retro-themed diner setting. It even has a working Jukebox to play your favorite classic hits.

59er Diner sells THOUSANDS of shakes every month of the year and has also been featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives so there’s something special about this place!

10. Old Pipeline Bed Trailhead/Viewpoint

If you’re coming from the 59er Diner, Old Pipeline Bed Trailhead /Viewpoint is only 13 minutes further on US 2 and right on the outskirts of Leavenworth.

Everyone who is making the drive from Seattle to Leavenworth has to include this quick roadside stop-off on their itinerary because it’s epic!

You don’t really need to do any hiking unless you want to because you’ll have incredible views of the rushing river as soon as you walk onto the old steel bridge .

As you are getting close to approaching the parking lot for Old Pipeline Bed you can also keep a lookout for other safe places to pull off and park because there are a lot of opportunities for views. We did a bit of exploring and ended up climbing over the railing before carefully going down to some of the rocks along the river. We just sat in amazement at the stunning scenery and listened to the powerful sounds of the rapids.

11. Leavenworth Sign

In just a few minutes, you’ll be entering Leavenworth so this is a reminder to get your camera ready to snap a quick picture of the Leavenworth sign!

12. Leavenworth Town

From the Old Pipeline Bed area you’re only around 5 minutes from Leavenworth Town and you’ll have completed your drive from Seattle to Leavenworth!

There are all kinds of fun activities and German-themed things to do in Leavenworth. Feast on bratwurst and Bavarian pretzels at Munchen Haus , check out the ridiculous collection of nutcrackers inside the Nutcracker Museum , get a cider or craft beer from the award-winning Icicle Brewing , walk around the town and shop, or ride the brand-new Alpine Coaster. You can even see live reindeer at Leavenworth Reindeer Farm !

Where to Stay in Leavenworth

I highly recommend staying at least one night in Leavenworth but if you have the time, 2 or 3 nights would give you the ability to relax and explore most of Leavenworth. On the outskirts of town, there are even more opportunities for outdoor activities. Here are a few of my top hotel picks:

Mrs Anderson’s Lodging House $- This is where we stayed and while it was small it was super affordable, clean, and cozy. The bed was quite comfy and we loved how it was right in town and had free parking.

Icicle Village Resort $$ – A great middle-tier option on the edge of the town that comes with a few great amenities including a spa, swimming pool and hot tub, two restaurants, and a bar. A complimentary breakfast is included in the nightly rate. The resort also had the option to rent bikes, shoot hoops, or play putt-putt.

Enzian Inn $$$ – An exceptional hotel right in the center of town with tons of amenities including an indoor and outdoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, and free breakfast. The rooms have a modern take on German decor with wooden furniture and white walls and bedding. A nice touch is that the Swiss Alphorn is played every morning.

Note : The average nightly rate will vary greatly depending on the season/time of the year.

Final Word on the Best Stops From Seattle to Leavenworth

Thank you for reading this guide! I hope you have a fun and safe road trip from Seattle to Leavenworth! The best part about this route is that is perfect for both the outdoor adventurer and casual sightseer – just take what you like from this list and leave the rest!

If you want to do it all consider spending a night near Index so you’ll have time to do multiple hikes! You could also do the activities you ran out of time for on the way back to Seattle.

If you are looking for more Washington guides check out these below.

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Comments (3)

August 29, 2023 at 1:28 pm

Awesome work Rach! Really enjoyed the whole thing.

Rachel Hannah

September 2, 2023 at 3:06 am

Thank you! 🙂

15 Things to know before hiking Mount Storm King in Olympic National Park

September 5, 2023 at 2:59 pm

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33 Best Stops Between Seattle and Leavenworth

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How long is the drive from Seattle to Leavenworth?

The direct drive from Seattle to Leavenworth is 135 mi (217 km) , and should have a drive time of 2 hrs 24 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Seattle to Leavenworth, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Tacoma , Mount Rainier National Park , and Bellevue , as well as top places to visit like The Museum of Flight and Washington Park Arboretum, or the ever-popular Pacific Bonsai Museum.

Top cities between Seattle and Leavenworth

Mount Rainier National Park

Best stops along seattle to leavenworth drive, pacific bonsai museum.

The Museum of Flight

Washington Park Arboretum

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[ the tap room ] at iron horse brewery, mission ridge ski & board resort, ohme gardens, pybus public market, other popular road trips from seattle, explore nearby places.

• Leavenworth
• East Wenatchee
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• Chelan Falls
• Snoqualmie Pass

All related maps of Leavenworth

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Leavenworth throughout the year

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Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Leavenworth?

Get inspired for your trip to Leavenworth with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Leavenworth Itinerary
• 2-Day Leavenworth Itinerary
• 3-Day Leavenworth Itinerary
• 4-Day Leavenworth Itinerary
• 5-Day Leavenworth Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from seattle to leavenworth.

Yes! You can drive from Seattle to Leavenworth.

How far is Leavenworth from Seattle by car?

The drive from Seattle to Leavenworth is 135 miles (217 km).

How long does it take to drive from Seattle to Leavenworth?

Driving from Seattle to Leavenworth should take you 2 hrs 24 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Seattle to Leavenworth?

Gas from Seattle to Leavenworth would cost around $12 to $28 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Seattle to Leavenworth?

You could check out The Museum of Flight and Washington Park Arboretum, or the always popular Pacific Bonsai Museum!

What are the best cities to visit between Seattle and Leavenworth?

People love visiting Tacoma, Mount Rainier National Park, and Bellevue, among others.

What's the weather like in Seattle?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Seattle in January
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What are some other road trips from Seattle?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Seattle.

• Seattle to Vancouver drive
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• Seattle to Calgary drive
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• Seattle to North Vancouver drive
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The Itinerary

Day 1 - Seattle to Leavenworth

On this first day, you will be on US2 east, all the way to Leavenworth, following the route of the northernmost railroad over the Cascade Mountains. Starting in Seattle, take US2 through Monroe , Sultan and Gold Bar . As visible from the highway, these towns offer plenty of chances to obtain supplies (gas, coffee, food, recreation equipment). If you haven't packed a lunch, we suggest buying a takeout, which can be eaten up at Steven's Pass.

As the built-up areas turn to dairy farmland and then to wilderness, you will follow the pretty Skykomish River through its flat valley into the awesome Cascade Mountains . The 69-mile section of US2 known as the Stevens Pass Corridor, from Gold Bar to Leavenworth, is designated a National Forest Scenic Byway. In addition Skykomish River is a federally designated wild and scenic river. Both designations have helped limit development in this area. Sultan's local bridge crossing is a good place to get out of the car, listen to the river, take photos, breathe in the first of that country air. Wallace Falls to the north, can be seen from the highway, and in summer you might choose to do the 4-hour return hike to the 265-feet falls.

Returning to the highway, the four lane US2 now winds beneath jagged peaks, and the Skykomish River begins to show whitewater. See if you can spot tracks of recent avalanches, particularly in the "avalanche chutes" where no trees grow due to the regular scouring by falling snow. Skykomish just south of the highway, offers lodging closest to Stevens Pass ; in fact Skykomish Hotel is given over to pass employees. The proximity of Skykomish to the Stevens Pass ski area might go someway to explaining the number of bars and hotels here! Pull into the car park on the north side of the pass, facing the ski slopes on the south side. Eat your picnic lunch in the car, while watching the skiers and snowboarders negotiate the runs.

If you are wondering what has happened to the railway as you continue east, it has disappeared into a 7.8 mile long tunnel, the second longest railroad tunnel in the western hemisphere. On the descent into the Wenatchee River Valley and Leavenworth, notice how the forest changes from predominantly Douglas-fir and cedar, to predominantly ponderosa pine, now that you are on the "dry" side of the mountains. The drive down follows Stevens Creek, then Nasan Creek, and finally Wenatchee River that flows as dramatic rapids through Tumwater Canyon. You might like to take a detour to Plain and Lake Wenatchee . We recommend you make your overnight stay in Leavenworth . This Bavarian themed village is a favorite get-away for Puget Sounders, and even in winter, it is probably best to book ahead for accommodation , unless you are flexible about the standard, or willing to go on to Wenatchee. You might be able to squeeze in some serious browsing through Leavenworth's famed specialty shops before the roughly 6 o'clock closing time.

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The north cascades highway (sr 20) is open for the 2024 travel season.

There's nothing like hitting the open road, cranking up the tunes, feeling the wind in your hair and taking a big old gulp of fresh air. And there's nothing like doing this on the Cascade Loop! From the salty sea air surrounding the Puget Sound, flowering fruit trees from Leavenworth, Wenatchee and Lake Chelan, acres of fresh cut hay and farmland in the Methow and Skagit Valleys, and miles upon miles of lush evergreen forest along the Stevens Pass Greenway and North Cascades National Park. This is the road trip of a lifetime.

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Request your free 2024/25 Travel Guide and start planning your road trip!!

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Grab some quality time indoors! Check out museums, tribal centers, galleries, live performances, or simply go shopping!

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Seattle to Leavenworth (Washington) drive

Seattle to leavenworth (washington) road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Seattle to Leavenworth (Washington). If you're planning a road trip to Leavenworth (Washington), you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

11:00 am  start in Seattle drive for about 55 minutes

11:55 am   Bridal Veil Falls stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:55 pm drive for about 36 minutes

1:31 pm   Stevens Pass Ski Area stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:31 pm drive for about 36 minutes

3:07 pm  eat at Munchen Haus stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:07 pm drive for about 5 minutes

4:12 pm  arrive in Leavenworth (Washington)

driving ≈ 2 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Bridal Veil Falls Stevens Pass Ski Area Munchen Haus   (2 mentions)

Where's the best place to eat in Leavenworth (Washington)?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest Munchen Haus , which was mentioned 2 times.

Want to research more popular restaurants in Leavenworth (Washington)? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in Leavenworth (Washington)?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Leavenworth (Washington). Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Leavenworth (Washington).

