Leavenworth Day Tour from Seattle
- Duration9 hours
- Daily
- Group
- Pickup available
- Fair, honest prices
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Overview
This nine-hour Leavenworth day tour from Seattle includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Seattle, Kirkland and Bellevue, transport, a driver-guide, water and snacks. You cross the Cascade Mountains over Stevens Pass, follow the Skykomish River and stop at scenic viewpoints and a waterfall before reaching Leavenworth, a village built in Bavarian style. You get about two hours of free time there. Entry fees and lunch are not included. It suits couples, families with children and anyone who wants a scenic mountain day without driving.
Highlights
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Seattle, Kirkland and Bellevue
- Driver-guide with local commentary through the Cascades
- Scenic crossing of Stevens Pass and the Skykomish River valley
- About two hours of free time in the Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth
- Stops at viewpoints and a waterfall along the way
- Water and snacks included
- Winter snow scenery with snowshoes recommended in the cold season
Full Description
Leavenworth, the Bavarian-style village
Leavenworth is a small town in the Cascade foothills that was remodelled in the 1960s with Bavarian-style buildings, flower boxes and painted facades, and it is one of the most popular day trips from Seattle. The main street, Front Street, is lined with shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants, and the village sits in a mountain setting that changes with each season.
If you are searching for a Leavenworth day trip from Seattle, expect a village that is best explored on foot. You get about two hours of free time, enough to walk the main street, browse the shops, visit the small museums and have lunch at your own expense.
Stevens Pass and the Cascade Mountains
The road to Leavenworth climbs through the Cascade Mountains over Stevens Pass, which is about 1,238 metres (4,061 feet) high and one of the main routes between western and eastern Washington. The landscape changes from lowland forest to rugged peaks, and in winter the pass is covered in deep snow.
Many travellers ask whether it is better to drive themselves to Leavenworth. On a guided tour you avoid mountain driving and winter road conditions, and the guide can adapt the route to the weather. Dress warmly if you plan to step out at the pass, because it is much colder than Seattle.
The Skykomish River and Deception Falls
The route follows the Skykomish River, with views of forest, rapids and small mountain towns along the way. On the return, the tour usually stops at Deception Falls, where a short, easy trail leads to waterfalls and a bridge over the rushing water.
These stops give you a taste of the Cascade scenery between the city and the village, and they are a good chance to stretch your legs and take photos. Stops may change depending on the season and weather. The rushing water is loudest in spring when the snow melts.
Seasons in Leavenworth
Each season has its own character: spring brings green valleys and waterfalls, summer is warm with long days, autumn colours the hillsides and winter brings snow and, in December, the lit-up village around Christmas. Bring snowshoes if you plan to walk in snow in the cold months.
People ask for the best time to visit Leavenworth, and the answer depends on what you want: autumn for colour, winter for snow and lights, summer for hiking and long days. Wear comfortable walking shoes in every season, and waterproof boots in winter.
Itinerary
- Hotel pickupMeet your driver-guide at your hotel in Seattle, Kirkland or Bellevue in the morning.
- Lake Washington and the foothillsCross the lake and drive through Bellevue, Woodinville and Monroe toward the mountains.
- Skykomish River and mountain townsFollow the river valley with short photo and rest stops.
- Stevens PassCross the Cascade Mountains with views of the peaks and forests.
- Leavenworth free timeSpend about two hours exploring the Bavarian-style village and having lunch at your own expense.
- Return via a scenic routeReturn through the mountains, usually with a stop at Deception Falls, depending on season and weather.
- Drop-off at your hotelArrive back at your hotel in Seattle, Kirkland or Bellevue after about nine hours.
What's included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transport
- Driver-guide
- Water
- Snacks
Not included
- Entry fees
- Lunch
- Tips
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Not suitable for wheelchair users
- Not suitable for guests who cannot manage a long day in a vehicle with short walks
- Not suitable for travellers who need to bring large luggage
Meeting point
Hotel pickup is included in Seattle, Kirkland and Bellevue. Choose your pickup area when booking, and the pickup time is confirmed after booking. Be ready in the hotel lobby at the start of the pickup window for the time shown in the booking panel.
Important information
- Choose your pickup area (Seattle, Kirkland or Bellevue) when booking
- Dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes; waterproof boots are best in winter
- Bring snowshoes in winter if you plan to walk in snow
- Water and snacks are included; lunch and entry fees are not
- Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle
- Stops may change with season, weather and road conditions
- Tips are not included
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Leavenworth day tour cost?
The price depends on the option and the number of adults and children. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each, adult and child, for your date.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Seattle, Kirkland and Bellevue. Choose your pickup area when booking.
How long is the Leavenworth tour?
The tour takes about nine hours, including the drive, the stops and about two hours of free time in Leavenworth.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes. Children aged 3 to 9 are booked as children in the panel, and infants have their own age band. Check the booking panel for the exact ages.
What should I wear and bring?
Dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes. Waterproof boots are best in winter, and snowshoes are useful in snow.
Is lunch included?
No. Water and snacks are included, and lunch is at your own expense during the free time in Leavenworth.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes, if seats are left. The booking panel shows the available dates.
What is the difference between the options?
This page has one option: the nine-hour day tour with hotel pickup and drop-off, a driver-guide, water and snacks. Choose your date and the number of guests.
When is the best time to visit Leavenworth?
Autumn is popular for colour, winter for snow and lights, and summer for long days and hiking. The tour runs in different seasons.
Are entry fees included?
No. Entry fees are not included, and the village streets are free to walk.
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