With a nice mix of both fancy and rugged activities – from wine tasting and outdoor art shows to hiking and mountain biking – I’ve never been disappointed by Leavenworth. Only a 3-hour drive from Spokane, this Bavarian village-themed town in central Washington is a great choice for a family-friendly destination or a couples-getaway. As […]
Hiking Leavenworth: Central Cascades Trails for All Ages Read More »
Leavenworth is your basecamp for skiing Mission Ridge, Stevens Pass, and the old-school Leavenworth Ski and Tubing Hill right on the edge of town all winter long. But on MLK weekend, the Bavarian themed mountain town of Leavenworth dresses up in over half a million twinkling lights for the Bavarian Icefest, meaning in-town entertainment is
Leavenworth Bavarian Icefest (January 17-18) Read More »
SOME VACATIONS FEEL SO busy and exhausting that once you return home you need another vacation just to rejuvenate. Staying at a resort—and focusing your recreation and other activities around that focal point—is one way to ensure a relaxing getaway. Located outside of Leavenworth along Icicle Creek is Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort, whose namesake peak
Roadtrip: The Sleeping Lady In Leavenworth WA Read More »
Leavenworth really knows how to get people’s warm fuzzy Christmassy feelings flowing, thanks to the town’s annual Christmas Lighting Festival. Now in its 44th year, it includes: live music; Santa strolling through the Bavarian Village passing out candy canes and visiting with children; and a ceremony that culminates in a spectacular moment when all the
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Cover photo courtesy of Holly Weiler Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth, Wash. For anyone looking for a proper fall larch march, it’s hard to beat Carne Mountain Trail on the eastern flank of the Cascades. Located northwest of Leavenworth, it can serve as a day hike on a fall tourist trip, or it can be extended to
Hike of the Month: Carne Mountain Trail Read More »
By Claire Thompson  Cover photo courtesy of Claire Thompson I spent most of the summer of 2022 clearing trails in burned forests. The Entiat River drainage in north central Washington, where I was working for the Forest Service, had been torched by a series of fires over the past two decades: 2006’s Tin Pan, 2014’s
Fire-Season Palette Read More »
Cover photo courtesy Diane Knowles Free Outdoor Entertainment Conservation, Stewardship & Volunteer Opportunities
Inland NW Trail & Outdoor News Read More »
Cover photo courtesy of Myk Crawford Ready to run, bike, paddle, swim and have some new adventures in the upcoming race season? The 2024 calendar is packed with chances to test your mettle individually or as a team in outdoor races, runs and rides. Some dates are still TBA, and a few races have shuttered.
Inland NW Race, Ride & Event Guide Read More »
I nearly always backpack solo. The adventure and admiration of nature largely replaces any need for social interaction. But I often find myself wishing for someone to banter with after setting up camp in the evening. Pegging a reason for this is difficult. But usually by the time darkness falls and I crawl into my
Backpacking Alone: The Highs and Lows Hiking 5 Days Solo in the Cascade Wilds Read More »
At high water, the Wenatchee River streaks through the town of Leavenworth like a murmur of starlings. Its water reflects green forests, leafy orchards, and the white-tipped Cascade Mountains to the west. The air feels fresh and lively, sending a shiver of cold and excitement through the throngs of thrill-seekers waiting to launch their boats
Rafting the Wenatchee River Read More »
