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Leavenworth Area Hiking

The Beauty of Waterfront Park in Fall, Leavenworth

Parent Category: Hiking
in Leavenworth Area
Created: 11 November 2015
Location: Central Cascades Region, Leavenworth Area
Roundtrip: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 100  feet
Highest Point: 1100 feet
GPS Coordinates:  N 47 35.645 W 120 39.483 
Visitor’s Information:

No Permits Required

Pictures below will take you along the trail through a wonderful park of Leavenworth. Enjoy the beauty of autumn scenery!

Photo from Waterfront Park of the town of Leavenworth, Central Cascades
General Information:

If you have never been to Germany and you don’t think that you will have an opportunity in the nearest future to visit it – go to Chelan County, Washington. There is an interesting town there, called Leavenworth. At the end of 19th century it used to be a prosperous area with developed gold mining, logging industry and railroad going through the town. But after some time the logging industry became not profitable, sawmills got closed and the last blow to the economy of Leavenworth became the relocation of the railroad.

In 1962 a project was designed concerning the question of how to turn Leavenworth into a tourist town, which they thought will help greatly the economy. The plan was to transform the center of the town into a Bavarian village. And they did everything so realistic that arriving there it is really easy to think that you came to Germany. But besides the appearance, Leavenworth offers the tourists a number of various festivals throughout the year.

After becoming really popular among tourists, Leavenworth became quite crowded, especially in the busiest summer period. 

Photo from Waterfront Park of the town of Leavenworth, Central Cascades

That is why the Waterfront Park located along the bank of Wenatchee River became a real rescue place both for locals and visitors from the noise and hustle of the tourist center. It is really amazing how peaceful and secluded it is being so close to the downtown area. It makes the Waterfront Park a real hidden gem of Leavenworth. 

In summer this splendid park gives a possibility to hide from the heat of burning sun and to cool down in the waters of Wenatchee River. In winter it offers the visitors wonderful options of skiing and snowshoeing. And autumn is the perfect season to enjoy the whole beauty of this fascinating park.

A 3 mile trail (roundtrip) meandering along the Wenatchee River bank will take you through the enchanting forests of the park. What could be better than a lovely walk on a beautiful sunny day on the autumn blanket of leaves rustling under your feet, admiring the breathtaking views of the river enveloped in a variety of bright autumn colors? And the view of gorgeous mountains, the high peaks of which are hidden in the clouds, is just stunning. 

Photo from Waterfront Park of the town of Leavenworth, Central Cascades

A number of benches along the trail allow the visitors to have some rest, spend some along time in the surrounding beauty, reflecting on their lives.

The Waterfront Park is well developed and well maintained. It was designed, it seems, as a perfect recreation place for anyone. It offers plenty of activities that can satisfy the requirements of any visitor.

The following features may be found here:

- restrooms;

- trails;

- ballfields;

- picnic areas;

- beach inlets

- fishing pond.

 Photo from Waterfront Park of the town of Leavenworth, Central Cascades

The main park trail will lead you through the park. After crossing a footbridge it will take you to Blackbird Island. Here it splits and you may choose one of three trails to walk exploring the island. Two of them run along the edges, and one goes through the middle of Blackbird Island. At the end these three trails join again and lead to Enchantment Park. You will find number of signs along the trail, providing the visitors with some information about nature, and telling some history of the culture of this area.

The Waterfront Park is also considered to be one of the best and most visited places in the Washington State for bird watching. Walking along the river banks you may also see the salmon jumping out of the water, traveling upstream in autumn. You might also meet some wild animals, such as otters, deer, and even sometimes a bear. 

Besides, Waterfront Park is hosting a variety of events throughout the year.

Photo from Waterfront Park of the town of Leavenworth, Central Cascades

Thus, if you are visiting the Leavenworth Area, come and visit the Waterfront Park. If you are not fond of hiking you may just have a lunch here at one of its picnic areas, enjoying the serene views of a spectacular park, scenic river and stunning mountains. Just don’t miss a chance to get such an amazing experience!

 

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://beautifulwashington.com/central-cascades/hiking/leavenworth-area/455-waterfront-park-leavenworth.html#sigProId0a2d517a4f

These pictures were taken in October, 2015

Driving Directions:

If you are at Downtown Leavenworth, you should get to the corner of 8th Street and Commercial Street. Then going along the Commercial Street (down quite a steep hill), you will reach the trail at the bottom of the hill, turning left.

GPS Coordinates: N 47 35.645 W 120 39.483

In order to get directions click on the map below:

 

 

Photo: Roman Khomlyak

Photo Editing: Juliana Voitsikhovska

Information: Svetlana Baranova

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