Ultimate Guide to Visiting Leavenworth, WA In The Fall
Leavenworth in the fall is a destination built for autumn travelers. I’ve been visiting since I was a kid, and even after experiencing every season, fall is the one that continues to stand out.
This Bavarian-style village in the Cascade Mountains is full of charm. The streets are lined with Alpine buildings, shops overflow with seasonal treats, and the surrounding peaks glow with fall colors.
You can spend the morning on a trail, the afternoon wine tasting, and the evening at Oktoberfest or a local concert. This guide will help you plan your fall trip with tips on the best foliage, things to do, and where to stay.
What is Leavenworth Known For?
Leavenworth, Washington, is a German-style town in the Washington Cascades. The small town started as a logging and railroad town. However, when that industry declined in the 1960s, the town leaders got creative.
They leaned into the whole “alpine village” vibe and gave it a full-on German makeover to attract visitors. Let’s say that the transformation was successful, and now it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Washington.
Weather in Leavenworth in the Fall
If you live in Washington, you probably know that fall in the Cascade Mountains is epic. The crisp alpine mornings, blue skies in September and early October, and of course, “larch madness” (we’ll dive into that in a bit).
If you’re visiting Leavenworth in the fall, here’s a breakdown of what the weather’s usually like so you know what to pack:
- September: 79°F // 43°F // ~1 day of rain
- October: 64°F // 34°F // ~6 days of rain
- November: 44°F // 28°F // ~11 days of rain
Is Leavenworth Worth Visiting in October?
Absolutely! Leavenworth in October is full of fun, and the weather is perfect. The fall colors are peaking, minimal rain, and the holiday vibes are starting to roll in.
If you’re into the outdoors, it’s perfect for hiking, horseback rides, or just sitting by a fire with something warm in your hands. Plus, Oktoberfest is in full swing, and the energy is nothing short of a good time.
Where to Find Fall Colors in Leavenworth
Alright, now it’s time to talk about “larch madness”. Locals use it to describe the magical window from late September to mid-October when the larch trees explode into red, gold, and yellow.
When you visit in the fall, you’ll understand why. Here are a few of my favorite spots to chase fall colors in the area:
- The Enchantments – I always recommend this area as a day hike for moderate hikers
- Lake Wenatchee State Park – Perfect spot to relax and have a picnic
- Waterfront Park– Right in the town of Leavenworth
- Tumwater Mountain Approach – A stunning moderate/hard hike
Best Things to Do in Leavenworth in the Fall
If you enjoy the outdoors, shopping, wine, or relaxing, you’ll be glad you visited. Here are some of the top activities:
Hiking
One of the things that I love most about this area is the abundance of hiking. Once my friends and I could drive, we would make day trips out here just to hit the trails… and we still do!
Not only are the hikes beautiful with fall colors, but the views are insane (in a good way). Some of the best hikes are:
- Colchuck Lake via Stuart Lake: 8.7 miles out-and-back
- Icicle Ridge Trail Overlook: 4.8 miles out-and-back
- Canyon Crest Trail: 3.5-mile loop
Wine Tasting
The Leavenworth area is home to some of the top wines in Washington. Icicle Ridge Winery, one of the top wine spots, is best experienced at its 5,000-square-foot location. The winery has a tasting room in downtown Leavenworth, but the main estate is the most memorable experience. The main winery is warm with intimate ambiance features stone fireplaces, cozy seating, and stunning views.
Just outside Leavenworth, Silvara Cellars sits on a hillside with stunning views of the Cascade Mountains and colorful fall foliage. Guests can sip handcrafted wines paired with light bites like cheese and charcuterie while relaxing on the spacious patio. With its striking autumn backdrop and welcoming vibe, Silvara is a must-visit for wine lovers in the fall.
Farmer’s Market
There is a community farmer’s market in Leavenworth on Saturdays till mid-October. You’ll find live music, fresh produce, jewelry, food, and more. Check out the current list of vendors, locations, and dates here.
Oktoberfest
You might be asking yourself if Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest is worth it. I can assure you it is. This event is held on three weekends in October 3–4, 10–11, and 17–18. These are the 2025 dates.
The festival is right in the center of downtown and has live music, dancing, steins of locally brewed beer, and family fun in the Kinderplatz.
Tickets start at around $15 for Fridays, $30 for Saturdays, or $40 for a weekend pass. You’ll want to book ahead since this is the town’s biggest celebration and often sells out fast.