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Leavenworth (Washington) to Seattle drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of Seattle? Try searching for places within 2 hours of Seattle .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Seattle to Leavenworth (Washington) . Or get a full Seattle to Leavenworth (Washington) flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world.

And if you know Seattle well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Seattle!

More info on this route:

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Cascade Loop Road Trip: our ultimate itinerary (with map)

Located in Washington State, the stunning Cascade Loop is a once-in-a-lifetime road trip through the beautiful natural world and small towns of Washington. Discover everything from alpine wonderlands to serene lakes, gorgeous forests to expansive valleys, and adorable small towns to popular ski villages along this popular road trip route.

The Cascade Loop extends for 440 miles in Washington state and takes the traveler about four to five days to drive including overnight stops. You will visit the best sights of Washington, including national and state parks, mountain ranges and more.

Recently designated a National Scenic Byway in 2021, the Cascade Loop is fully open during the months of June-October but can be experienced in segments any time of the year. Keep scrolling to discover a truly stunning road trip experience!

Where is the Cascade Loop?

The Cascade Loop is located in Washington State, in the Northwestern corner of the United States; it forms a larger loop through much of the state, with stops in towns and cities like Everett, Snohomish, Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Chelan, Winthrop, Anacortes and Coupeville.

The loop itself is located about twenty-five minutes from Seattle, the largest city in Washington, and includes stops through several parks, namely the North Cascades National Park, the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Follow the Cascade Loop to go from the Salish Sea and the Don Juan Islands all the way to deep within the mountainous region on the eastern side of Washington State.

Where does the Cascade Loop begin and end?

The Cascade Loop is (not surprisingly!) a circular route, which means that you can start from anywhere along the route and still get to experience the bounty that it has to offer in its entirety.

That being said, there are a couple of typical starting points, namely Mukilteo and Everett, both about a thirty minutes' drive from the city of Seattle. If starting here, the endpoint will typically be either Langley or Clinton, before the Ferry to Mukilteo.

How long is the Cascade Loop, and how long will it take to drive its entire length?

The Cascade Loop is about 440 miles in length and will take upwards hours to drive. The driving time required will vary, especially as part of the loop is closed during the off-season. Realistically, we recommend planning for about four to five days to get the full Cascade Loop experience.

If you're coming from Seattle, the total mileage will be something closer to 470 miles, as Seattle is thirty miles from the start of the loop. Make sure to add another thirty minutes to your itinerary if you plan on coming back to Seattle after completing the Cascade Loop.

Best way to drive on the Cascade Loop

Due to the nature of this route, there's really only one way to drive the Cascade Loop, though we should add that you can always just drive part of the loop and save the rest for another trip.

We've added an itinerary that includes the drive from Seattle to the start of the loop, as many road-trippers will typically stop in the city for a car rental before continuing onto the Cascade Loop.

Driving the entire length of the Cascade Loop

The Cascade Loop is known as the best road trip in Washington, featuring dozens of cities and towns along its route and offering travelers a rare opportunity to discover the state's stunning nature in-depth.

The whole route encompasses several national parks and forests, including a visit to North Cascade National Park, and takes traveler from the waters of Puget Sound to the mountains. The Loop is broken up into 9 regions, further detailed on the map above.

While you could certainly explore a segment of the route without driving the entire thing, part of the appeal of this road trip is the diversity offered across the Cascade Loop, from wineries and small-town restaurants to gorgeous valleys nearby which you'll find serene lakes or massive mountains.

The route for this loop is relatively straightforward: starting at Everett, you'll travel along US-2, following road signs for the Cascade Loop. You'll eventually merge onto US-97, and then WA-153 and WA-20, before finally getting to WA-525 which takes you back to the starting point!

Driving on the Cascade Loop from Seattle

To get to the Cascade Loop from the beautiful city of Seattle, you'll have to exit the city via Interstate 5. This highway will take you all the way past Lake Washington and straight to the Everett, where you can get onto Highway 2.

Once you've gotten onto the Cascade Loop, you follow the same route that we've highlighted and expounded upon above!

Best places to stay along the Cascade Loop

While you could certainly do the Cascade Loop in one long drive, our recommendation is to take your time with this gorgeous road trip. After all, you don't want to be rushing from town to town or natural wonder to natural wonder without having the opportunity to enjoy each attraction.

That's why we suggest stopping for at least one overnight stay in one of the many adorable towns along the Cascade Loop. Keep scrolling to discover our favourite stopover spots!

A nature escape in Winthrop

Located about halfway along the Cascade Loop, Winthrop is a popular stopping point for travelers taking this route, offering tons of attractions in its small area, including some gorgeous nature spots.

One of the reasons Winthrop is such a popular stopping point for Cascade Loop travelers is its proximity to the North Cascades National Park, probably the biggest attraction in the loop—after all, that's where it gets its name—and conveniently located just west of Winthrop.

This small town really has the ultimate cozy vibe, oozing with charm throughout its adorable downtown center. If you're thinking about stopping in this town, we definitely suggest stopping in Downtown Winthrop, which is filled to the brim with adorable restaurants and unique shops.

Winthrop is known for its proximity to the Methow Valley, which houses the continent's largest network of cross-country ski trails. The town also boasts the Sa Theekh Wa Bridge and Trail!

As usual, we've got you covered for accommodations with our recommendation of the Sun Mountain Lodge , one of the most luxurious lodges along the Cascade Loop.

The hotel boasts two restaurants with gorgeous views and a full-service spa, as well as a fabulous outdoor pool, two tennis courts and an activities center offering seasonal activities like mountain biking, fly fishing and horse riding.

This hotel is ideally located about 20 minutes from Winthrop, providing guests with tons of access to nature and a good amount of privacy. It's also right by Highway 20 which takes you back onto the Cascade Loop.

Bavarian luxury in Leavenworth

For something a little different when it comes to an overnight stop, we recommend Leavenworth, an adorable, Bavarian-inspired town that is a highlight of the Cascade Loop.

Leavenworth is an adorable Alpine-style village that offers a “taste of Bavaria”, including wonderful dining experiences, several spas and unique shops. It's especially gorgeous in the winter, decked out in Christmas lights.

The town has tons on offer when it comes to attractions, including the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, the Leavenworth Town Center and the Enchantments, a pristine alpine wonderland that's only accessible via a pretty challenging hike.

You'll have lots of accommodation options in Leavenworth, though our recommendation is the stunning Bavarian Lodge . Boasting a year-round outdoor pool, complimentary hot breakfast, and Bavarian-inspired décor with village and mountain views, the Bavarian Lodge is one of the most highly rated lodges in Leavenworth.

The hotel is also in fabulous location, close to the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, Front Street Park and the picturesque town center. Best of all, it's close to the highway which takes you back onto the Cascade Loop in the morning.

Things to see on a road trip on the Cascade Loop

There are dozens and dozens of attractions along the Cascade Loop—here's a selection of some of our must-visits for your trip.

The entire length of Cascade Loop

• Everett - A popular starting point for the Cascade Loop, Everett has tons to offer including an Arboretum, a unique children's museum, and the Shack Art Centre.
• Lake Washington - Just outside of Everett, you'll find gorgeous Lake Washington, perfect for exploring via canoe or simply to enjoy from its stunning shores.
• Snohomish - If you're into antiquing, Snohomish is for you, boasting a renowned collection of antique shops and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Alpine Lakes Wilderness - The Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area, just outside of Leavenworth, offers several lakes as well as countless trails and walking paths perfect for an exploratory adventure.
• Leavenworth - Historic and cozy, Leavenworth is Washington State's premiere Alpine ski village, inspired by the Bavarian Villages of Europe and offering tons when it comes to spas, restaurants, and other attractions.
• Wenatchee - Referred to as the “Apple Capital of the World” due to its many orchards, the Wenatchee Valley is charming and perfect for a pit-stop or day's visit.
• Chelan - Lake Chelan and the nearby town of Chelan are both highlights along the Cascade Loop, boasting many apple orchards and a small but peaceful lake.
• Winthrop - The nearest town to the Methow Valley, Winthrop is known for its western flair and small-town vibe; it also boasts the continent's largest network of cross-country ski trails.
• Methow Valley - Methow Valley is a four-season recreational wonderland, offering tons of mountains, rivers and lakes that will keep you eager to explore this wonderful area.
• North Cascades National Park - Boasting a beautiful alpine landscape, North Cascades National Park is a highlight of the Cascade Loop, known for its stunning scenery and many hiking trails.
• Anacortes - Access the San Juan Islands via Anacortes, a popular and sunny destination for boaters and water-sport fanatics.
• Coupeville - There are tons to see in the small but mighty town of Coupeville, though you'll want to start by sampling its famous Penn Cove Mussels, which are exported to fine dining restaurants around the world.

Things to see driving from Seattle

• Boeing Future of Fligh t - Discover this wonderful museum, which is located just outside of Seattle and offers a look into the history and future of aviation.
• Marina Beach Park - Take in the beauty of Puget Sound from the vantage point at Marina Beach Park, which offers a serene beach as well as grounds for picnicking.

Best time to drive on the Cascade Loop

The Cascade Loop is only accessible in its entirety between the months of June and October, so while you can certainly explore and enjoy many of the attractions on this loop year-round, the only way to get the full experience is to travel during these months.

To see what kind of weather might await you on your trip, make sure to visit the dedicated website for more information.

Summer is the most popular season for exploring the Cascade Loop due to the wonderful weather this area gets during the hotter months. You'll find that tourism typically peaks during this time, but don't let that deter you; the loop is large and spread-out enough that you shouldn't feel an overwhelming tourist presence.

Summer temperatures in Washington will range between the upper 80s and mid 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Winter in Washington State can be quite snowy and wet and will typically last into the late months of spring. As parts of the loop are closed during this season, we recommend against travelling during this time and instead choosing a time during the summer or early fall to take this trip.

