By Claire Thompson Cover photo courtesy Xander Demetrios Nordic skiing has always felt to me like the best winter version of hiking or trail running—human-powered ways of moving through nature that combine physical challenge with space for meditative stillness. If you’re visiting Leavenworth on a winter weekend, stillness is something you might need. For all […]
Exploring Leavenworth’s Cross-country Ski Trails  Read More »
Especially in the era of COVID-19, stewardship applies to town as much as it does to trails. Leavenworth has made physical distancing easier by closing the main street on weekends to allow for pedestrian traffic only. Parking is still available at all city lots and on side streets. Hand sanitizer stations are located throughout the
Be a Good Guest in Leavenworth Read More »
A hike to the popular Icicle Ridge viewpoint exposes the quirky brilliance of Leavenworth. To the south, the Stuart Range with its alpine lakes and sculpted peaks plow skyward; to the north, the Cascades continue their voluminous march toward Canada. And to the east, the Bavarian-themed town some 5,000 miles from Europe offers a smorgasbord
Loving Leavenworth Read More »
Full of Bavarian charm, beer, and brats, Leavenworth is a dream. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains of Central Washington in the Wenatchee River Valley, many people are drawn to its breweries, festivals, and shopping. Nutcracker museums and Reindeer Farms aside, Leavenworth is a mecca for outdoor recreation, especially for climbers. With over fifty granite crags
Leavenworth Climbing: Off the Beaten Path Read More »
The Wenatchee River Institute (WRI) engages students of all ages in experiential environmental learning, and its flagship program, Field Days, partners with local schools to improve science education through hands-on scientific exploration at Barn Beach Reserve. This 9-acre nature preserve on the banks of the Wenatchee River serves as a state-of-the-art green classroom, equipped with
Go Birding on the Water in Leavenworth with the Wenatchee River Institute Read More »
Aging dams deep in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness sparked a crisis that is continuing to unfold. Last year, officials from the Icicle and Peshastin Irrigation Districts discovered that the crumbling Eightmile Dam could be overwhelmed with spring runoff. Many wilderness dams are aging, and due to climate change, more precipitation is falling as rain instead
Leavenworth, Wash.—Excavator Marooned in the Enchantments Read More »
Every weekend in October, thousands of people dig out their dirndls and lederhosen and funny hats and head to Leavenworth, Wash. for Oktoberfest. On the first weekend of the festival, the Leavenworth Marathon and Half Marathon take place, putting a minor damper on Friday night’s revelry but guaranteeing an I-earned-this good time after the race
Leavenworth Half Marathon (September 30) Read More »
Leavenworth is more than Bavarian kitsch. Instead, it is one of the best places in the state for an active holiday – a prime location for road and mountain biking, day and overnight hiking, rock climbing, river rafting, eating and drinking, even a little tchotchke shopping. Located about three hours west of Spokane, Leavenworth has
Leavenworth: A Bavarian Basecamp for Summer Adventure Read More »
Expect plenty of the wearing and running of the green at Leavenworth’s Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort this coming March. The inaugural O’Grady’s St. Paddy’s Day 5K Run and Walk will be held at 11 a.m. March 12 adjacent to O’Grady’s Pantry at the entrance to Sleeping Lady. The fully staffed 5K course will utilize trails
Sleeping Lady Resort to host St. Paddy’s Day Run in Leavenworth Read More »
The picturesque town of Leavenworth, nestled in Washington’s Cascade Mountains, is home to more than 50 different climbing crags. While the area is well known for its world class sport routes, it also has one of the largest collection of boulder problems in Washington. With this in mind, it didn’t take long for our group
Leavenworth Climbing Road Trip: Classic Boulder Problems in the Central Cascades Read More »