Outdoor Adventures
Leavenworth is a popular area for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some top activities to check out:
- Rock Climbing: Plenty of climbing spots, like Icicle Canyon, offer routes for both beginners and seasoned climbers
- Horseback Riding: Explore scenic trails on guided horseback rides with local outfitters
- Whitewater Rafting: The Wenatchee River is famous for its exciting rapids
- Ziplining: Fly above the trees and take in stunning views of the Cascades from a different angle
- Mountain Biking: Freund Canyon is known for its downhill trails and mountain views, while Devil’s Gulch is a more challenging ride, perfect for experienced bikers
Beer Gardens & Breweries
- Beer: Icicle Brewing Company – Lively brewery with a big outdoor patio, fire pits, and some of the best beer in town, brewed with fresh Icicle Creek water. Perfect with a soft Bavarian pretzel.
- Cider: Leavenworth Cider House – Huge selection with up to 25 ciders on tap and 100+ bottles. Flights are popular here, and the giant pretzels are a must.
- Cocktails: Blue Spirits Distilling – Creative drinks made with their own spirits. A fun, stylish spot with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Shopping
When you visit Leavenworth, you’ll find a wide variety of shops to explore. The town truly comes alive in the fall and winter, with plenty of Christmas and holiday stores to wander through. You’ll also come across quirky little boutiques filled with unique finds, as well as cozy coffee shops to keep you caffeinated while you shop. Some of the top shops are:
- Kris Kringl – Year-round Christmas magic with ornaments, village pieces, and décor
- Tannenbaum Shoppe – A delightful alternative for festive finds and unique holiday décor
- Cool Stores – A quirky, well-stocked boutique perfect for novelty items, gnomes, and whimsical treasures
- J5 Coffee Shop & Espresso Bar – Specialty drinks in a casual, local-favorite atmosphere
- Little Red’s Bakery & Espresso – Drive-thru convenience meets delicious bakery vibes
Best Places to Stay in Leavenworth
There are so many different places to stay in Leavenworth, and it really just depends on what you’re looking for. Maybe it’s an A-frame cabin on the edge of town, an affordable hotel downtown, or a spot with a spa for a little extra relaxation.
Leavenworth is one of my favorite places to stay because it truly has it all. Some of the best spots:
- Blue Elk Inn: Comfy hotel close to town with great breakfast options
- Bavarian Lodge: A downtown gem in Leavenworth with an outdoor pool
- Posthotel: An adult-only hotel that is the perfect getaway. The spa, pool, breakfast, and more make this the most luxurious hotel in the area. Posthotel fills up months in advance, so book early!
- Alpine Rivers Inn: A cozy inn right on the river that is located 1.6 miles from the center of Leavenworth
Note: If you’re looking for additional accommodations, consider checking VRBO, Booking.com, or Expedia for more!
Where to Eat in Leavenworth, WA
Leavenworth is full of great places to eat, but here are the ones you’ll be glad you didn’t miss! As Washington’s own Bavarian village, you can expect plenty of hearty sausages, frothy beers, and cozy alpine charm.
If you’ve been following my blog, you know I’m gluten-free, so I always make sure to include spots with gluten-friendly options.
- Munchen Haus Bavarian Grill & Beer Garden: Gluten-free sausage
- Yodelin: Gluten-free rice bowls, soup, & bread
- Leavenworth Pizza Company: Gluten-free pizza crust
- The Gingerbread Factory: Gluten-free cookies
Note: Always check with your server to ensure items are gluten-free, just to be safe.
FAQ: Leavenworth in the Fall
💡 Does Leavenworth get snow in October?
In October, there may be snow in the town of Leavenworth. The surrounding higher elevations are typically snow-capped this time of year.
💡 What is the distance between Seattle and Leavenworth?
During the early fall, the drive from Seattle to Leavenworth takes approximately 2.5 hours. Later in the fall, it’s typically a longer drive due to snowy conditions.
💡 Is Leavenworth worth visiting in September?
Yes! It’s one of the best times of the year, thanks to the pleasant weather and the beautiful colors of fall vegetation.
💡 How long should you spend in Leavenworth, WA?
This is a perfect getaway, and I’d recommend considering what activities you want to do on your trip. If some activities are all day, you may want to add another day or two.
Wrap-Up: Leavenworth in the Fall
Leavenworth in the fall is beautiful. This guide covered all of the best outdoor activities, festivals, markets, and more. There is truly something for everyone. The atmosphere is cozy, and it’s the perfect spot for an autumn getaway.
Happy Trails,
Mindful PNW Travels