That being said, some of the attractions (like Leavenworth, the Bavarian village) would be absolutely stunning during this time. Winter temperatures can easily dip into the 20s and 30 degrees in Washington state.

Closures affect access to the loop throughout all of spring, though by the end of the season you'll find most of the route re-opened and ripe for exploration. Fall, on the other hand, is a truly perfect time to take the Cascade Loop, as tourism is typically lower than in the summer and the fall foliage is stunning. Many of the apple orchards along the trail will also be ready for harvest, so you can enjoy harvest activities.

There are several events happening in the small towns and cities along this route—highlights include the Lake Chelan Winterfest in January, the Village of Lights: Winter Karneval in January, the Manson Apple Blossom Festival in May, and the Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival in June.

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The Scenic Drive In Washington That Runs Straight Through The Charming Small Town Of Leavenworth

A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.

More by this Author

Here in Washington, we’re downright spoiled by the abundance of beautiful scenery. From crystal-clear alpine lakes to dense forests and the mystical coast, this state is brimming with postcard-perfect sights. Today’s feature adventure is no exception. We’re taking a drive on Stevens Pass Greenway, a 90-mile scenic drive in Washington that will take us to Leavenworth, which is a destination in its own right. So load up the car and don’t forget your camera — an incredible tour of the most beautiful scenery in Washington awaits!

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Have you ever embarked on this drive to Leavenworth? What did you think? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you! And, before hitting the road, don’t forget to check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List — it’s got everything you need and then some!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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The ultimate road trip to Leavenworth, WA

Washington’s picturesque bavarian village makes for a charming getaway any time of year..

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Who needs the Alps when all this is a short drive away?

Photo via Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce

The hills are alive with the sound of yodeling and clinking steins. We’re going on a road trip to the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth .

Though known mostly for its Oktoberfest and Christmas-time festivities, the quaint hamlet tucked into the Cascades has plenty going on all year long. Whether you want to go paddleboarding on Icicle Creek, ride a roller coaster, or grab a beer-soaked brat, here are all the details on how to have an unforgettable time in this Chelan County paradise.

📍 Essential info

Drive time: ~2 hours Year city was established: 1885 Est. population: 2,383

This could be you enjoying the surrounding scenery on a nearby trail.

🎟️ Experience

Outdoorsy activities There are several easy day hikes and biking trails within 20 miles that offer eye-popping views of the Enchantments and other natural wonders. You can also rent paddleboards , rafts, and tubes to float on one of the nearby rivers or lakes.

Village Art in the Park On weekends from May to October, you can peruse paintings and photographs from local creatives by strolling through Leavenworth’s picturesque downtown. The outdoor tent setup is the state’s longest-running open air art installment.

Leavenworth Adventure Park One of the town’s newest features is a family-friendly amusement park that features the state’s first alpine roller coaster, which has a self-braking system so you can go at your own pace. The kids should also get a kick out of the bungee trampoline and mining sluice.

Alphorn Serenade Rock that lederhosen and enjoy these big horn-tooting Saturday performances through September. Each mini concert comes with a history lesson about the unusual instrument.

Nutcracker Museum If you roll through Leavenworth during its super popular holiday festivities, this attraction featuring 9,000+ nutcrackers is a must-visit. There’s even a scavenger hunt in case you want to spice things up.

München Haus can be a bit of a sausage fest, but in a good way.

Photo via München Haus

München Haus Here’s where you’ll get the full-fledged Leavenworth beer garden experience at its best and wurst . You got it — that plump sausage made with Icicle Brewing amber lager is killer.

Watershed Cafe PNW comfort food abounds at this cozy spot — but the real star of the show is the famed “million dollar” meatloaf drenched in a cabernet green peppercorn gravy. It’s so money.

Yodelin Broth Those who want a break from the brats can head here and find soupy seafood dishes with Asian flavors. There are a couple of hearty vegan options, too.

Sulla Vita Go from Germany to Italy in just a block at this Mediterranean restaurant specializing in pizza and pasta. Don’t forget about the wine list that blends stellar European bottles with local ones.

Whistlepunk Ice Cream Company No matter what time of year, Whistlepunk hits a sweet spot. Flavors like Backyard Blueberry, Chai, and Lookout Coffee are concocted with local ingredients.

We’re not sure we would leave once getting into this hot tub.

Photo via Vrbo

Mountain view cottage | $262 per night Ah, our stress is already melting away looking at that private hot tub. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is a minute away.

Obertal Inn | $129+ per night Located conveniently downtown and near Waterfront Park, this quaint spot also bakes fresh strudel for guests and allows dogs.

Icicle Village Resort | $175+ per night Enjoy views of the Cascades at this sprawling, family-friendly property. Amenities include on-site wine tastings, a spa, and mini golf.

Hotel Leavenworth | $184+ per night Recent renovations have spruced up this boutique hotel located in the heart of town. Chill out on the sun deck with scenic views of the Wenatchee River or hop into a jacuzzi.

Haus Hanika | $279+ per night The rustic B&B has gorgeous views from the grounds and offers a Bavarian breakfast. There are no kids or pets allowed, though.

Posthotel | $625+ per night If you’re going for a luxury experience, this is the place. The health + wellness spa has every treatment you can imagine, from herbal compresses to LED light therapy.

Wait a minute, Seattleites. Before you head out the door, find the cheapest places to fill up your gas tank and stock up on snacks from local businesses. You can also get other road trip ideas in our ongoing series, whether heading out to the Olympic Peninsula , visiting Portland , or vacationing in wine country .

Day Trip To Leavenworth From Seattle

We found a tiny Bavarian-style village nestled in the Cascade mountains of Washington State, Leavenworth. Being close to Seattle, Leavenworth is an ideal weekend getaway. One day is not enough to explore this place. However, if you’re up for a day trip, here’s a list of things you can do at Leavenworth.

Table of Contents

Quick history

Contradictory to what one may think, Leavenworth was not a Bavarian town until quite recently. The area was home to Native American tribes who fished and hunted on this beautiful land nestled between towering mountains. European settlers came in hungry for gold, timber, fur etc., paving the way for logging and the railroad business. When the railroad companies relocated, Leavenworth devolved into a ghost town until the early 1960s, when the town leaders and planners decided to give the town a facelift, transforming it into mini Bavaria.

How to reach Leavenworth without a car?

Driving to Leavenworth is challenging in winters, particularly without chains, because the roads can get quite icy. Several bus companies operate bus routes to and from Leavenworth. We decided to leave the driving to someone else and went with ‘ Starline Luxury Coaches ‘.

Greyhound  also runs several routes to and from Seattle.

Expect to spend 50-70$ per person for a round trip.

What and where to eat?

Being the foodies, that we are, we immediately started looking for some good Bavarian fare. We dined in at  Gustav’s , a cosy tavern with beautiful pine panelled indoors. Meenakshi and I tried the house favourite, schnitzel burger , a bratwurst burger , and golden ales . We are no experts on German food. However, both of us enjoyed the burgers and particularly the beer. Lunch came out to be around 20$ per person.

Leavenworth has several other inviting places to dine in on Front Street but mostly had long queues during lunchtime.

We also made brief stops at Leavenworth Cider House , which has over 30 varieties of ciders on tap, and at Icicle Brewing Company for a quick pretzel , served with a very buttery dip.

Things to do in Leavenworth

Leavenworth offers an amazing diversity of things to do, including outdoorsy as well as city activities. Our bus dropped us off at the bustling city centre, on Front Street.

We started our visit by walking up to Tumwater Canyon , enjoying the views of the Wenatchee River from the ravine. Everywhere we went, we were welcomed by gorgeous views of the majestic Cascade mountains. 

Our next stop was  BlackBird Island , a popular spot for a leisurely stroll, listening to birds chirping, fish jumping and locals enjoying their evening runs. We entered the island via the Enchantment Park trail, passing through many scenic view points.

Next, we walked over to the Waterfront Park , snapping picture-postcard views of the Wenatchee River and the magnificent and historic Blackbird Hotel .

By this time, we were back in the city and hopped into the quaint and eccentric  NutCracker Museum . Here, everywhere you look, you will see NUTCRACKERS…sourced from all over the world, including ones made from precious ivory and porcelain, beautifully carved wooden nutcrackers from Europe, and metal betel cutters from India and Southeast Asia, some dating back thousands of years. The museum also has a fun little gift store where you can buy some nutcrackers to take away.  

Museum admission: $5 per person.

We ended our day munching on some fresh popcorn and enjoying the breathtaking display of glittering Christmas lights all along Front Street . It was the perfect holiday evening, with people enjoying good food and a round of beer with their families and friends, and live music to go with it.

Why visit Leavenworth?

• Amazing views of the Cascade Mountains up close
• Quaint German village vibes
• Eccentric gift shops, museums
• Local wine and several local breweries

Meet Abhishek, my dear husband and an avid foodie and traveller by heart. He loves to binge Highway on my Plate (Rocky and Mayur's travel show) and pretend to be on the show while exploring a new restaurant. Here's him sharing his thoughts about the places he visits and everything that comes in between.

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11 comments.

My friend lives in Seattle so this would be a great trip for us to take when I visit later this year. Thanks so much for posting this and I love your pictures!

Glad to know 🙂 Let us know if you have any questions

This is right up my street! I love anything that’s European theme and this village looks like so much fun to visit. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you! European themed cities are the best. Appreciate the comment 😀

Leavenworth looks like such a charming place! I’ve visited Wahington State several times, but I’ve never heard of Leavenworth somehow! I’m definitely going to visit on my next trip! Thanks for the great guide!

Glad you found this helpful… Thanks for stopping stopping by 🙂

One of my friends used to live in Seattle, and I wish I would’ve known about Leavenworth back then. It looks like such a great place to visit! Guess I will just have to go back sometime 😉. Xx Sara

Absolutely! I think you’ll enjoy Leavenworth 🙂

Leavenworth has been on my bucket list since I first read about it! I haven’t seen much of the PNW so maybe I’ll finally get to visit in 2022.

