02/08/2021
Hey there!! Are you ready to plan an AMAZING trip to the North Cascades? We are known as the âAmerican Alpsâ, these never-ending jagged peaks will fill your soul and awaken your sense of adventure! You are sure to find something here that everyone in your group will LOVE.
North Cascades are a place unlike any other- and somewhere you will talk about for years to come. With magnificent glaciers, spectacular wildflower covered mountains, and glimmering alpine lakes!!
There is so much to do!! You may have already looked at a map and been a little overwhelmed! We are surrounded by National Forest, which includes some of the best views ever! Take a day trip to Lake Chelan that derives its name from a Chelan Indian word meaning âdeep waterâ the 55-mile long lake reaches a depth of 1,486 feet (453 m)
We are located just outside Leavenworth, a charming Bavarian-themed German village in Washingtonâs Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is home to great festivals, cultural attractions and warm hospitality. The lovely Front Street Park is the heartbeat of Leavenworth, offering beautiful green areas within a close proximity to shops and entertainment.
You do not have to go far from downtown Leavenworth to find an oasis of serenity and lush nature. Just downhill from Commercial Street, you will find one of the best-kept Leavenworth secrets - Waterfront Park. Follow the path that trails along the cool Wenatchee River, shaded by the quiet, dense forest. You can just sit on one of the many benches, enjoy the peaceful views and feel the stress melt away.
The spring is the perfect time for birdwatching, and the fall is when the salmon make their arduous journey upstream. All along the river you will find small beaches, perfect for a quick dip in the Summer. The entire trail is about three miles of easy hiking.
About 16 miles from downtown Leavenworth, you will find the trailhead for the Icicle Gorge Trail, a well-travelled, popular trail in the magnificent Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Hiking this easy trail is a great way to spend a day enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the Icicle Creek Valley. The trail offers fantastic views of Icicle Gorge, the turbulent and rapid Icicle Creek and the surrounding mature forest filled with birds and wildlife.
The trail follows the creek on both banks, one fairly bare and other densely forested. There is a small bridge about half way, a perfect spot to enjoy the view and take some great photos. The entire loop takes about three hours and even kids will find it fun.
Since 1982, Leavenworth Ski Hill has been a central location for winter activities in the area. Families flock here for the affordable, and sometimes free, activities and events. Other than skiing and snowboarding, guests can snowshoe, enjoy the only ski jump on the west coast, or visit the Lt Michael Adams Tubing Park for some tubing fun! The extensive interconnected trails combined with modern facilities make for a world-class Alpine and Nordic experience.
Dating back to the 1800s, Mountain Springs Lodge is steeped in family heritage and rich tradition, making it a centerpiece to the pristine natural beauty that surrounds it. Retaining the panoramic view of the high Cascades and the openness of the vast meadows around it, the lodge blends in with its environment. Visitors can enjoy themselves by relaxing at the lodge for a nice meal or a drink, walking through the meadows, horseback riding through the forest groves, or hiking through the wilderness trails. Try out the Zip-lines as well for an adrenaline filled experience!
Two miles down the road from Knotty Pine Retreat starting in downtown Plain the Plain Valley Nordic Ski Trails is a cross country ski trail system with over 16,000 miles of groomed cross country skate and ski trails. Out in the vast open skies, visitors get an amazing view of Plain Valley as well as the opportunity to go snowmobiling, sledding, tubing, sleigh riding or ice skating. Events and activities such as snowmobiling tours, wine tastings, and a backcountry ski camp are also on offer.
Another magical place to visit are the Enchantment Lakes with crystal blue lakes and flowing creeks atop a naturally created alpine environment shaped by glaciers, the wind and waters, Enchantment Lakes are truly enchanting. Witnessing the natural beauty is no easy feat, visitors who are interested will have to hike at least seven miles at a 4,400 foot elevation to reach the very first lake in the Upper Enchantments.
There are many trails that could lead visitors depending on whether they prefer a day hike or an overnight hike - overnight permits are necessary for the latter. Common trails include Snow Lakes or Stuart Lake trailheads and guides are available for those who prefer one.
We could keep going & going about all the activities and adventures in the area!! Check us out and BOOK your next vacation with us!!
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