Exciting things to do in Leavenworth, Washington

Known best for its Bavarian theme, Leavenworth Washington is also a hidden gem for outdoor recreation. Here is a short list of fun and exciting things to do in Leavenworth.

Downtown Leavenworth with Icicle Ridge in the background

Rock Climbing
With countless world class climbing routes it's no wonder climbers all across the world plan destination trips to get the chance to get on the rock here in Leavenworth. You will find incredible routes varying in difficulty just minutes from downtown. Some popular climbing spots include Icicle Canyon, Tumwater Canyon, and Peshastin Pinnacles.

Views from the rock up Icicle Canyon  Photo: Andy Lockey

Mountain Biking

Do you plan on bringing your bike along? Leavenworth has you covered there too. Make sure to consider checking out the following trails when you plan your next visit. Leavenworth Ski Hill, Freund Canyon, Xanadu trail and Devil’s Gulch.

 Xanadu Trail  Photo: Dave Seal 

Whitewater Rafting

The Summer months bring warm temperatures to the area. What better way is there to cool off then rafting on the river? Maybe you've always wanted to try downriver stand up paddling or a whitewater kayak instruction course? Either way, Wildwater River Guides can get you out on the river. Join the experience today. 

 The Wenatchee River 

Wineries & Breweries

Is outdoor recreation not really your thing? Or maybe you are just looking for a way to unwind after a great trail ride or trip down the river? Leavenworth has a handful of great wineries including Icicle Ridge Winery, Silvara Vineyards, and Wedge Mountain Winery. Also make sure to check out Icicle Brewing Company in the heart of downtown Leavenworth for tasty beers on tap and fun outdoor atmosphere.

Photo courtesy of Icicle Ridge Winery

Hiking
The hiking trails are endless around Leavenworth and you won’t have to drive very far to find them. Some must ‘do’s’ include, Icicle Creek Trail River Loop, Icicle Ridge, Fourth of July trail, hiking the Enchantments (all Enchantment Lakes), or just a stroll around Leavenworth Waterfront park.

 Icicle Creek Trail River Loop 

Exciting Things to do in Taos New Mexico

With unique terrain, magical spaces, and plenty of interactive fun, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Taos, NM. During any season of the year, you will find it easy to dive right into an adventure that is fun for all ages.

Here are just a few of the amazing options available to people visiting or living in Taos:

Wild Rivers Recreation Area

Formerly one of the best kept secrets in the New Mexico area, the Wild Rivers Recreation Area is now one of the most talked about and loved spots in the state. This beautiful gorge features some of the most breathtaking views to be found in the Southwest, or anywhere else for that matter. Hiking and camping are two of the most popular pastimes at this amazing location.

Rock Climbing

There are some incredible climbing destinations around Taos. Professional guides are available to make sure you see all the best sights and experience a thrilling adventure at high elevation. Everyone from school groups, to corporate groups, to families, and individual thrill seekers can find the type of climb that fits their needs.

White Water Rafting

Of course, don’t pass up the New Mexico rafting opportunities. More all-ages adventures are available for those who prefer getting out on the water. White water rafting in Taos is an unforgettable experience that you should not pass up. Half day, full day, and multi day experiences are available.

Taos Art Museum at Fechin House

Established in 1994, The Taos Art Museum at Fechin House features long list of iconic Taos artists. However, this location offers more than an opportunity to view some amazing works of art. The lovely gardens and grounds at the Fechin House commonly play host to some of the most exciting events in Taos.

These are just a handful of the exciting things to do in Taos, NM. What are you waiting for? Come experience and share all that this beautiful part of the country has to offer.

Hell's Canyon - Snake River

Hells Canyon - Snake River

Rio taking in the views on Hell's Canyon

October is a strange month as a whitewater professional.  For most of us it marks the end of a great whitewater season and beginning of a new chapter in our lives.  Some whitewater professionals head to foreign destinations to be able to guide year round, but the majority either head back to school, work at a ski resort, or find some other odd job to keep them occupied during the “off” season.

Group shot!

This October (2014) some of the staff here at Wildwater River Guides, along with some friends, headed to the infamous Hells Canyon of the Snake River.  Designated in 1975 as a Wild and Scenic river, the Hells Canyon stretch of the Snake River splits the border between Oregon and Idaho before it makes its way into Washington.  This stretch of river contains mainly class II and III rapids but does have a few class IV rapids thrown in just to keep things interesting.