I hope you get to visit Leavenworth soon…thanks for stopping by 🙂

I love reading posts from fellow travelers because I find out about locations I would not have otherwise known about. This looks like a great place for a weekend getaway.

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GETTING TO LEAVENWORTH

Travel to leavenworth by car, bus, train or air.

Nestled in the heart of the Cascades between Seattle and Spokane. Choose to drive, take the train, ride the bus, or fly. Just get here!

Leavenworth is easily accessible from the west coast via US Highway 2, and the drive through the Cascades has been voted as one of the most scenic drives in the States. The highway is well maintained with frequent pull-outs and rest stops to soak in the scenery or grab a bite. In the winter, the roads are kept clear, though you will want to check the road reports  here  before heading out. Here are some links to some useful Google Maps:

• From Seattle, WA
• From Portland, OR
• From Spokane, WA
• From Tri-Cities, WA
• From Vancouver BC

Northwestern Trailways  daily bus service directly to Leavenworth. 1-800-366-3830

• Customized Tours & Charter Service 206-878-3965
• Pacific Alaska Tours 206-937-2010
• NW Adventure Tours 425-445-1514
• Sound Excursions 206-486-6002
• Leavenworth Shuttle & Taxi 509-548-7433
• Wenatchee Valley Shuttle 509-293-5773

Public Transportation

Link Transit  serves Chelan and Douglas Counties and provides safe, reliable, and cost effective public transportation services that promote citizen access to work, recreation, commerce and public services.

• Route 22  – Wenatchee to Leavenworth
• Route 22  – Leavenworth to Wenatchee
• Link Guest  Service Center  509-662-1155
• Amtrak Train No. 7: Departs 6:08 AM  – Westbound (from Chicago) to Seattle and all intermediate stations
• Amtrak Train No. 8: Departs 4:40 PM  – Eastbound (from Seattle) to Chicago and all intermediate stations

For Train status  please call (800) 872-7245 – (1.800.USA.RAIL)

For Train Ticket purchases:

• Icicle Station is an un-staffed station and does not have a quik-trak machine at this time.  Tickets can be purchased via a number of ways:
• Reservations can be made via phone (1.800.872.7245) or on the web  www.amtrak.com
• Icicle Station Shuttle Service provided by Leavenworth Shuttle (877) 868-7720 or (509) 548-7433

Pangborn Memorial Airport in East Wenatchee (Airport code EAT) is located 30 miles from Leavenworth. Horizon Air provides six direct flights per day from Seattle to E. Wenatchee and three direct flights per day from E. Wenatchee to Seattle. Call 1-800-547-9308 for reservations. You can also check out their new webcam for current conditions.

Sea-Tac International Airport is located 130 miles from Leavenworth. As the largest international airport in the Pacific Northwest, Sea-Tac is easily accessed from anywhere in the world.

DRIVING TIME TO LEAVENWORTH

(SEA) Sea-Tac Airport – 2 hours

(EAT) Pangborn/East Wenatchee – 30 minutes

(GEG) Spokane Airport – 3.5 hours

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Showing 3 listings, leavenworth shuttle & taxi.

Shuttle & Taxi offers: Wine tours, wedding/group shuttles, trailhead/PCT shuttles, airport/Amtrak shuttles, corporate shuttles & daily taxi. 24-hour service available with reservation. Vehicles ranging from a Pruis to a 54-passenger motor coach. We are your local, family owned, complete shuttle services company.

leavenworthshuttle.com

Website leavenworthshuttle.com

Email [email protected]

Amtrak Passenger Rail Service. Empire Builder from Seattle to Chicago with station stop in Leavenworth, WA. Reservations available at Amtrak.com or (800) 872-7245.

amtrak.com/home.html

Website amtrak.com/home.html

Getting Here

11645 North Road, Leavenworth WA 98826

Link Transit

Public transportation system serving the local communities of Chelan and Douglas counties with fixed route and para-transit services. Operating Monday through Saturday.

linktransit.com

Website linktransit.com

Email [email protected]

300 South Columbia Street, Wenatchee WA 98801

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I know that the trip is only two hours, but I will be in that part of US for the first time, so my question is what can I see/do/explore on that road considering that I am getting there through the Wenatchee National Forest on Highway 2?

I have a lot of time, so please let me know what I can't miss.

Thank you my fellow travelers.

What time of year will you be here?

I would suggest stopping at the various pullouts by the Wenatchee river, really beautiful to take pictures there. Also suggest stopping at Alps Candy - they have some very nice salsas.

I will be there at the end of this month (May).

Thank you both for the answers

This has a lot of info:

http://www.seattletimes.com/life/outdoors/a-mile-by-mile-driving-hiking-and-roadside-wonders-guide-to-scenic-stevens-pass/

That is a portion of the Cascade Loop. This has a lot of info:

http://cascadeloop.com/

http://www.skyvalleychamber.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Sky-Valley-Mini-Trips.pdf

Thank you very much.

Checkout Leavenworth.org for info, you might be there during Mai Fest

Thank you, I will check that out

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A Beautiful Snoqualmie Falls Road Trip

• Post last modified: October 17, 2021
• Post category: Day trips / Itineraries / North America / Washington

Just a short hour outside of Seattle, you’ll find this beautiful road trip loop through the mountains and forests of western Washington. This charming road trip loops its way to the Bavarian town of Leavenworth after visiting the the 268-foot Snoqualmie Falls. The Snoqualmie Falls road trip is a great day trip from Seattle and is a great way to escape the city for the day. Continue reading to see our exact route and suggested stops.

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Getting there and around.

This Snoqualmie Falls road trip is a great little loop that is just a short drive from Seattle. As such, this is the perfect day trip from Seattle. We recommend staying in Seattle overnight or just adding this as a short addition to your Washington road trip . You will need a car to explore this section of the Cascades. If you need to rent one, there are plenty of car rental options in Seattle.  

For other Seattle day trips, check out our list of road trips in Washington here.

Snoqualmie falls itinerary  , snoqualmie falls.

First, start your day at Snoqualmie Falls. Stop at the falls and take the short walk to the viewpoints taking in the morning mist from the 268-foot waterfall. At the waterfall, you’ll see that there are two parking areas. One is free and the other is paid. We parked in the free lot and walked the few extra feet. 

Once at the falls, there are several well paved paths and viewpoints from the top of the falls. If you would like to do some extra walking, you can walk down to the lower falls area and take in the view from the bottom of the falls. This was a fun little walk on a trail with lots of steps but it was worth it. We visited early in the morning and it was perfect. However, we’ve heard that Snoqualmie Falls gets crowded on weekends and mid-day so beware you may have to wait for that perfect photo op.  

Snoqualmie Falls are part of a hydropower plant that is still used today. We were unaware of this and were pretty surprised to see a bunch of fencing and wires at the top of the falls. It does kinda take away some of the beauty of the falls to see all of the man-made stuff at the top. This is also why we enjoyed the sights from the bottom of Snoqualmie Falls a bit more. From the lower perspective you didn’t see as much man-made stuff cluttering up the view of the falls.  

Leavenworth

After visiting the falls, head east on I-90. While this is highway driving, this road will take you through Snoqualmie Pass and you’ll enjoy both a fun drive and some beautiful forests and mountain lakes. Stop along the way when you feel like it to enjoy the scenery.

When you arrive in Thorp, turn off the highway and head north on highway 970. This road will take you to the absolutely charming town of Leavenworth. Leavenworth was our favorite stop along this Snoqualmie Falls road trip. It is a town reminiscent of a Bavarian resort village. And it has the touristy shops to prove it.  

Enjoy some fun local breweries and wineries in Leavenworth along with a nice lunch. Additionally, check out some of the neat features of the buildings like the cuckoo clocks and fun outfits employees wear. However, parking here can be a nightmare so just plan to park where you can and walk the town.  

Next, head west on highway 2 as this Snoqualmie falls road trip look circles back toward the Seattle area. Along the way, you’ll enjoy more fun mountain driving and more charming small towns. Stop at a few of these to stretch your legs and enjoy the sights. You’ll end your journey in Monroe and then you can make your way back to Seattle from there.  

Want to Adjust the Itinerary

If you want to complete this itinerary in a half day, you definitely could. We were back to the Seattle area by 4PM and that’s with spending an absurd amount of time in Leavenworth. By cutting back on time spent in towns, this could be done in 4-6 hours.  

If you want to spend more time on this Snoqualmie Falls road trip, I’m really not sure what you’d want to do. If you’re really into touristy towns and shopping, you could spend a full day shopping in Leavenworth. Other than that, this Seattle day trip really doesn’t require any more than a full day.  

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about this great Seattle day trip to Snoqualmie Falls and more! It really was a great little addition to our Washington vacation. Please let us know if you have any questions or suggestions in the comments section below.  

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In my book, the most fun driving experience in the world is to get a Volkswagen or else its Audi sibling, drive it through that stretch of Interstate 90 from Issaquah to Cle Elum, with either the Bach Concerto 1052 or its related Sinfonia 146. Something to engage all the senses working together in perfect harmony like few other experiences in the world.

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Plan the Perfect Road Trip From Seattle to Leavenworth, WA

There is nothing like the vibrant and creative energy of Seattle that has made nearly 3.5 million people call it home. Still, the hustle and bustle of its fast-paced culture can have many people longing for occasional weekend getaways from Seattle. The good news is it’s only a two-hour drive from Seattle to Leavenworth, WA. When you book your stay with NW Comfy Cabins , you can relax in luxury, surrounded by the natural beauty and outdoor adventures Leavenworth has to offer. Follow our guide below to plan the perfect road trip from the Space Needle to Icicle Creek!

