Leavenworth, Washington features some of the most stunning alpine landscapes, rushing rivers, and jagged peaks in the Pacific Northwest. Here is our curated list of the best hikes in Leavenworth, Washington, ranging from leisurely town strolls to demanding mountain climbs, with links to the Washington Trails Association (WTA) for detailed route guides and recent trip reports.
Easy / Family-Friendly Hikes
Waterfront Park Trail
- Distance: 3.0 miles (Loop) | Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Overview: Located right in the heart of downtown Leavenworth, this gentle, flat trail winds along the Wenatchee River and through quiet riverbank forests. It features interpretive signs explaining local history, plenty of benches to sit on, and small beach access points. It’s perfect if you want a relaxing stroll with your dog or family without having to drive out into the mountains.
Icicle Gorge Trail
- Distance: 4.2 miles (Loop) | Elevation Gain: 150 feet
- Overview: A spectacular, mostly flat loop that hugs both banks of the roaring Icicle River. One side of the loop features a dry, sun-exposed landscape while the other transitions into a deeply shaded, canopied forest. Mid-way through, you’ll cross a large wooden footbridge over crashing waters, making it an incredibly scenic and rewarding option for beginners.
Moderate / Alpine Lake Hikes
Colchuck Lake
- Distance: 8.0 miles (Round Trip) | Elevation Gain: 2,280 feet
- Overview: Hands down one of the most famous hikes in Washington, Colchuck Lake rewards hikers with a breathtaking view of brilliant, turquoise alpine water framed by the massive granite faces of Dragontail and Colchuck Peaks. It is a steady, rocky uphill climb through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Note: This parking lot fills up incredibly early during the summer, and a Northwest Forest Pass is required.
Eightmile Lake
- Distance: 6.6 miles (Round Trip) | Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
- Overview: If you want an alpine lake experience but want a slightly shorter, less crowded, and more gradual climb than Colchuck, Eightmile Lake is a fantastic alternative. The trail follows Eightmile Creek through an area heavily affected by an old wildfire—allowing for widespread views and an abundance of spring wildflowers—before opening up to a wide, debris-lined mountain lake perfect for a picnic.
Challenging / Ridge Hikes
Icicle Ridge
- Distance: 6.0 miles (Round Trip) | Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet
- Overview: Starting just outside of town, this trail is a relentless but well-graded series of switchbacks climbing up a steep, pine-dotted hillside. The payoff is immense: a panoramic, bird’s-eye view of the entire Leavenworth valley, the winding Wenatchee River, and the snow-capped peaks beyond. Because it is south-facing, it melts out much earlier in the spring than the high alpine lakes.
The Enchantments
- Distance: 18 – 20 miles (Thru-Hike) | Elevation Gain: 4,500+ feet
- Overview: This is a legendary, bucket-list thru-hike that takes you through a high-alpine wonderland of interconnected glacial lakes, mountain goats, and golden larches. It is incredibly grueling, featuring the infamous scramble up Aasgard Pass, and is typically done as a daunting 12 to 15-hour day hike. If you plan to camp overnight to break up the journey, you must win a highly competitive overnight permit via the Recreation.gov Enchantments Lottery.
No matter what level of difficulty you choose for your hike, always hike safely, be considerate of others, the trail and nature, be sure to only take photos and memories and leave nothing but footprints and good vibes! We hope you enjoy our list of Best Hikes in Leavenworth, Washington. Come visit soon and of course be sure to stop by American Harvest for all your pre-and-post-hike cannabis needs!
Hike wipe you out but an unfamiliar bed is making it hard to sleep?
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