While you’re in the area for river rafting, here’s some other recommendations for things to do in the Wenatchee River and Leavenworth areas to make your getaway complete...
Whether you're a seasoned veteran hiker or a first-timer, whether you're delicate and dainty or strong and strapping, whether you're taking a quick frolic or an extended expedition, here are several essential items and preparations to always keep in mind:
Before you embark on any adventure, plan it first. Make sure you know: where you're going; what to expect; and when you plan to start and finish the trail. Leave an itinerary behind with someone. Also, never hike alone.
Learn the local rules and regulations for parking, camping, and building fires.
Respect the wilderness and wildlife. LEAVE NO TRACE.
Remember to bring the essential gear which is appropriate for your hike, including but not limited to: an area map; a compass; seasonal clothing; food and extra water; a flashlight; waterproof matches or fire starter; a first aid kit; a whistle; a pocket knife; sunscreen; and/or insect repellent.
Additional Resources: For maps of Wenatchee National Forest or more specific regions, contact the Outdoor Recreation Information Center at the downtown Seattle REI. For park passes, visit Northwest Forest Pass and Alpine Lakes Wilderness Permit. Be sure you need the pass or permit before you buy it. For any other questions or for more information, contact the Leavenworth Ranger Station.
Top 10 Local Trails
Recommended: The Enchantments Length: 16.8 miles Directions: Go west 1 mile on Hwy 2 from the Leavenworth ranger station. Turn left on Icicle Road. Go 5 miles up Icicle Road. The Snow Creek trailhead is on the left. About: The Enchantments are rumored to be the most beautiful alpine wilderness area in the state of Washington. Nothing quite compares to it! A series of high lake basins interrupt craggy boulders and subalpine firs. Wildlife floods the area, with numerous marmot and eagle sightings throughout the year. Many of the lakes sit on the edge of huge glaciers that can be heard popping cracking in the warm summer months. Note: Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead Note: Alpine Lakes Wilderness Permit is required to camp in the Enchantments
Cashmere: Devil's Gulch / Mission Ridge Trail Length: 17.8 miles round-trip Directions: Go east on Hwy 2 to Cashmere. Turn right on Aplets Way / Division Street. Follow Division Street and merge right onto Pioneer Avenue. Turn left on Mission Creek Road. Turn right at the T-intersection with Binder Road. Follow Mission Creek Road for about 6 miles. Merge right onto NF-7100 (dirt road). Follow NF-7100 for about 3 miles. The trailhead is on the right. About: The Devil's Gulch Trails boast exciting climbs and falls in the wilderness south of Cashmere. Ponderosa pines and Douglas firs shade a few creek crossings, but at times the path gives way to hot and dusty sun-exposed sections. Be sure to bring ample sunscreen and water. The Devil's Gulch Trail is most popular among mountain bikers, but it makes a great hike as well. Note: Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead
Cashmere: Peshastin Pinnacles Length: 1.5 miles Directions: Go west on Hwy 2 from Cashmere. Turn right on North Dryden Road. The park is on the right. About: Since the 1960s, the Peshastin Pinnacles have been renowned as one of the very first rock climbing sites in North American history. The arid rock slabs and spires offer climbing from easy to very difficult, often requiring extensive climbing equipment. A wide range of animals have been spotted around the pinnacles, including elk, bobcats, and bald eagles. The park trails also provide one-of-a-kind views of the local pear and apple orchards, the Enchantments, and the Wenatchee River valley. From the river, Blue Sky guides know the pinnacles as the "salmon rocks", because of their strong resemblance to salmon swimming upstream.
Tumwater Canyon: Old Pipeline Bed Length: 3 miles Directions: Go west 1.7 miles on Hwy 2 at the Leavenworth public fishing and picnicking area. At the powerhouse, cross the bridge and hike upstream. About: The trailhead starts where an old pipeline used to supply water for turbine generators, which in turn powered trains through the Cascade tunnel. The trail ends where fallen rocks block the old pipeline tunnel. The round-trip trail offers scenic views of the Wenatchee River as well as chances to play at a couple small, sandy beaches.
