This fascinating day trip explores historic Wild-West era Washington, including Steven's pass, former gold rush towns, a historic railroad, alpine lakes and the picture-postcard town of Leavenworth. 

 

 Our Alpine lakes and towns tour travels to the Central Cascades, east of Seattle, traveling up US2 highway through Duvall and the enigmatically named Gold Bar.

 

Trip highlights:

 

• Learn about the prospecting history of the region and the ground-breaking engineering of John Frank Stevens that helped connect Western Washington to the east and interior of the United States across Stevens Pass

• Understand the harsh winter weather conditions, including a winter rail disaster that claimed almost 100 lives

• A short hike or snowshoe for a panoramic view of Steven’s pass, that rises above 4,000ft

• Experience the beauty of snowmelt-fed, glacially carved lakes. We visit Lake Wenatchee and the adventurous amongst you may be tempted to dip a toe into the icy cold waters!

• Visit the charming resort town of Leavenworth, and discover why it turned from a railroad terminus to a Bavarian-themed mountain town!

• Look out for wildlife and learn about local trees and plants on a beautiful  short hike along Icicle creek

 

Places we may visit:

 

• Historic Steven’s pass – for sightseeing and a short hike or snowshoe to great vistas of the Cascade mountains

• Explore the beautiful glacier and snowmelt-fed Lake Wenatchee

• Witness wild river rapids on the Wenatchee river

• Explore the picturesque town of Leavenworth

• A scenic, gentle hike near Icicle creek

 

Our trip concludes with a trip back up past the rapids of the Wenatchee River, depending on the time of year they may be thundering with snowmelt or deceptively placid. We then head back West to the Emerald City of Seattle.

 

 

What’s included

 

 

• Downtown Seattle pickup and drop-off at your hotel

• Transportation in our modern, comfortable 14-passenger wagon equipped with over the shoulder seatbelts and side curtain airbags for your safety

• Personal interpretation from our knowledgeable guide

• Complimentary Coffee, tea (including a selection of herbal teas), water and soft drinks

• Healthy snacks

• A picnic lunch with fresh ingredients

• Snowshoes and hiking poles are provided free of charge

 

What to bring

 

• Your camera and a small bag or backpack

• In warmer weather, loose fitting breathable pants or shorts. Covering your legs is preferable to reduce the risk of tick bites

• Sunscreen and insect repellent (summer). We carry a supply but recommend you keep your own

• Clothing layers including a warm and waterproof layer.

• Sturdy footwear with good grip, hiking boots are recommended