How to Spend a Weekend in Leavenworth
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Need a weekend away from the city? Tired of climbing fake rocks at the gym and want to get your hands on some high-quality granite? Or maybe you’re German and you feel a longing to get in touch with your roots? Whatever the motivation might be for your next adventure, we highly suggest you consider the charming mountain town of Leavenworth, Washington.
In this post, we’ll hook you up with the best places to camp, hike, climb, drink beer, and of course, eat bratwurst.
Getting There
In 2.5 hours, you can escape Seattle and be in a magical place that has something to offer every adventurer, even you non-outdoorsy, bug-hating glampers out there. We recommend skipping I-90 and driving out on Highway 2. It may add an extra 10-20 minutes to the drive, but we promise your eyeballs will thank you. Stop at the Espresso Chalet along the way, Harry and the Hendersons was filmed here….and you just may see Big Foot.
Hiking
Colchuck lake is one of the most memorable hikes we have done. At around 8 miles roundtrip and an elevation gain of 2,300ft, it’s by no means a walk in the park, but it’s definitely doable for hikers of all kinds. The final climb is a bit steep and can be rugged, but the payoff is almost impossible to beat. The first eyeful you get of crystal-clear blue water will instantly bring an awestruck look to your face. Find a good spot (trust me there are plenty) to take in the views while you hydrate and refuel. This is quite a popular hike so make sure you arrive at the trailhead early to get a parking spot and don’t forget your National Parks or Northwest Forest Pass. We hiked it the first week of October and had perfect weather. The trail wasn’t too crowded when we left around 7am. Also, make sure you’re prepared with proper hiking shoes, hiking poles if you have them, plenty of water, and snacks/lunch to enjoy while sitting by the lake, taking in the glorious views. Looking for more? Consider trekking up Aasgard Pass and through hiking the Enchantments. This 18 mile through hike can be done in 1 day if you’re a badass, or a permit is needed to camp overnight in the Enchantment Zone. This is one of the most beautiful hikes in North America. Beware of mountain goats…you’ve been warned! More info can be found here: Enchantments through hike.
Climbing & Bouldering
Just a short drive from the faux Bavarian town of Leavenworth you will find some of the best bouldering in the state of Washington and in the United States. If you’re a beginner climber, like yours truly, don’t you worry- there are routes for climbers of all levels. One of the things we loved most about bouldering in Leavenworth is the sense of community and comradery you feel as soon as you hit the crag. Everyone is in sunny spirits and happy to bond over a tricky problem. A few of our go-to spots are Swiftwater, Tiger Lily and the Fridge. We recommend you pick up a copy of Leavenworth Bouldering, the ultimate guidebook containing maps and beta for over 1200 problems in the area. It will ensure you never get lost, or bored, when you venture out your first or 100th time. Crash pads can be rented from Seattle Bouldering Project for $15/day. We recommend using at least 2 of them. Theres also plenty of trad and sport climbing routes if you’re looking to rope up for the day.
Camping
There isn’t a shortage of camping spots in the area and if you’re rocking a rooftop tent (read this article on why we LOVE ours), the possibilities are almost endless. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest encompasses the eastern side of the Cascades and offers campers the possibility to sleep under the stars without paying a dime. If you’re the spontaneous type, this is a huge bonus because you can set up camp wherever and whenever you feel like it. If you prefer to make a campground your home for the night, you will find it easy to get a spot in one of the many first-come, first served campgrounds along Icicle Creek Road such as 8 mile campground or Bridge Creek Campground . The area tends to be busy in early Spring through Fall, so if you come across a full campground, explore National Forest Road 7601 and you’re bound to lock in a base camp right in the action. A Roofnest rooftop tent comes in clutch here and be sure to use Leave No Trace Principals!
Downtown Leavenworth
If camping isn’t your thing or you prefer a comfy bed to rest up after a full day of activities, there is an abundance of Airbnb’s and sweet little Inn’s in and around the town of Leavenworth. If you do decide to stop in town for a bite to eat or a cold beer, we recommend enjoying a Dark Persuasion at Icicle Brewing Company followed by a bratwurst and live music at München-Haus. Much like Wenatchee National Forest, the Bavarian-themed town has something for everyone and if anything, makes for a great place to enjoy an evening stroll and people watching.
Looking for more? Check out our friends over at www.leavenworth.org for more trip inspiration.
Check out these videos from recent Leavenworth adventures!
We hope this article gives you some inspiration for your next Leavenworth adventure. Will you be visiting this German town soon? Let us know in the comments! Feel free to reach out with any questions.
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