Leavenworth: Blackbird Island Length: Varies Directions: Go west on Hwy 2 from the Leavenworth ranger station. Turn left at 9th street (traffic light). Turn left at the end of 9th street. Park at the end of the unpaved road. About: This route is conveniently located in the heart of Leavenworth. The trailhead has directional signs for the different trails, and all paths offer opportunities to get a better look at the plants and wildlife of the Wenatchee River. In addition to a wide range of waterfowl, eagles and osprey have often been spotted amongst the groves of cottonwoods. Blackbird Island and Leavenworth Waterfront Park can be seen from the river on Blue Sky's full-day whitewater trips.
Leavenworth: Ski Hill Loop Length: 2-mile loop; 5-mile loop Directions: Go west on Hwy 2 from the Leavenworth ranger station. Turn right on Ski Hill Drive. Go 2 miles to the top of the hill (parking is available there). The trailhead is behind the fence, to the right of the shed. About: These trails are used by cross-country skiers in the winter, but in the summer are frequented by both hikers and mountain bikers. The views from the hillside gaze at the Leavenworth valley and surrounding areas.
Icicle Creek: Icicle Ridge Length: 24 miles one-way Directions: Go west 1 mile on Hwy 2 from the Leavenworth ranger station. Turn left on Icicle Road. Go about 1.5 miles up Icicle Road. The trailhead is on the right. About: Since this trail is relatively steep, it is not recommended for novice hikers or those with medical conditions. However, the trail offers unique views of the Icicle and Leavenworth valleys. It also goes through past forest burn areas. Note: Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead
Icicle Creek: Fourth of July Trail Length: Directions: Go west 1 mile on Hwy 2 from the Leavenworth ranger station. Turn left on Icicle road. Go 9.5 miles up Icicle road to the trailhead. About: Since this trail is relatively steep, it is not recommended for novice hikers or those with medical conditions. The southern views from the trail offer gorgeous pine-lined panoramics of the upper Icicles and Enchantments in the first couple miles. It culminates at the former Icicle Ridge Lookout at 7,029 feet, and later connects with the Icicle Ridge trail. Be careful of the occasional rattlesnake on the Fourth of July Trail. Note: Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead
Icicle Creek: Icicle Creek Interpretive Trail Length: 1-mile loop Directions: Go west 1 mile on Hwy 2 from the Leavenworth ranger station. Turn left on Icicle Road. Go 2 miles up Icicle road to the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery, where the trailhead begins. About: This trail delves into the environment, wildlife and history of Icicle Creek and the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery. Personal trail guides are available by request from the hatchery.
Chiwaukum: Chiwaukum Creek Trail Length: 24 miles Directions: Go west about 11 miles on Hwy 2 from the Leavenworth ranger station (about to mile marker 89). Turn left on Chiwaukum Creek Road. At the intersection, keep right. The trailhead is at the end of the road. About: The appeal of this trail is its relatively low traffic. The Chiwaukum Creek Trail follows a valley for 6 miles before splitting into the South Fork Trail and North Fork Trail, which themselves split again. The South Fork eventually links up with the Icicle Ridge Trail and is the less popular of the two. The North Fork crosses Glacier Creek, rises to meet the pine-cloaked Chiwaukum Lake, and also passes the highlight of the trail, Larch Lake (12.2 miles from the trailhead). Stunning ridges and subalpine firs accent the mountain views. Note: Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead
River Rafting
Blue Sky Outfitters (of course!) - The Wenatchee River boasts some of the best river rafting in the state and the Methow River is just an hour and a half away. Both rivers are great for individuals, families, and groups and enjoyed by beginners and veterans alike.
Smallwood's Harvest Has a corn maze, petting farm, antiques, local wines, and fresh local fruit and veggies.
Tube Leavenworth - Offering late summer self guided tubing floats through Leavenworth, Washington.
Online Booking Now Available!
Click on any of the links below to check available dates, book your trip, and ask us any questions.
Or, if you'd prefer, feel free to give us a call at (206)938-4030 or (800)228-RAFT or send us an email. We'd be happy to help you plan the perfect trip.
Before you embark on any adventure, plan it first. Make sure you know: where you're going; what to expect; and when you plan to start and finish the trail. Leave an itinerary behind with someone. Also, never hike alone.
