Central & Eastern Washington - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 367

white-knuckle rides on class III and IV rapids (from $78, 4½ hours) to contemplative
downstream floats on rented inner tubes (day-long floats $46). The May and June snow-
melt season sees the river at its wildest.
Climbing
A well-known nexus for Washington's climbing community, Leavenworth's classic
climb is Castle Rock in Tumwater Canyon, about 3 miles northwest of town off US 2. A
newer focal point for climbers is Icicle Creek Canyon in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness,
where the challenging rock climbing requires a United States Forest Service (USFS) per-
mit. Snow Creek Wall is an old stalwart in this area, but there are several hundred other
climbs here, most of which have been developed in the last 15 years. Leavenworth
Mountain Sports ( Click here ) rents rock shoes, harnesses and other climbing gear.
Cycling
The Devil's Gulch trail (25 miles, four to six hours) and Mission Ridge trail (26 miles,
four to seven hours) are two of the most popular off-road bike trails in the state. Freund
Canyon is an intermediate 8.3-mile loop and is classed as the best single-track bike trail
in the Leavenworth area. It is also home to the annual Bavarian Bike and Brews Race.
Der Sportsman rents bikes from $25 a day.
Horseback & Sleigh Riding
For the archetypal Leavenworth wintertime experience, contact Eagle Creek Ranch
( www.eaglecreek.ws ; 7951 Eagle Creek Rd) , which offers 'Jingle Bells'-evoking sleigh rides
from $15 per person. When the snow clears you can try your hand at horseback riding on
one- to two-hour trail rides ($25 to $78).
Festivals & Events
Book well ahead for accommodation during festivals and holidays.
Oktoberfest BEER
( www.leavenworthoktoberfest.com ) This popular annual beer festival makes a good family
outing - believe it or not - with a special kinderplatz (kids zone) set up in town. Festivit-
ies include German food, beer, arts and crafts. live music and a special Bavarian 'beer-
tapping' ceremony. The festival usually runs over three weekends in October. Free
shuttles are laid on.