Drew scouting class IV Granite rapid while another group enters

Our group (7 people, 1 dog, 3 rafts, 1 SUP & 2 kayaks) decided to all meet at Scotty’s Hells Canyon Outdoor supply in the small town of Pine Creek.  We arranged shuttle with Hell’s Canyon Shuttle Inc., which are the same friendly people that own Scotty’s.  For convenience they offer camping at a small fenced in area behind the shop for groups like ours.  They also sell maps, permits, hunting/fishing licences, snacks, ice, and soon they plan to sell house made burritos as well.  So after we purchased ice, fishing permits, and some fishing lures we headed to the launch site below Hell’s Canyon Dam.

Hell's Canyon Dam launch site

For 5 days we rafted 32 miles from the Dam to Pittsburg Landing, where our trip took out.  We had great weather for most of our trip;  nights were cool but the days were mostly sunny and warm.  Our layover day (a day in which we stay at camp instead of moving downstream) was the worst of our weather.  The winds picked up quite a bit and there was some rain along with it, but nothing that our group couldn’t handle.  

Native American pictographs

Delicious riverside breakfast 

The fishing in Hell’s Canyon lived up to its reputation.  As expected our group caught numerous bass, a rainbow trout, a white fish, and even a king salmon!  There were also several commercial groups out hunting for Chukar.

Lance's first ever salmon!

Another bass caught in Hell's Canyon

All-in-all our group had a great time on Hell’s Canyon and would recommend this trip to others.  It is a great fall trip due to the regulated flows out of the dam providing nearly year round whitewater.  The only downside of Hell’s Canyon is the shuttle length.  The drive from Pittsburg landing back to the dam is about 4 hours.  There are options during certain times of the year to arrange a jetboat shuttle/ride back to the dam.  This wasn’t an option for the time of year our group was out there, and it wouldn’t have made sense for a group of 7 based on the cost.  Another great option would be to float a few more days down to Heller Bar.

Nice sandy beach at this campsite

From late May through mid September each group is required to obtain a permit through the USFS. The permit system is lottery style, so getting specific dates can be difficult at times.  Any trips outside of the lottery permit dates can obtain a FREE self-issued permit at the launch site. For more information on permits visit click here. 

McGaffee Cabin

FREQUENT PADDLER PROGRAM

What could be better than getting out on the river multiple times in a season? Getting out on the river multiple times in the season and being eligible for our Frequent Paddler Program, that's what!

All guests of Wildwater have the chance of receiving free apparel and discounted trips if you join us for a few trips in the season.

The rafting season starts in April and goes until the end of September. Which means you have plenty of time throughout the year to become eligible for the different incentives that we offer through our Frequent Paddler Program.  Not only do we raft for at least 6 months out of the year, but we also offer 8 different rivers to raft in Washington, and offer stand up paddling trips near Leavenworth.  

FREQUENT PADDLER PROGRAM 

- For your 3RD trip with us you will receive a FREE Wildwater River Guides' custom t-shirt.

- For your 4TH trip with us you will receive 50% off the trip price. 

Trips must be within the calendar year to count towards the frequent paddler program. Participants must all have rafted/or Sup'ed the 3 -4 times to be eligible for the program.  

RIVERS OR TRIPS THAT COUNT TOWARDS THE PROGRAM 
Raft the Wenatchee River
Raft the Skykomish River
Raft the White Salmon River
Raft the Methow River
Raft the Green River
Raft the Toutle River
Raft the Skagit River Whitewater
Raft the Skagit River Bald Eagle trip
Stand up paddle on the lower Wenatchee River
Stand up paddle on Icicle Creek 

STAFF HIGHLIGHT: RIO

 NAME: Rio
NICKNAME: Rio dog or Little dog.

I love to smile. 

Here is a photo of me, doing my job and watching the office as the security manager.

GIVE US A LITTLE BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT YOURSELF.

I'm only a year and nine months old but boy, have I done a lot in my life so far. I've hiked mountains, rafted and SUPed rivers, met tons of new dog friends, and played a lot of fetch.. I sure do love fetch.

Some of my favorite things to do other then playing fetch is to go hiking, chew on my dog toys, roll in dead things, playing with my Cat sister Kyra, and give lots of kisses.

I love people, and other animals and get really excited when ever I get the chance to make new friends. My parents tend to scold me when I jump up on people, but all I'm trying to do is give them kisses on their face. I've heard that's what you do to people you care about, and I haven't met anyone that I don't care for.

This is a photo of me at my favorite beach along Tumwater, just outside of Leavenworth. That is my favorite Frisbee (Zisc) made by West Paw Design. 

