Things To Do
Winter
Winter in Leavenworth, when blanketed in white, is picturesque. Guten Cabin is at an elevation of 2000 feet and the first snow historically falls in mid-to-late November. There are, of course, the tree lighting and other festive events hosted in downtown Leavenworth but the area offers much more for winter fun.
#1: Downhill Ski or snowboard at Stevens Pass. It is about a half hour away and is a great mountain for the family. If cross country is more your pace then check out the groomed trails not far from the cabin.
#2: Snowmobile. There are miles of groomed trails not far from the cabin. The community allows for driving snowmobiles on approved roads so you can drive right up to the cabin. If you need to rent snowmobiles you can do so from the 59er Diner. If you are a beginner, sign up for snowmobile tours with Mountain Springs Lodge.
#3: Sledding! With our little ones we have enjoyed making sledding runs across the natural slope of the property. For a more thrilling ride check out Ski Hill. Aside from downhill and cross country they have a great snow tubing run.
#4: Sleigh Rides. We have done the Mountain Springs sleigh ride and highly recommend it. You can package it with dinner at the lodge. We hear good reviews but haven’t tried the sleigh rides at Eagle Creek Ranch and from Icicle Outfitters.
#5: Ice skate. Kahler Glen Golf has ice skating when conditions are right. Be sure to check the report. Kahler Glen is just a 15-minute drive from the cabin.
Summer
Summer in Leavenworth is typically sunny, arid and warm especially compared to our neighbors west of the mountains. Guten Cabin is usually a few degrees cooler than in town which can be a welcome reprieve from the heat. The area offers many options for the active or leisure outdoor enthusiasts. Here are a few ideas that are favorites of our family.
#1: White water raft. This is always a hit for the more active family. There are several great options in town. The one we recently did was through River Recreation located a little further toward Wenatchee.
#2: Spend an afternoon at Lake Wenatchee State Park. This lake is everything a lake in the mountains should be surrounded by beautiful evergreens and views of mountain peaks. It’s a quick 10-minute drive from Guten Cabin. There are great places to spread out a blanket on the beach or rent kayaks and paddle around the nearby lake island. There is a great jungle gym play area for the little ones and a beach volleyball court. You must have a pass to park there. Discover Passes can be purchased from kiosks near the parking lot.
#3: Drink wine. In town you will find plenty of great choices for beer but not far outside of town there are a handful of great wineries that offer tastings and tours. Our family favorite is Wedge Mountain Winery. The owner takes you on a hay bale tractor ride through the orchards.
#4: Smallwood Farms. This is a produce stand unlike any other. It is almost like a small carnival with a petting zoo, a bouncy house, kids games and a fun tractor tow ride. Located on Hwy 2 in Peshastin it’s an easy and entertaining stop for young families.
#5: Hunt the Bigfoot. This is a favorite activity of our 8-year-old son. Washington mountains are a hot spot for sightings, and while it might be tough to track down this elusive creature it works as great excuse to get out for a hike. There are many great hiking trails in the area. Here is a popular one to Hidden Lake. Who knows, you may come away with a Bigfoot story of your own.