13 Reasons You Need To See Leavenworth, WA, in the Fall
HEAD EAST FROM SEATTLE, through thick evergreen forest and over a sky-high mountain pass, and you’ll find a small city filled with German restaurants, distinctive Bavarian architecture, quirky specialty shops, and people dressed in lederhosen. Willkommen to
The Bavarian theme is only part of what defines this central Washington city, though. Against the backdrop of the North Cascades, the region is full of forests, rivers, and wildlife — from bears and cougars to eagles and orioles. Autumn is still warm enough for short sleeves, but the morning air is a bit crisper, the foliage bursts with fall color, and the local produce stands overflow with freshly picked fruit.
Autumn in Leavenworth means riding a bike down a rugged mountain path, eating a plate of sausage topped with sauerkraut, sailing 190 feet above a valley on a zipline, and listening to plenty of oompah music. The options for fall fun are endless — but here are 13 highlights you won’t want to miss.
1. Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest is “the next best thing to being in Munich”…
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Any German village worth its salt knows you need to whoop it up during
While a beer-soaked festival may not seem compatible with family fun, Oktoberfest is actually great (and free) for kids until 9pm. The dedicated children’s area (aptly named Kinderplatz) is full of options — think bounce toys, a rock climbing wall, balloon animals, and kid-friendly entertainment. In 2017, the festival spans three weekends: September 29–30, October 6–7, and October 13–14.
2. …but it’s not the only party in town.
Photo: Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce
Leavenworth loves its festivals. To meet local artists and see their work, head over to the Front Street Park for
The
3. The vibe gets super romantic.
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It’s easy to see why Leavenworth is a popular spot for proposals and weddings. For an experience that goes all-out fairy tale, take a
Get cozy during your stay, whether that’s fireside in a rustic cabin, snuggled up at a B&B, or at the über-luxurious
And if you’re hankering for something brand new, check out the
4. The locally made adult beverages run the gamut.
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Central Washington is wine country, and you’ll find dozens of wineries and tasting rooms around Leavenworth.
For beer, check out Leavenworth’s many beer gardens, breweries, and bars. At
The distillery scene is also strong in these parts. Head to the tasting room at
5. The only-in-Leavenworth specialty shops are good for hours of browsing.
Photo: Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce
You need a new cuckoo clock. A snazzy hat. An old-fashioned music box. A care package of bath fizzers and 70s vintage memorabilia. A board game you vaguely recall from childhood. Because who doesn’t need all that? Downtown Leavenworth has a wealth of shops you’re unlikely to encounter anywhere else.
One of the best things about Leavenworth: Even the most familiar businesses feature revamped logos and signs in classic Germanic fonts. Ubiquitous businesses like Starbucks, Wells Fargo, and McDonald’s have never looked so appealing.
6. You can hike or bike miles of beautiful fall trails.
Photo: Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce
In Leavenworth, the best way to work off that German meal (or German beer) is to hit the trails. If you’re hiking with the family, Hidden Lake is a great choice. It’s 1.5 miles of easy terrain studded with enormous ponderosa pines. For something longer, tackle the 12.5-mile trail at
There are plenty of biking options here, too. For a leisurely ride, head out on the trail at Blackbird Island off Waterfront Park — just keep an eye out for jumping fish.
7. The freshly picked local produce is like nothing you’ve ever tasted.
Photo: Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce
The local orchards yield millions of apples and pears every autumn. The
Just down the road in Peshastin is
8. The German food is legit…
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Bratwurst. Sauerkraut. Schnitzel. You could spend days sampling Bavarian specialties in Leavenworth and never eat the same thing twice.
In a wooden booth at
9. …but even if you don’t love brats and sauerkraut, you’re still in luck.
Photo: Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce
Leavenworth has exploded in recent years when it comes to culinary options.
But don’t fill up. Head to the
10. You can alternate sweet shop, gourmet shop, sweet shop…
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At the
On the savory side, check out the
11. The German-inspired entertainment will transport you across the Atlantic.
Photo: Jessica Thomsen for
Like any Bavarian village where people regularly don lederhosen, Leavenworth is filled with enthusiastic entertainers. The local festivals — particularly Oktoberfest — are hotbeds of yodeling, polka, folk dancing, and oompah music. Local favorites include German polka band
Even if you can’t make it to a festival, there’s live entertainment at a number of venues.
12. Fall is still adventure season.
Photo: Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce
Autumn may fall between summer’s whitewater rafting season and winter’s Nordic ski and snowmobile season, but there are still plenty of adventures. Rock climbers can book a lesson or guided climb with
You can also ride into the Cascades on horseback with
13. And of course, the hillsides are ablaze with vibrant fall colors.
Photo: Brian Munoz
Every autumn, the hardwood trees in and around Leavenworth sizzle with fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. As you explore, you’ll see colorful cottonwoods, maples, and huckleberry bushes. A hike through
Whatever you see, whatever you do, one thing is certain: Leavenworth in autumn is an incredible trip.