I love every season.. here is a photo of me making turns down the hill this past winter.

When I was 5 months old I got to visit the Columbia River Gorge for the first time, and now we go back every August for our White Salmon rafting season. I especially like picking up poison oak while hiking and giving it to all my co-workers that pet me.

I love to play with my sister Kyra, but I also like to snuggle with her.. and I know she appreciates the mellow time with me.

This is my new neighbor friend Turbo, he comes over for play dates and we wrestle and chase each other all over the property. I love making new friends.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RIVER THAT WILDWATER OFFERS?

I would have to say that my favorite river that Wildwater rafts would be the Wenatchee. It is my home river, and the first experience I had with whitewater. I love the main section for rafting and the lower section for stand up paddling.

This photo was taken on Icicle Creek during a girls play run that my Mom invited me on.. I sure love SUPing with my Mom. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RIVER OR MULTI-DAY TRIP?

My favorite multi -day river trip is the Rogue River in Southern Oregon. I joined my parents and some friends on the Rogue river last October to celebrate my Dad's 30th birthday. Boy did we have fun! 5 days spent rafting, hiking, and running around on the beaches and banks of the beautiful Rogue river was a blast. I even SUPed with my Mom and swam through a rapid. I can't wait to get back out on the Rogue River, maybe we will get to go back this Fall.

My very first multi-day river trip on the Rogue River. I'm thankful to have my NRS - CFD to keep me safe while on the river. 

A family photo from our Rogue River trip.  Fall on the Rogue River is beautiful and so much fun!

WHAT GOT YOU INTO WHITEWATER?

I was first introduced to whitewater last year on the Wenatchee River when I joined Justine and fellow co-worker and river guide Julianna for a R-2 play trip in my Uncle Neils' mini me. I had such a great time rafting that I soon begged my parents to take me out on a stand up paddle board.

I may have been hesitant at first, but my Mom was patient with me my first time rafting on the Wenatchee River. 

My Dad took me for my first time on a stand up paddle board. I like that I match my Dad on the river, and everyone thinks it's cool that I can SUP. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?


"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." - Mark Twain

WHAT IS YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL AND WHY?

My spirit animal is a Honey Badger because most of the time I don't really care what happens as long as I have a toy to play with.

My first day on the job when I was hired to be the security manager at Wildwater. I've learned a lot since the first day. 

Written by: Rio dog 

WILDWATER APPAREL

TANK TOPS
Description: Bella racerback flowy ladies tank top.
Colors available: Dark heather grey and black with cool grey logo, and WILDWATER in red on the back between the shoulder blades.
Sizes available: XS - XL ( Women's only!)

Tank tops are $20.00 when added on to a rafting trip, stand up paddling trip, or kayak instruction course. We will bring your apparel to the river. This price includes tax. 

Apparel must be purchased before the river trip so we can bring the items to you, for you to receive the discounted price.

$25 when you want us to mail the tank top to you. This price includes tax + shipping. 


HOODED SWEATSHIRTS
Description: Bella & Canvas, poly - cotton blend hoody, REALLY SOFT!
Colors available: Dark heather grey & black.
Sizes available : XS-2XL (uni-sex)

Hooded sweatshirts are $35.00 when added on to a rafting trip, stand up paddling trip, or kayak instruction course. We will bring your apparel to the river. This price includes tax. 

Apparel must be purchased before the river trip so we can bring the items to you, for you to receive the discounted price. 

$40 when you want us to mail the sweatshirt to you. This price includes tax + shipping.

TRUCKER HATS
Description: Trucker hat with mesh back and semi - structure front.
Colors available: Grey, with white (as seen in photo).
Size: One size fits all.

Trucker hats are $15.00 when added on to a rafting trip, stand up paddling trip, or kayak instruction course. We will bring your hat to the river. This price includes tax. 

Hat must be purchased before the river trip so we can bring the items to you, for you to receive the discounted price.

$20 when you want us to mail the hat to you. This price includes tax + shipping. 

CUSTOM T-SHIRTS 
Description: Gildan - Short sleeve - Ultra Cotton
Colors available: Red & Black
Sizes available: Women's XS-XL Men's S-2XL

T-shirts are $15.00 when added on to a rafting trip, stand up paddling trip, or kayak instruction course. We will bring your item to the river. This price includes tax. 

Apparel must be purchased before the river trip so we can bring the items to you, for you to receive the discount.

$20 when you want us to mail the t-shirt to you. This price includes tax + shipping. 

Give us a call in the office if you are interested! 1-800-522-WILD (9453).