Highway 2 - Tumwater Canyon

Follow Highway 2 through the magnificent Tumwater Canyon on your way to the friendly Bavarian Village of Leavenworth. During spring, melting snow streams off granite spires overhead, filling the Wenatchee River as it winds through the canyon. During fall, in particular late September through mid-October, this canyon is awash with autumn colors. Travelers and photographers from around the world trek to this part of the Loop to snag views and photos of the brilliant colors and the reflections in the seasonally lower and slower-moving water. Jolanda Lake, the still area of water just above the dam, is a wildly popular spot. That said, there are many designated pullouts throughout this stretch.

Leavenworth

Round the bend at the base of the Tumwater Canyon and the roadway delivers you to Leavenworth. The landscape shifts immediately to that of an alpine village—the scene is reminiscent of a small village tucked into the highest peaks of Europe! The New York Times wrote “It’s like living in a snow globe.” “The Today Show” and Condé Nast Traveler described Leavenworth as a top destination for unique fall foliage. Leavenworth delivers high-voltage Bavarian memories year-round with everything from yodeling to schnitzel. It’s even home to one of the world’s largest nutcracker collections!

Intricately detailed Bavarian architecture houses an abundant and growing food scene, including international restaurants and handcrafted foods. Leavenworth is home to a fast-growing wine and cider scene. Several wine tasting rooms can be found on Front Street and many restaurants here stock and serve a wealth of locally sourced wines. Guests enjoy pedestrian-only Front Street and festive outdoor dining including beer-and-bratwurst gardens. 

Set up basecamp with our partners Bavarian Lodge or Enzian Inn!

During winter, Leavenworth transforms into the Village of Lights from Thanksgiving through Valentine’s weekend—over a half-million colored bulbs light up the snowy town! During warmer months, enjoy flowers throughout town while you take in the shops on foot or horse-drawn carriage. Visitors have a lot of lodging options to choose from here, including family-friendly hotels, upscale resorts, rustic cabins and bed-and-breakfast inns. Be sure to peruse the lodging options and leavenworth.org/lodging.

Arts and culture are also amazing in Leavenworth. Music is often played from the gazebo on Front Street while Art in the Park can also be found on display during the summer. Learn about Leavenworth's rich heritage and the history of the people and events that helped shape Leavenworth and the Upper Valley at the Greater Leavenworth Museum on Front Street. Check out their amazing exhibits on the Wenatchi/p'squosa tribe, the Great Northern Railroad, and more!

With more than 800 miles of trails, Leavenworth offers amazing outdoor recreation! Mountain bike Freund Canyon, day hike in the Icicle River Valley, or float the Wenatchee River. There are numerous outfitters to choose from. Rock climbing and bouldering are also huge here. Rock and Ice Magazine named the Icicle climbing network in neighboring Icicle River Valley among the top five in the nation.

Learn more about activities, attractions and amazing festivals at Leavenworth.org

Cashmere

In the small town of Cashmere you’ll find a community with a whole lot of heart. Cashmere can only be described as all-American. The town takes its high school sports seriously, the locals know their history and their neighbors, and they love to welcome visitors! Cashmere’s Cottage Avenue Historic District features early 1900s-era Craftsman bungalow homes lined with picket fences and mature trees. Learn about the region’s early days at the Cashmere Museum and Pioneer Village. The kids will love the treasure hunt and peering through vintage pioneer cabins! 

Pay tribute to all who lost their lives and those who responded at the 9/11 Spirit of America Memorial at Riverside Park. And finally, this year we sadly said good-bye to the beloved Cashmere candy making institution Aplets & Cotlets Candy Factory. Liberty Orchards, makers of the historic confections closed this year wrapping up over 100 years of not simply making seriously yummy candies, but of aiding the formation of the Cascade Loop back in 1978 and contributing to countless local organizations, charities, events—you name it. These guys are a class act and served an incredibly impactful role for the Cascade Loop and Washington State. Liberty Orchards, we salute and thank you!

Side Loop: Lake Wenatchee and Plain Valley

If you are looking for adventure -- how about a horseback ride with Wild At Heart Horse Rides or head up to Leavenworth Ziplines for a little adrenaline boost and a lot of fun!

Basecamp at Beaver Valley Lodge, or Mountain Springs Lodge, and stock up on all your supplies at Plain Hardware! What is it about the Hardware Store in a small town -- they have everything you ever thought you might needed, and then some!