BEFORE YOU GO: The recreation opportunities of Leavenworth seem limitless and they are all wrapped up in a very fun, quaint, resort atmosphere that will ensure you have as much fun off the trail as you do on the trail.

• In 1890 the town was established as a foresty hub along the banks of the Icicle river. Huge trainloads of trees were hauled in to the sawmill and cut into boards. Life was good for several decades until the big trees began to run out, the railway moved and the sawmill shut down. For thirty years the town tetered on the edge of extinction until an inspired city council came up with a bold plan.
  
  
• In 1960 the town decided to rebrand itself as a Bavarian tourist destination. Front street was remodelled to resemble a Bavarian strasse. Festivals were organizied, beer was brewed, pretzels baked, schnitzel fried and lederhosen donned. The city saved itself and in the process became someplace special. The Bavarian theme wasnt just a whitewash, it seems that it  was a transformation to the core in a set of fundamental ideals. Today the region is known for organic fruit as much as its Bavarian image and is one of the largest producer's of organic pears. Organic pears are good, but it is what's happening outside the city limits that is most interesting to me.
  
  
• The region is surrounded by mountains, trails and rivers. There are fast flowing white water rafting rivers, slow meandering float rivers, epic mountain biking trails and epic hiking trails (hard to get more epic than the Pacific Coast Trail that connects the Canadian and Mexican borders with a ridgetop hiking route.) The region is embracing outdoor recreation as you would a beloved lost sibling. On our first visit we hit a local mountain bike trail to get a sense of what the area could offer and even though we only got back home yesterday, I am already planning my next trip back to go experience some more.

CLIMATE: The Cascade area gets full effect from 4 seasons each year and has something different to offer in each. Winter is about snow recreation, spring is moist and green with abundant wildlife, summer is hot and dry and the fall puts color on display.

DOWNLOADS and LINKS: Road access is generally good however there can be weather delays at Stephens Pass in the winter.

FEATURED TRIPS AND TRAILS: This list does not list all the adventure opportunities in the area, just the ones we have checked out and recommend. If you have additional suggestions, send us an email. **We are planning a Ecospirit roadtrip to this area to map out and experience more of the area's adventure offerings, keep an eye on the calendar!

GETTING THERE: Excellent road access in summer, subject to weather closures at Stephens Pass in the winter.

• Approx 2 hours from Seattle. Drive North on the I-5 to Everett and then East on the #2 all the way to Leavenworth There are numerous motels in Leavenworth however this is a busy place with many different festivals all year long, reservations recommended.
• Approx 4 hours from Vancouver. Drive South on the I-5 to Everett and then East on the #2 all the way to Leavenworth. Keep yourself busy counting the number of coffee shacks on the road between Everett and Stephens Pass.
  
  

PHOTO GALLERY:

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