Summers in the Pacific Northwest are undeniably gorgeous, with the warmer weather bringing unprecedented opportunities to get out and explore the great outdoors. Though there are plenty of great places to explore, we love spending a few days each summer in Leavenworth, Washington. Leavenworth is a charming Bavarian-themed city a couple of hours north of Seattle, nestled in the majestic Cascade Mountain Range.
Leavenworth is known for its charming German heritage, delicious German food and beer, fun and unique shops, and abundant festivals throughout the year – especially at Christmas time. There’s never a bad time to visit this charming town, though summer in Leavenworth, Washington is nothing short of spectacular.
The surrounding cascade mountains are a mecca for hikers. From short day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips, there are plenty of Leavenworth WA hikes for everyone. In fact, one of the most popular hikes in the entire state is located just outside of town. Hiking isn’t the only way to enjoy these beautiful surroundings, though. Lake Wenatchee is nearby, and the rivers running through town offer excellent opportunities for whitewater rafting and other water-based activities.
In short, there’s more than enough to love about summer in Leavenworth, Washington to make the trip out here from wherever you are. A getaway to this quaint town is made even better when you choose to stay at the Select Registry Bed and Breakfast in town.
As with all our locations around the country, Select Registry’s Washington Bed and Breakfasts provide unprecedented access to some of the state’s top attractions, not to mention exceptional hospitality and attention to detail. That’s what staying Select is all about! It’s time to get out and explore with us, starting with a few days this summer in Leavenworth, Washington!
Summer in Leavenworth Washington
If you’ve visited Leavenworth during the holidays, you know just how special this town is. As magical as it is then, all lit up for the season, summer in Leavenworth, Washington is even better. From the fun events to the nearly endless outdoor recreation and adventure opportunities, summer in Leavenworth, Washington is a wonderful experience.
Whether you want to use Leavenworth as your home base for hiking adventures in the Cascades, or whether you’d rather spend your town browsing the shops and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere in downtown Leavenworth, you’ll find plenty of things to do this summer in Leavenworth. Here are just a few of our favorites:
- Good food and great beer go hand in hand throughout the summer in Leavenworth, Washington. For some deliciously authentic German food, head to Andreas Keller. If you’re looking for something more simple but just as good, you can’t go wrong with a brat at München Haus Bavarian Grill & Beer Garden.
- Wash your food down with a traditional German beer. There are some great breweries in town, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better way to while away an afternoon this summer in Leavenworth, Washington. Leavenworth also has many wine tasting opportunities if beer just doesn’t do it for you.
- Visit Lake Wenatchee State Park, about 20 minutes from downtown Leavenworth. The lake is surrounded by mountains and is an excellent place for fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking.
- Explore Icicle Creek, which is not only a beautiful area to explore but offers a range of trailheads to various hiking trails.
- Don’t miss the charms of downtown Leavenworth, where you’ll find a delightful range of imported and locally-made goods to take home with you.
- It’s not summer in Leavenworth, Washington, unless you attend a popular Leavenworth Summer Theater performance.
- Get out on the water! Whitewater rafting on the Wenatchee River is one of the most popular things to do each summer in Leavenworth, Washington. The peak season is between May and June, while you’ll find a somewhat more relaxed experience throughout the rest of the summer.
- Get out and explore some of the best Leavenworth WA hikes, including the popular Enchantments.
Hike The Enchantments in Washington
Some of the best hiking trails in Washington State are found right here in this charming Bavarian town. In our opinion, there’s no better way to spend a summer in Leavenworth, Washington than hiking through this spectacular scenery. One of the best Leavenworth, WA hikes is, without a doubt, The Enchantments in Washington. It’s actually one of the most sought-after hikes in the entire state of Washington.
If you’re looking for epic mountain views and bright blue alpine lakes that will leave you mesmerized, The Enchantments in Washington is the hike for you. There’s a reason it’s considered to be one of the best Leavenworth WA hikes. Here, you’ll find Perfection Lake and Asgard Pass, along with all kinds of alpine meadows, inspiring jagged peaks, and plenty of wild mountain goats.
Getting to The Enchantments is no easy task, though, and hikers spend years trying to gain access to this magical place. The trail itself is 18 miles, and while the most dedicated hikers spending summer in Leavenworth, Washington can probably do it in a day, most people can’t. Permits to hike and camp in this area are hard to come by, but you’ll have to trust us when we say it’s more than worth it. Did we mention it’s one of the most scenic Leavenworth, WA hikes yet?
While you bide your time waiting for your opportunity to hike The Enchantments in Washington, there are plenty of other great Leavenworth, WA hikes worth taking. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorites below.
- Aside from The Enchantments, one of the prettiest hikes in the state of Washington is Stuart Lake. This trail offers it all, from babbling brooks and lowland forests and wildflower meadows to an alpine lake and massive granite peaks.
- One of the most popular Leavenworth, WA day hikes take you to the turquoise waters and jagged mountain peaks of Colchuck Lake. It can get crowded during a busy summer in Leavenworth, Washington, but this hike is worth every one of the 8.6 miles.
- Icicle Ridge Trail is a 4-mile roundtrip hiking trail that offers a relatively quick climb and great views. From the top, you’ll enjoy commanding views of Leavenworth, the surrounding valley, and the scenic Tumwater Canyon.
- The Icicle Gorge Trail is similarly beautiful, and our pick for hot summer days. You’ll walk right along the banks of Icicle Creek for 4 miles.
- Another great place to spend a hot day during summer in Leavenworth, WA is Hidden Lake. It’s a beautiful hike and a great place to cool off.
- For beautiful views of Lake Wenatchee and the Glacial Peak Wilderness, head to the Dirty Face Peak Trail. This is challenging where Leavenworth, WA hikes are concerned, but the rewarding views are worth it.
- Are you up for a challenge? Then take the 4th of July Creek Trail and enjoy the 10.6-mile adventure up a series of steep switchbacks. Along the way, though, you’ll enjoy some breathtaking views of Cashmere Mountain and the Stuart Range.
- If you’re looking for easy and laidback Leavenworth, WA hikes, consider the Bygone Byways hike, which follows the former Great Northern Railway route.
Even these easiest of Leavenworth, WA hikes will leave you craving a comfortable place to relax and unwind – and that is where our Washington Bed and Breakfast comes into play! Fo the past 50 years, Select Registry has offered exquisite hospitality at the top lodging properties around the country. A stay with our properties is anything but boring, and you’ll quickly see the difference choosing to Stay Select can make in your getaway.
Enjoy the best of summer in Leavenworth, Washington with us this year. Book a getaway today!
Best Place to Stay in Leavenworth
Abendblume
Looking for that Hallmark movie experience? Nestled in the rolling wine country of the Cascade Mountains you will find the charming Bavarian town of Leavenworth, Washington. Here, Abendblume reflects authentic Old-World charm in a beautiful pastoral setting that is walking distance to everything! Relax in luxurious rooms appointed with poster beds, soft down bedding, ironed linens, romantic fireplaces, spa tubs, plush robes, and flower-filled balconies.
Wake to fresh brewed coffee and a full gourmet breakfast served in our traditional Austrian dining room. You won’t want to miss our famous Aeblskivers with homemade apple syrup and our nightly desserts.