The Best Road Trip Snacks

When deciding on road trip snacks, the most important factors are that they can hold up well without refrigeration, don’t need to be heated up, aren’t messy, and most importantly, are delicious! Some suggestions for road trip snacks are listed below.

• A box with an assortment of individually wrapped chips so everyone can grab their favorite flavor.
• Granola bars
• A cooler with a couple of everyone’s favorite beverages
• A variety of trail mixes and nuts 

3 Pit Stops on Your Road Trip From Seattle to Leavenworth

Depending on your route, some of these noteworthy spots listed below could make excellent pit stops. 

• Bridal Veil Falls : Stop by this beautiful waterfall that flows from Lake Serene and cascades from the east wall of Index Mountain on your road trip.  
• Three Forks Natural Area : With over 200 acres of nature trails and river access, this is a picturesque opportunity to get out and stretch your legs.
• Tanner Landing Park : With pleasant views of wildflowers and Middle Fork Snoqualmie , this is a great pit stop to take a break from the car and get some new content for Instagram.

The Best Place To Stay in Leavenworth, WA

After your adventurous road trip from Seattle, find the best place to call home when you book your stay with NW Comfy Cabins . With our premium selection of Leavenworth, WA vacation rentals , you are guaranteed to have a memorable getaway retreat. Book your stay today by visiting us online or calling 509-763-0180.

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NW Comfy Cabins 11779 US Hwy 2, Suite 102 Leavenworth, WA 98826 Phone: +1 (509) 763-0180 Office hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am - 5pm, Sat-Sun 9am - 2pm

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Great WA road trips: Leavenworth

Leavenworth has long been a notable town — some love the Bavarian-style architecture added in the 20th century as a tourist draw. However, even the most skeptical may be impressed by the area’s aesthetic appeal, burgeoning foodie culture, youthful shops and gorgeous backdrop — en route there, and back again. 

Stevens Pass Greenway road trip

Stevens Pass Greenway is a National Scenic Byway noted for its impressive views. This trip starts in Monroe on US-2. The stunner first passes through farmland and tiny Skykomish Valley towns with unusual names — Startup, Sultan, Gold Bar, Index. You’ll soon begin to pass dozens of waterfalls ranging from snakelike rivulets to raging fountains. Consider a stop at a major waterfall for a hike — such as Wallace Falls State Park or another Stevens Pass hike . Pause near Index to watch rock climbers on the granite blocks, or Skykomish to enjoy a cup of Sky River Coffee encircled by mountains. 

The road winds upward through moss-trunked cedars and ferns opening into wildflower meadows. Iron Goat Trail features interpretive panels on the area’s railway history, abandoned tunnels and a red caboose. Be sure to look up the full story of the Wellington avalanche disaster, one of the nation’s deadliest rail-related catastrophes.

Continue the ascent to the snow-filled steep gullies and quiet lifts of 4,061-foot Stevens Pass — or quiet until the mountain bike trails reopen June 24. Then, descend to the valley below. Pull off to watch courageous whitewater rafters paddle and battle the churning Skykomish River, swollen with spring snowmelt. Vertical walls of 5,000-foot mountains surround the roadway and river, clouds hanging like halos around frosted tips.

It’s only 35 more miles to Leavenworth. When you hit the city limits, pull over at La Javalina for late-morning breakfast tacos or Argonaut Coffee and Biscuits for a breakfast sandwich. Both offer indoor-outdoor dining, strong coffee and friendly service.   

What to do in Leavenworth

Now closed to auto traffic, the city’s Front Street has transformed into a pedestrian-only zone reminiscent of European passageways. Outdoor dining areas, music performances and wide-eyed visitors intermingle as petunia baskets, fanciful trompe-l’œil building exteriors and Bavarian-style rafters and balconies hang overhead. Parking can be a challenge, so find a streetside spot or a paid lot as soon as possible.

Young pioneers have moved in and set up shop(s) of indoor plants, home goods, clothing boutiques and speakeasy-style underground cocktail bars. Delight in the dozens of independently owned shops, both expected and unexpected, including cactuses, handmade chocolates, hats, handcrafted in-house meats, spices and teas, Russian imports, wooden toys and traditional Christmas décor.

The Nutcracker Museum offers a wholly unique, fascinating and somewhat intense experience, with 7,000 colorful nutcrackers standing at attention over two floors. Most of the wooden, hand-carved nutcrackers hail from Europe, although intricate metal nutcrackers from Southeast Asia, Japan and elsewhere are also on display.

Some newer wooden nutcrackers feature recognizable modern mainstays (Santa, Pinocchio, Darth Vader … and a Lowe’s employee) that can be fun to spot. Some older nutcrackers (the collection includes many from the 1500s-1800s) are more like exaggerated, humorous caricatures, but also include racial and ethnic stereotypes common in their time, so be prepared.

Within an easy walk of downtown, Waterfront Park takes you down to the banks of the Wenatchee River. Placards on the park’s Blackbird Island can help identify the surrounding vegetal smells and sights — black cottonwoods, mullein, nettles, native roses and more. A newer playground welcomes kids. Within the park, Leavenworth Outdoor Center helps put visitors in a kayak, tube, or raft if the icy water beckons.

Guides and outfitters lead visitors on the region’s numerous outdoor excursions, or you can explore on your own — popular summer activities include rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, golfing and zip line tours. Nearby Lake Wenatchee State Park offers a central location for many Central Washington summer activities.

Eating and sleeping in Leavenworth

A sausage or two (or three) is a must-do. German-style restaurants abound, including Mozart’s for escargot and schnitzel and Andreas Keller Restaurant for grilled schnitzel and würste. Dueling sausage restaurants even sit across the street from each other — you can easily eyeball the longtime mainstay Munchen Haus’s brats from the patio of Leavenworth Sausage Garten , with sausages from local favorite Cured by Visconti . 

But Leavenworth restaurants also offer culinary diversity. Dig into tacos, burritos and enchiladas at South ; artisanal bone broth and generous, delicious rice bowls at Yodelin , pizza at Tumwater Bakery , or seasonal Northwest pasta at Larch . For elevated experiences, try the single-seating, 2.5-hour, five-course menu at Mana , or the locally grown or sourced menu at Watershed Cafe . Wrap up your dining experience with a tasting flight of dreamy ice cream at Whistlepunk Ice Cream Co .

Sleep easiest right in the town, where it’s easy to pop out for a nightcap at the excellent speakeasy Pika Provisions — and benefit from in-town parking. Couples might stay in antique- and Austrian-furnished, handsome rooms in a former church at Pension Anna , while families might benefit from the generously proportioned rooms of Bavarian Lodge . Most lodging includes breakfast.

Extended road trip: Leavenworth to Wenatchee

The following day, continue to explore the town or head further east along Highway 20 into the bountiful orchards and farmlands. Note the rock shark fins jutting out of looming hills at Peshastin Pinnacles State Park , and pull over for a closer look. Peshastin is technically the end of the Greenway but there’s a bit more to see.

In Cashmere, just down the road, tour the Liberty Orchards facility (and get factory seconds) where Aplets and Cotlets are made. Aim for a Monday-Friday visit before 11 a.m., and the busiest season is between July and November. The Cashmere Museum and Pioneer Village includes a small outdoor town of authentic and reconstructed buildings with furnished interiors — including a hatmaker, saloon, family cabin, doctor’s office, church, assay office and jail.

If you’re still ready for more road time before turning around to Seattle, continue east to Wenatchee. The new, airy Pybus Public Market runs farmers or craft markets indoors with live music on weekends. About 20 businesses line the exterior, including restaurants, wine, honey and mead, cheese and meat shops and clothing stores. Eat lunch and go for a walk along the Columbia River-adjacent paved paths to spot art.

Returning home can always be a bit of a bummer — but road-trippers will be consoled by returning home on the mountain-flanked byway. It’s perhaps even more beautiful than the drive in, with new opportunities to spot wildlife and waterfalls.

Whether you’re looking to make an environmentally conscious choice with a hybrid or to save cash with our new car lease deals,  Western Washington Toyota Dealers  can help you find a new car that keeps up with your lifestyle.

Explore the Most Scenic Road Trips from Seattle

With an exciting urban setting, Seattle, WA is Washington State’s largest and most popular destination. However, the fast-paced lifestyle can take its toll after a while. If you’re in need of a relaxing and fun-filled getaway from the city, there’s nothing better than a road trip through the Cascade Mountains. You’ll be exposed to some of the Northwest’s most stunning scenery and experience attractions you’ll never forget. Just to get you started with your planning, here are some of our favorite places to stop during the best road trips from Seattle.

Thinking about embarking on one of the best road trips from Seattle ? We can help! Our complimentary Vacation Guide is filled with dozens of local activities and attractions that you won’t want to miss including mountain hiking trails, events, restaurants, shopping, and more. Get your free copy today and let’s start planning your next getaway!

4 Amazing Destinations for Your Next Seattle Road Trip

1. monroe, wa.

Located just 30 miles northeast of Seattle, Monroe, WA is the perfect place to stop to fuel for the rest of your trip! There are plenty of coffee shops in this quaint town to grab a hot drink, breakfast pastry, and more.

2. National Forest Scenic Byway

The National Forest Scenic Byway winds 69-miles through the Stevens Pass Corridor from Gold Pass to Leavenworth, WA. Along the way, you’ll be introduced to incredible views of the river, waterfalls, and Cascade Mountains. If you’re looking for a place to stop and take postcard-worthy photos, Sultan’s local bridge crossing is a popular pull-over spot.

3. Anjou Bakery

Cashmere, WA is home to the highly-acclaimed Anjou Bakery , a local hot spot known for its delicious baked goods. The family-owned bakery combines European tradition with American craft that adds its own little twist to bakery favorites like scones, coffee, fruit pies, and savory sandwiches. It’s a great place to stop for lunch before arriving in Leavenworth!

