Leavenworth + Cascade Mountain Tour
When Western Washington gets rainy in the winter months, one of our favorite escapes is to head to the east side of the Cascade Mountains where the rainshadow effect keeps it drier (or snowier!).
Join us in a journey to the renowned Bavarian town of Leavenworth, tucked among the Cascade Mountains and blanketed in the winter spirit with thousands of holiday lights, eternal Christmas Stores, snow frosted trees, and more that you’ll just have to experience for yourself.
This full day tour begins in Seattle, Washington* and travels east through the iconic Snoqualmie Pass where you will stop to enjoy some warm drinks and a picturesque hike or snowshoe walk along a level forested walking trail to stretch the legs and enjoy the views. The total walk will be 1.5-3 miles depending on the day.
As you continue on the drive, notice how the landscape changes from the west side to the east side of the Cascade Mountains. Washington is often thought of as the rainy state, however, you may soon notice the air seems drier, because the east side of the state only receives between 5-25 inches of precipitation annually in some areas (making for a great winter escape!)
Once in Leavenworth, you will have approximately 3 hours to explore the town on your own. Use this time to experience authentic Bavarian foods from one of the countless restaurants, wander through the dozens of artisan shop, or wander around Blackbird Island and through the festive streets of downtown.
Meet back up with your guide at the designated time and begin the journey back across the beautiful Cascades and into Seattle just in time to find dinner on your own.
*We offer pickup options in Downtown Seattle and in Bellevue and Issaquah. We will reach out to you by phone the day before your tour to confirm exact pickup timing.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
7:30-8:00a Seattle to Leavenworth Begins with Downtown Pickups
Generally, our last pickup for each tour occurs at the Sheraton Grand in Seattle. This isn’t always the case – so check with us – but we consider it a default location for anyone staying outside of downtown. Let our team know where you’re staying and we’ll do everything we can to make your pickup as easy as possible.
8:00a Head east towards the Cascade Mountains
Enjoy the beautiful drive from city to suburbs to foothills to mountains as we make our way to our first destination of the day. We’re happy to offer centralized pickup options en route to Leavenworth upon request at:
- Bellevue Area
Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle/Bellevue Hotel
3225 158th Ave SE
Bellevue, WA 98008 - Issaquah Area
Hilton Garden Inn Seattle/Issaquah Hotel
1800 NW Gilman Blvd
Issaquah, WA 98027
9:30a Warm Drinks + Mountain Adventures
Warm up with some fresh coffee or tea this morning, then depart along a beginner-friendly hiking or snowshoe trail with your guide depending on the conditions. Never snowshoed before? Don’t worry! Your guide will provide an introductory lesson and helpful tips to get you started on the right foot.
Enjoy meandering through a forested trail, watch out for wintering birds fluttering around, and learn about the Cascade Mountain ecosystem around you from your guide along the way.
1:00-4:00p Wander through Leavenworth
Arrive to town just in time to find yourself some lunch and wander the festive streets on your own for a couple of hours. Discover the handmade goods, sip and taste local wines and cheeses, feel the luxury of fine clothes and jewelry, or find your next favorite holiday decor amongst the 55+ shops tucked within the small mountain town.
As sunset draws near, enjoy the iconic holiday light display that takes over the town and draws in visitors from around the world.
4:00p Begin Your Journey Back to Seattle
Around 4:00 we’ll start to head back towards the Emerald City. Enjoy a peaceful ride back through diverse scenery as we make our way home to Seattle.
7:00p Downtown Seattle Drop-Offs
We’ll drop travelers off where we found them (or another preferred spot nearby).
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