Are you planning a trip to Washington State during the fall or winter? Looking for great fall and winter things to do in Leavenworth, WA, to add to your itinerary? From cross-country skiing to dogsledding, the Leavenworth and Lake Wenatchee areas have something for every travelers’ interest. No matter how you spend the day, spend each evening curled up with a cup of hot cocoa in your suite at Pine River Ranch. There’s an awe-inspiring wonderland of things to do in Leavenworth in the fall and winter! 

For more help planning your trip, request our Leavenworth Vacation Guide. This free resource is filled with recommendations about how to explore our area during any time of the year! 

Request Your Free Leavenworth Vacation Guide 

7 Ways to Experience the Magic of Winter in Leavenworth

Fall & Winter Activities in Leavenworth Page Index: 

1. Cross-Country Skiing

“The Stevens Pass-to-Lake Wenatchee-to-Leavenworth corridor is a Nordic skiing Shangri-la.” –The News Tribune

Lake Wenatchee State Park 

Located one mile from Pine River Ranch. This cross-country ski area features four loop trails as well as 15 miles of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails.  

Nason View Cross-Country Ski Trail 

This cross-country ski trail begins at Kahler Glen Golf Course, which is just one mile from Pine River Ranch. The trail winds above Nason Creek, where you can look down and view our ranch! 

Chiwawa Sno-Park 

This see and ski trail is about five miles long and follows along the Wenatchee River. Flying Loop Trail (for experienced skiers) climbs 600 feet and has views of Entiat Ridge, Chiwaukum Mountains, and the Plain Valley.  

Plain Valley Ski Trails 

Offers more than 20K of groomed skate and classic cross-country ski trails! There’s easy terrain for beginners as well as challenging, wooded trails for advanced skiers.  

Stevens Pass 

Stevens Pass has everything you need for a successful day on the slopes! Here, you can find cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals, lessons, 25K of trails, food, and a small lodge.  

Squirrel Run Cross-Country Ski Trail 

This trail is an easy-rolling trip through mostly forested areas. It crosses snowmobile trails often, so practice caution when you see trails marked with orange trailblazes!  

Leavenworth Winter Sports Club 

Enjoy 24KM of groomed trails across the Leavenworth Golf Course, ski hill, near the Icicle River, and at the waterfront near downtown. 


2. Downhill Skiing

Stevens Pass 

Stevens Pass has everything you need for a successful day on the slopes! Here, you can find some of the best downhill skiing in the state!  

Mission Ridge 

Located about 60 miles east of Pine River Ranch, it’s one of the best around around for dry snow. On a clear day, you can enjoy a great view of the Wenatchee area!  

Leavenworth Winter Sports Club | Ski Hill 

Ski Hill is especially close to our heart as the original owners of Pine River Ranch helped develop one of the area’s ski jumps! Early Olympic U.S. ski jumpers used the hill to train. You can access the same hill during your visit. Click the link above for more information!  


3. Snowshoeing

Pine River Ranch 

You can snowshoe right off your back porch at Pine River Ranch. We offer free state-of-the-art snowshoes for guest use. We can even give you a quick lesson with tips on enjoying the valley. There’s nothing like the solitude of trekking through the snow! 

*Rentals are also available in the town Plain at Plain Hardware. 


4. Sleigh Rides

Eagle Creek Ranch 

Take a group glide through meadow and woods pulled by a horse-drawn sleigh. Or, share a romantic ride in a small private sleigh with your special someone. Either way, you can enjoy the 1.8-mile tour of this scenic mountain valley! 


5. Snowmobiling

Pine River Ranch 

Guests with their own sleds can explore an abundant range of trails for every skill level within a couple of miles from Pine River Ranch. Simply ask for recommendations at the front desk!  

*Rentals are available at Leavenworth Snowmobile Rentals at the 59’er Diner. 


6. Leavenworth and Wenatchee Community Events

Oktoberfest  

An annual October festival in which Leavenworth honors its Bavarian roots and transforms the town with live music, German food and drinks, and activities for the whole family! 


7. Activities & Other Attractions

Liberty Orchards 

Enjoy 15 continuous miles of tours, a charming country store, and free samples of in-season fruit! 

Cashmere Museum & Pioneer Village 

Learn more about the pioneers, natural, and Native American history through artifacts. The pioneer village includes actual pioneer cabins and furnishings. 

Icicle Creek Center for the Arts 

Enjoy some of the best films, plays, musicals, dance, and more of the arts in North Central Washington. Icicle Creek Center for the Arts has an event for all tastes! 

Leavenworth Fisheries Complex 

Enjoy a variety of exhibits that identify fish species and describe their environmental needs. 

Nutcracker Museum  

It’s the only all-nutcracker museum in the U.S. and boasts nutcrackers from the 15th century to present times! 

Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center 

A cultural center and museum with programs and exhibits focusing on the history, natural history, art and cultural heritage of the people of North Central Washington. 

Ohme Gardens 

A nationally acclaimed nine-acre alpine garden perched high on a rocky bluff above the Columbia River. Explore stone pathways, spectacular views, pools, and waterfalls during your visit. Open seasonally. 

Rocky Reach Discovery Center  

An interpretive museum with a fish ladder, fish-viewing room, café, and gift shop. 


Explore Fall & Winter Activities in Leavenworth for Yourself 

When you’re ready to start planning your fall or winter trip to Leavenworth, let Pine River Ranch help! Request our free Leavenworth Vacation Guide or attractions list for more local insight or check our availability to reserve the suite of your dreams at our Leavenworth, WA, bed and breakfast!

Plan Your Fall or Winter Trip to Leavenworth