4. Leavenworth, WA

This Bavarian village is the perfect final destination for short road trips from Seattle! In addition to the German-inspired downtown area, visitors will enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities and attractions in the Cascade Mountains. Here are some of the most fun things to experience in Leavenworth that you won’t want to skip!

Stroll Through Downtown Leavenworth

Exploring Downtown Leavenworth is a must for any visitor. In addition to traditional architecture and fairy-tale worthy charm, you will discover a wide range of unique shops and restaurants . Many travelers love to browse through downtown’s museums, candy shops, and boutiques . It’s a great way to spend the day together while experiencing the best that Leavenworth has to offer.

Seasonal Outdoor Activities

No matter what time of year you visit Leavenworth, there is always something to do. This makes for some of the most unique Washington state getaways every time you stay! However, planning accordingly is important since some activities are only seasonal and may not be available when you arrive. Take a look at some of the most popular things to do in the great outdoors and when you can enjoy them!

Spring and Summer Activities

• Horseback Riding
• Fly Fishing
• White Water Rafting  

Fall and Winter Activities

• Cross Country Skiing
• Downhill Skiing
• Ice Climbing
• Snow Tubing

Attend the Exciting Events

From food festivals to seasonal celebrations, there is a wide variety of Leavenworth, WA events that you won’t want to leave off your calendars. Here are some of our most highly-anticipated festivals to mark on your calendars!

• Bavarian Icefest (January): Each Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, Leavenworth celebrates winter’s bounty with the Bavarian Icefest! Visitors will be able to enjoy a wide array of winter activities including snow sculptures, ice carving, the popular snowmobile sled pull, and a nearly endless amount of games and activities.
• Maifest (May) : The Bavarian village of Leavenworth will be tapping into its German roots to bring you a full weekend of music, dancing, and fun! Of course, the main event is the traditional dancing around the Maifest pole.
• Leavenworth Oktoberfest (September-October): The Leavenworth Oktoberfest is one of the largest Bavarian events in the nation and the best in the Northwest! Visitors from all over the country flock to our village each fall to indulge in traditional festivities, fantastic food, and of course, lots and lots of beer.
• Christmas Lighting Festival (December): The yuletide event takes place each weekend in December and provides plenty of holiday cheer for visitors young and old. During this event, you can expect plenty of ways to enjoy the winter weather including sledding in the park, meetings with Santa, a holiday choir, and a traditional Gluhwein Tent that offers hot wine and cider.

Make a Pit Stop at Pine River Ranch

Related Posts You May Enjoy

• Where to Enjoy the Best Day Trips From Seattle in Winter
• The Best Things to Do During Long Weekend Trips From Seattle to Leavenworth
• Traveler’s Guide to the Best Road Trips in Washington State
• Explore the Enchanting German Town of Leavenworth, Washington

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Home » Blog » Leavenworth Winter Travel Guide: The Coziest Getaway in Washington State

Leavenworth Winter Travel Guide: The Coziest Getaway in Washington State

Leavenworth is an idyllic mountain town in Washington State that you’re going to want to immediately add to your travel bucket list. Located just over 2 hours from Seattle, Leavenworth is the perfect destination for a short vacation or weekend getaway. Although you can find amazing things to do in Leavenworth year-round, every Pacific Northwest local will tell you that winter is the best time to visit ! Think cute Bavarian style buildings covered in twinkling holiday lights and surrounded by snowy mountains… Leavenworth is a winter wonderland!

In this Leavenworth winter travel guide, we are sharing everything you need to know to plan the coziest getaway in Washington State. Keep reading to find out exactly where to stay, must-do activities, and the best places to eat!

Disclaimer : This blog post is in collaboration with the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce and features some affiliate links. This means we get a small commission if you make a purchase or booking (at no extra cost to you). Learn more about our affiliate policy  here . Thank you for the support!

Leavenworth Winter Travel Guide

Leavenworth is a super unique town because although it’s located in Washington, it feels like you’ve stepped into the European Alps when you visit. This is because the entire town is Bavarian-themed , including the buildings, many of the restaurants and stores, and even some local activities. It’s a funny story of how this came to be…

The town of Leavenworth was known as ‘Icicle Flats’ back in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The area was booming with railroad access, logging, and the sawmill industry. But when the railroad was re-routed everyone moved out of the area and it almost turned into a ghost town .

Fast forward to the early 1960s and the city leaders decided to spruce up the town’s appearance. Now known as ‘Leavenworth’, the area was turned into a Bavarian-themed mountain town with the intention to attract visitors and stimulate the area’s economy. And it worked! The creation of festivals such as Maifest, Autumn Leaf Festival, and the hugely popular Village of Lights Festival were a huge success and continue to this day.

Leavenworth is now considered one of the top tourist destinations in Washington and is well known for its “ Bavarian authenticity and Northwest hospitality “. It truly is a must-visit if you’re a Washington local or planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest.

My husband and I have visited Leavenworth during winter on multiple occasions. During those visits we have stayed both in hotels and cabins, and eaten at numerous local restaurants. This Leavenworth travel guide is based on our own personal experiences as well as expert local opinions. Let’s jump into it!

Why Visit Leavenworth in Winter?

Leavenworth is an incredible destination year-round, but there’s something just SO special about experiencing the area in winter. The town runs its Village of Lights Festival 7 days a week from Thanksgiving weekend through the end of February. They often have a special ‘ Love From Leavenworth ‘ Valentine’s Day spin on the lights festival during February, including special live entertainment.

Another reason to visit Leavenworth in winter is for the beautiful snowcapped mountains and the opportunity to partake in cold-weather activities such as sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. And my favorite of all… sipping hot cocoa and eating a warm pretzel by the fire 😊

Best Time To Go

What is the best month to visit Leavenworth for a cozy winter getaway? Any month is a good choice, but my top recommendation is to visit during January. The reason being is that you’ll experience fewer crowds compared to December and many locals also told us that January is often better for experiencing fresh snowfall.

There will still be plenty of festive vibes (including Christmas decorations) yet accommodations should be more affordable compared to those peak holiday weeks in late November, around Christmas, and during New Years’ celebrations.

Visiting Leavenworth for Valentine’s Day

Leavenworth is a magical destination to spend Valentine’s Day! You can experience cozy winter vibes together, treat yourselves to a couples spa session, sip mulled wine by the fire, and enjoy the ‘ Love From Leavenworth ‘ light installments.

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, the city of Leavenworth puts on live entertainment, offers daily prize giveaways in their Love from Leavenworth contest , and offers special packages around town. See more information here .

How Cold Does it Get in Leavenworth?

It does get quite chilly in Leavenworth during the winter months! The “cold season” season lasts for about 5 months and it is typically considered to be from November to March, though you can even get snow in April and May! The coldest month of the year in Leavenworth is December, with lows of around 20°F and highs of around 33°F.

Below, you will find the average “cold season” monthly temperatures in Leavenworth, Washington:

• November : Highs around 44ºF / 7ºC, lows around 28ºF / -2ºC
• December:  Highs around 33ºF / .5ºC, lows around 20ºF / -7ºC
• January:  Highs around 35ºF / 2ºC, lows around 20ºF / -7ºC
• February:  Highs around 43ºF / 6ºC, lows around 22ºF / -6ºC
• March : Highs around 53Fº / 12ºC, lows around 28ºF / -2ºC

Did you know that Leavenworth has their own live webcams across town?! This means you can check the weather conditions and snow whenever you want, easily from the comfort of your own home!

What month gets the most snowfall in Leavenworth?

The snowiest months of the year are typically December and January. Annually, there are on average 74 days of snowfall in Leavenworth and 57.99″ of snow is accumulated. On average, the town of Leavenworth gets about 202 sunny days annually.

Getting to Leavenworth in Winter

There are two main ways to get to Leavenworth during the winter months, drive or catch the train.

Drive to Leavenworth from Seattle

Most visitors drive to Leavenworth from the greater Seattle area via one of these routes:

• Option 1 : access Leavenworth via I-90 E and US-97 N ( Snoqualmie Pass )
• Option 2 : access Leavenworth via US-2 ( Stevens Pass )

Before setting off, we recommend you check out the Mountain Pass Reports for the latest updates on road conditions. Winter weather in the Pacific Northwest can be unpredictable and often VERY different compared to the weather in Seattle. Do some research on the different routes, road conditions, and weather forecasts before choosing which mountain pass to take on your journey to Leavenworth.

Catch the Train to Leavenworth

Another way to get to Leavenworth in winter is to catch the train. Amtrak offers access to and from Seattle via Icicle Station:

• Amtrak Train No. 7: Departs 6:08 AM – Westbound (from Chicago) to Seattle and all intermediate stations
• Amtrak Train No. 8: Departs 4:40 PM – Eastbound (from Seattle) to Chicago and all intermediate stations

You can purchase tickets over the phone or via www.amtrak.com . For Train status please call (800) 872-7245 – (1.800.USA.RAIL).

Where To Stay During Winter in Leavenworth

There are many choices for accommodations in the town of Leavenworth, as well as in nearby towns like Wenatchee. It can be a little challenging navigating all the options and knowing where to start.

We recommend thinking about the following factors when choosing your accommodation:

• Do you want to be located in downtown Leavenworth and within walking distance of the main street?
• How many people are in your party?
• How much privacy would you prefer?
• Do you enjoy a resort style atmosphere or cabin vibes?
• What kinds of activities would you like to participate in?
• Would you like to cook your own food?

We will cover a range of lodging options below, including advice for which scenarios/types of travelers they would suit best.

Best Leavenworth hotels

Staying in downtown Leavenworth is really special. It’s convenient to be able to walk to restaurants and stores and you can easily access the Wenatchee River and Waterfront Park. Many hotels also offer complimentary parking, which is very appreciated in the cold winter months. Below are our top recommendations for Leavenworth hotels and resorts.

