While any season is a good time to travel to Leavenworth for shopping, beer drinking and weinersnitzel eating, summer is elegant and warm in this tourist town east of Stevens Ski Resort off Highway 2 in the North Cascades.
Good weather means you don’t have to hurry. Instead, you can relax and enjoy the scenery and make a few stops on the way. While Leavenworth is about 270 miles roundtrip from Seattle and can be accomplished in one day, we like to suggest travelers take their time. Spend the night, have a couple of brewskis and Wiener Schnitzel in this pedestrian-friendly village and take your time enjoying some of the beautiful sites on the route.
According to a road trip planner at adventureawaits.com, here are several highlights you don’t want to miss:
Sasquatch City – Gold Bar
Approximately nine miles east of Gold Bar, you’ll begin a small ascent as you climb into the Cascade Mountains. Keep an eye out on your right for a 10-foot statue of Sasquatch and a small espresso chalet. The landmark was a shoot location for the 1987 movie “Harry and the Hendersons” and features a number of Sasquatch-related wood carvings. As you take a pit stop, be sure to head behind the chalet near the picnic tables for what is certain to be a jaw-dropping view of 5,979 ft. Mt. Index off in the distance.
Stop One: Wallace Falls State Park
As you begin your journey on Highway 2, you’ll run into the quaint town of Gold Bar about 14 miles east of Monroe. Keep an eye out for the sign directing you to Wallace Falls State Park. On a clear day, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the falls from the highway. Park the car and spend a few hours hiking the trail and soaking in views of the upper and lower fall.
Stop Two: Deception Falls Picnic Area
Travel another eight miles down the highway and you’ll find a great roadside treasure at Deception Falls. Deceptive indeed as the casual traveler will mistake the parking lot for a normal rest stop area. A stop here is well worth 20 minutes of your time as you roam around the half-mile loop trail that brings you alongside a raging river. Cap your stop off with a climb up the stairs to view the roaring whitewater rushing from Deception Creek.
Stop Three: Leavenworth
First time visitors will think that they have stepped into the town of Fauxvaian (“fake Bavarian”) while return visitors will enjoy the German-themed goodness that embodies the spirit of the town. Grab lunch and head down to the Waterfront Park to hop in the chilly water. Those looking for a touch of adventure can find plenty of options for fun whitewater rafting, kayaking and paddleboarding trips.
What are your favorite stops in route to Leavenworth?