• Posthotel Leavenworth : Our absolute favorite! This adult-exclusive hotel is located in downtown and has an incredible spa and wellness center, complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dessert, free underground parking, and stunning rooms.
• Bavarian Lodge : Lodge style downtown hotel with a pool, hot tub, free parking, and breakfast included.
• Enzian Inn : Charming downtown hotel with a pool, hot tub, parking, and dining options.
• Hotel Pension Anna : German style downtown hotel with a hot tub, breakfast included, and free parking.
• Loge Leavenworth Downtown : A more affordable downtown option with modern rooms, an onsite restaurant and bar, and complimentary parking.

Best cabins Near Leavenworth

If you have a larger party and want extra room + privacy, booking a cabin close to Leavenworth is probably your best option. Renting a cozy cabin also allows for homestyle cooking and they often come with perks like outdoor hot tubs and fire pits. Below are our top recommendations for cabins and treehouses near Leavenworth.

• Icicle Road Haus : Sleeps up to 10 guests. This beautiful cabin has a hot tub and cathedral ceilings and huge windows that let in plenty of light and views across the Leavenworth Valley.
• Das Tree Haus : A treetop bungalow overlooking the Wenatchee River and Icicle Ridge, sleeping up to 2 people. Guests have access to a private deck, hot tub, fire pit, grill, and cozy living spaces.
• The Lookout : A recently remodeled charming cabin located 10 minutes from Lake Wenatachee and 30 minutes from Leavenworth. The Lookout sleeps up to 4 guests and has a private hot tub in a tree house gazebo, a fire pit, wood-burning stove, and fiber optic WiFi.
• Camp Howard : Located about 20 minutes north of Leavenworth and sleeps 6 guests.This beautifully designed, modern bungalow is surrounded by ponderosa forest and has floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the views. Included is an outdoor barrel sauna and fire pit!
• Guten Log Cabin : Located about 25 minutes north of Leavenworth and sleeps up to 8 guests. This rustic log cabin has a woodstove, outdoor hot tub, fire pit, and all the modern conveniences you could need.
• Wenatchee River Cabin : This quaint cabin sleeps 6 guests and boasts an outdoor hot tub, fire pit, and cozy fireplace.
• Creekside Cabin : Sleeps up to 6 guests. Visitors can enjoy the sound of the nearby brook from the deck and soak in the hot tub amongst the trees.
• Alpine River Hideaway Cabin : Sleeps up to 6 guests and rests on 2 acres along the Chiwawa River. This cabin has super fast fiber optic WiFi, hot tub, and covered deck.
• River Meadow Cabin : Located 15 miles from downtown Leavenworth and sleeps 6 guests. This cabin has an outdoor hot tub, fire pit, and vintage arcade games.
• Black Bear Cabin : Located 35 minutes from Leavenworth and sleeps 8 guests. This cabin has a nearby sledding hill, a hot tub, and nearby snowmobiling trails.

Best Places To Eat and Drink in Leavenworth

There are so many great restaurants in Leavenworth that it’s honestly a little overwhelming choosing somewhere to eat and drink! Below we have outlined the best places to eat and drink in Leavenworth, plus some food stores to check out while you are in town.

The Best Bavarian Restaurants in Leavenworth

• Rhein Haus : Arugably the best pretzel in town and has amazing views from the patio bar. We love the “fire pit” tables during the winter months and recommend the hot apple cider for a cozy afternoon or dessert drink.
• Munchen Haus : Pet friendly on the patio, has over 50 beers on tap, and Bavarian specialties like bratwurst, currywurst, kelbassi, sauerkraut, and pretzels, as well as apple cider, side soups and chips.
• Andreas Keller Restaurant : A Bavarian-styled restaurant featuring nightly musical entertainment and authentic German recipes made with the highest quality ingredients possible. 
• King Ludwig’s : A family-owned restaurant famous for yummy German food, and in particular their giant pretzel (as big as your head!) which comes with beer cheese dipping sauce.
• Mozart’s Steakhouse : Upscale German, Austrian and French fare with a Northwest twist. This steakhouse has a beautiful atmosphere filled with live music and an extensive wine list.

Best Italian Restaurants in Leavenworth

• Sulla Vita : The highest reviewed restaurant in town on TripAdvisor and well-known for its relaxed vibes, great food, and top-notch service.
• Visconti’s : Delicious offerings using premium ingreidents. We LOVE their complimentary fresh bread and herb olive oil. Weather pending, guests can dine on the third-floor balcony, which provides picturesque views over Leavenworth.
• Larch : Known for their yummy pastas and cocktails, Larch has rave reviews and a cult-like following. It’s on our list for next time we visit Leavenworth!

Fine Dining in Leavenworth

• Mana : A special dining experience served on the weekends (Friday through Saturday). Mana offers a five-course prixe-fixe menu that focuses on local organic and sustainable ingredients. Reservations are required.

Best American Style Food in Leavenworth

• Valley Cafe : Amazing burgers, fries, soups, salads, and sandwiches made with ingredients sourced as locally as possible. This cafe used to be called ‘Fresh Burger’ .
• Yodelin Broth Company : Healthy food option with sustainable practices (no plastic, no teflon pans, 100% electric kitchen – no fossil fuels). The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, AMAZING garlic bread, rice bowls, artisanal bone broth soups, desserts, and cocktails.

Favorite Bakeries in Leavenworth

• The Danish Bakery : Grab yourself a pretzel, struedel, florentina, cheesecake, and more.
• Gingerbread Factory : Running since 1989, the Gingerbread Factory offers sweet treats and tasty breakfast & lunch 7 days a week. The bakery even resemles a gingerbread house and boasts the cutest gingerbread tree full of ornaments and a cottage. They also offer glutten free options, shakes, ice cream, and espresso too.

Best Places to Drink in Leavenworth

• Icicle Brewing : Offers both inside and outside seating (with built in fires on the tables) along with numerous beers on tap. Try their classic favorites and new, experimental releases.
• Leavenworth Cider House : A relaxed atmosphere with a great selection of ciders and beers to try. You can also order pretzels, pizzas, sandwiches, and brats.
• WooHoo Winery Tasting Room : Stop by for a glass of Gluhwein (warm mulled wine).
• Pika Provisions : An ambient cocktail bar hidden among a group of wine tasting rooms off the main street. Known for their impeccable cocktails, small plates, and light bites.
• J5 Coffee : Known for their hand-crafted drinks made with J5 organically grown espresso blend. Try their bourbon maple latte!

Delicious ice cream in Leavenworth

• Whistlepunk Ice Cream : Most people agree that Whistlepunk has the BEST ice cream in town. They are known for their small batch, super premium ice cream made with the simplest, natural ingredients.

Top Winter Activities in Leavenworth

There are numerous activities to enjoy in Leavenworth during the winter months. Some visitors prefer to sit back and relax by the hot tub, and others prefer to get out adventuring in the snow. There really is something for everyone! We are sharing some of our top recommendations for the best winter activities below.

Sledding in Leavenworth

• You can sled in downtown Leavenworth right on Front Street Park ! This is subject to fresh snowfall but it’s a really magical experience when the holiday light festival is running and Bavarian music is being played across the town.
• Leavenworth Winter Sports Club offers sledding terrain at their Golf Course venue. You need to bring your own sled or purchase one on site and the entrance fee is $10 pp or $31 for two adults and their dependents. You can also go tubing at their LT Michael Adams Tubing Park for $25 pp.
• Lake Wenatchee State Park is another good option for sledding fun. The South Park offers a tubing hill, designated snow play area and day-use area. A Sno-Park Permit is required during the season.

We recommend bringing your own sled and below are our top suggestions.

Snowshoeing Trails Near Leavenworth

• Icicle River Snowshoe Adventure Trail : This beauitful 3 mile round trip trail meanders through forests and meadows, taking you up close to Icicle Creek in many locations. There is a trail fee of $12.
• Eagle Creek Snowshoe Trail : This 4 mile round trip trail offers scenic vistas and a good chance to get the blood pumping.
• Snowshoe Trails in Lake Wenatchee State Park : Easy 1.8 mile loop along Wenatchee River, Nason Creek and Lake Wenatchee plus a more challenging 2-mile climb up Nason Ridge, offering great views of the Lake Wenatchee Valley and surrounding mountains
• Skyline Lake at Stevens Pass : This is a stunning 3 mile round trip snowshoe hike located at Stevens Pass, 35 minutes from the town of Leavenworth.

New to snowshoeing? Check out our in-depth Beginners Guide to Snowshoeing . If you want to bring your own snowshoes to Leavenweoth then we recommend the Tubbs Xplore Snowshoe Kits . They are the perfect option for beginners!

Looking to rent snowshoes near Leavenworth? Click here to find out where to rent snowshoes

We recommend using a GPS trail tracker on your phone when adventuring outdoors, such as Gaia GPS. Click here to get 20% off a premium subscription . It’s also a good idea to have an emergency satellite device in case you get lost or injured and need rescuing.

Cross-Country / Nordic Skiing Near Leavenworth

• The Leavenworth Winter Sports Club  has 16 miles of nordic skiing tracks across 3 different locations near Leavenworth. The Icicle River Trails best for beginners and have excellent scenery. The Golf Course trail network offers intermediate terrain tucked along the scenic Wenatchee River. Their Ski Hill location is home to their more advanced Nordic trail system and the option for night time skiing (until 10pm).
• There are numerous cross-country ski trails in Lake Wenatchee State Park , inclusing four loop trails as well as 15 miles of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails.  
• Plain Valley Ski Trails offers 15 miles of skate and classic cross-country ski trails, including some easy terrain for beginners. You can rent gear at their location and kids under 17 years of age ski for free!

Don’t forget warm clothes if you are spending prolonged time outdoors in winter! We recommend being prepared with thermal base layers , mid-layers , outerwear , wool socks , gloves , and a beanie . Refer to our winter packing list further down in the blog post.

Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding Near Leavenworth

• Leavenworth Ski Hill is located just a mile from town and offers both downhill and Nordic skiing, as well as snowshoeing and fat biking.
• Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort has over 2,000 acres of ski and snowboard trails, amazing views, and plenty of fun for the whole family.
• Stevens Pass has 1,125 of ski and snowboard terrain with plenty of beginner trails right up to advanced runs. The resort offers both day and night skiing (9am – 10pm) during peak season.

Remember to always wear a helmet when skiing and snowboarding, it’s not worth risking a brain injury!

SnowMobiling in Leavenworth

• Leavenworth Snowmobile Tours offer guided adventures from 1- 4 hours in length. Their tours have amazing views of the Cascades, no experienced is needed, and all gear is provided
• Leavenworth Snowmobile Rentals offer both guided tours and snowmobile rentals (2, 4 & 8 hours in length). They deliver snowmobiles directly to your cabin!
• CJ Rentals offer snowmobile rentals (including multi-day and delivery options) and guided tours.

Visit a Reindeer Farm

• Leavenworth Reindeer Farm is open year round but is particularly busy during the winter months. Located just 1 mile from the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth, visitors can tour the farm, feed reindeer, meet Santa Claus, and sip hot apple cider. Reservations are required.
• You can also visit a local animal rescue and meet horses and goats, pet pigs, and feed alpacas!

Try out Ice Climbing

• Northwest Mountain School offers guided ice climbing tours, avalanche courses, and backcountry sking adventures.

Take a Sleigh Ride

• Leavenworth Sleigh Rides offer private daily rides for couples, families, and all the way up to groups of 16 people.
• Eagle Creek Ranch provides memorable horse-drawn sleigh and wagon rides 8 miles northeast of Leavenworth (december through February).
• Icicle Outfitters & Guides offer daily sleigh rides along Icicle River from December – February (10 am – 4 pm).

Sightseeing Around Leavenworth

• Walk along the Wenatchee River and check out the Waterfront Park.
• Enjoy the Village of Lights Festival in downtown Leavenworth (runs 7 days a week from Thanksgiving weekend through the end of February). Specifically for Valentine’s Day, the city puts on live entertainment and extra light installments for the ‘ Love From Leavenworth ‘ Festival.
• Visit nearby Lake Wenatchee and walk along the lakeshore.
• You can take a Self-Guided Audio Tour around the town of Leavenworth. Do it all in 35 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish.

The Best Shopping in Leavenworth

• Nussknacker Haus , aka “Nutcracker House” in English, is a must visit during your trip to Leavenworth. It is home to one of the largest selections of Nutcrackers in the United States and above the store you will find the famous Nutcracker Museum .
• Kris Kringl , “Where It’s Christmas All Year Long!” Stop by for Christmas ornaments, nativities, cuckoo clocks, nutcrackers, and other Christmas themed home decor.
• Mountain Modern Supply Co has some really cute Pacific Northwest mountain lifestyle goods and apparel.
• The Hat Shop  and nextdoor Wurlygigz Wood Toy Shop specialize in men’s and women’s hats and locally handmade wooden puzzles and toys made in the U.S. and around the world.
• Copper Creek has a wide range of gift ideas, local art, PNW themed items, t-shirts, and jewelry.
• Schocolat is a classic European style chocolate shop, using only the best ingredients and working with small batches to provide quality confections..
• Cup and Kettle is Leavenworth’s premier tea shop. You’ll find over 120 loose leaf tea, herbal tisanes, and tea accessories. Plus over 100 BBQ rubs, sauces, salts, peppers, spice blends and sugars.
• A Book for all Seasons is a cute bookstore located in a picturesque part of downtown Leavenworth. Home to a surpringly wide array of new and used books.
• Village Alps  has specialty foods with 75 flavors of salt water taffy, homemade brittles, and over 130 types of hot sauces, gifts, and dolls.
• The Cheesemonger  offers a wide variety of specialty cheeses from all over the world, as well as several local beers to pair with your favorite cheeses.
• Pine Hill Mercantile is another great store to find gifts like candles, t-shirts, flasks, jewelry, and many locally made items.
• The Bubblery  is home to an array of bath and body care products, perfumes, lotions, and scrubs made on location with local ingredients.
• The Oil and Vinegar Cellar  is home to over 25 high-quality infused olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars, along with a complimentary tasting room to entice your tastebuds and senses.

map For this Leavenworth Winter Travel Guide

We added all these winter Leavenworth travel locations to a handy map, see below or click here . Click the square box in the top left hand corner and you can expand the destinations list. We have broken this map into four categories: where to stay, places to eat, things to do, and the best Leavenworth shopping.

What To Pack for a Leavenworth Vacation

You need to prepare for cold and unpredictable weather when visiting Leavenworth during the winter months. All visitors should have warm layers, waterproof boots, gloves, and a beanie. We will cover those and some other essentials in this Leavenworth packing guide.

Clothing to pack

Before choosing what clothing to pack you should have a think about the activities you have planned. If you are planning to mostly stay around town then the below essentials are likely all you will need, along with some casual indoor outfits. If you plan to ski or snowshoe then I would suggest adding on any activity-specific items such as waterproof pants, a helmet, etc.

Insulated Jacket

Those visiting Leavenworth during winter should pack an insulated jacket, either made from synthetic insulation or sustainably sourced down feathers. For women, our top recommendation is The North Face Gotham Down Parka , and for men we suggest the Black Diamond Belay Parka . If you plan to be out in the snowfall for prolonged periods then be sure to choose a waterproof jacket or bring a shell to layer on top.

Having a midlayer to wear underneath your parka will come in handy for those super chilly days, or when you take your jacket off to dine. Fleece layers or wool sweaters are good choices. For women, we recommend the prAna Polar Escape Fleece Pullover or the Patagonia Wool Sweater .

For men, we suggest the Pendleton Shetland Crew Sweater or the Patagonia Shearling Fleece .

Thermal Baselayers

Whether or not you need thermal base layers really depends on what activities you are planning to do in Leavenworth. If you are mostly walking from store to store and spending time in restaurants, you probably don’t need thermal baselayers. If you are going to be doing more walking or snow sports then we highly recommend you invest in some merino wool baselayers.

For women choosing baselayers, we suggest a wool-base long-sleeve top like the Smartwool Merino Long-Sleeve Baselayer . For layering underneath pants, we recommend the Smartwool All-Season Merino Baselayer Bottom .

Merino wool baselayers are also the best choice for men. We recommend the Smartwool Merino 150 Long-Sleeve Baselayer for a top layer, and for layering underneath pants we suggest the Smartwool Merino 150 Baselayer Bottom.

Winter Pants

If you plan to go sledding then we recommend packing a pair of waterproof pants. If you choose ‘ski style’ pants then they will also likely have some nice insulation to keep you warm while you play in the snow. For both women and men we recommend the Stoic Shell Pant. Here is a link for the women’s version , and here is a link for the men’s version .

Wool socks will be your best friend in the cold weather! They are moisture-wicking, warm, yet breathable, and will help prevent blisters. For women, check out the Smartwool Classic Hike Full Cushion Crew Sock . For men, consider the same pair but in the men’s version: Smartwool Classic Hike Full Cushion Crew Sock Mens .

Accessories to pack

Similar to clothing, you will need to pack the right accessories for the activities you plan to undertake. Below are some must-have accessories every visitor should bring on a Leavenworth vacation, and you can add additional items as needed.

Waterproof Insulated Boots

We recommend you pack a pair of warm and waterproof / water resistant boots for your visit to Leavenworth. The town often has quite a lot of snow and your feet will get cold very quickly if your shoes aren’t insulated or if your socks get wet.

Our top suggestion for female travelers is investing in a pair of Sorel boots. In particular, we like the Sorel Tivoli IV Boots , the Sorel Caribou Boots (for when you want your feet to be super toasty), or the Sorel Explorer II Joan Faux Fur Boots .

For men, we recommend the Danner Cloud Cap Boots or the Sorel Caribou Boots (again, these are a great choice when you will be experiencing very cold temperatures).

Most kinds of gloves should work for your winter vacation to Leavenworth. If you plan to mostly be around town then pack a standard fabric pair, like the North Face E-tip Recycled Glove . If you plan to be picking up snow then you’re best to bring along a pair of waterproof gloves, like the Hestra Heli Mitten .

It’s important to keep your head warm whilst exploring outside and sitting out on the patio sipping hot apple cider. We recommend a basic beanie like the Carhartt Acrylic Watch Beanie or Pendleton Cable Hat .

Neck Warmer

A neck warmer isn’t necessarily a must-have , but you will appreciate it on cold or windy days! We recommend one of the classic Wool Buff or a cozy Fleece Neck Gaiter .

Optional Packing Items

Below are some extra packing items that I like to take with me on winter getaways. Pick and choose what best suits your needs.

• Portable phone charger because your battery life won’t last long in the cold!
• Insulated travel mug for takeaway coffees, hot cocoa, and hot apple cider
• Swimsuit for hot tub soaks or for swimming in your hotel’s heated pool
• Kindle or a hardcopy book for reading by the fire
• Cozy wool blanket for outdoor patio dining
• Cozy winter pajamas , slippers , and a soft robe (if your hotel doesn’t already include them)
• Snow sled, either toboggan style or saucer style

Final Thoughts on Visiting Leavenworth in Winter

Now you have all the knowledge and insiders tips on planning a trip to Leavenworth during winter! Remember that some hotels book out a couple of months in advance, so it’s always best to plan ahead. Don’t forget to check out our other Washington State travel guides and USA travel destinations !

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Hi! Is 7 days too long of a stay in the area? You mention a weekend type vacation in the post.. with kids, I’m wondering if there is enough to do in the town?! We’d be visiting during Christmas time. Thanks!

Wow that’s one comprehensive guide you’ve put together. Thanks I love all the info and stunning pics.

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