For many people, the end of summer can be a time of mourning. For kids, it’s time to go back to school, and for parents, it’s the end of summer vacations, long days, late nights, trips to the park, visits to the beach, and those gorgeous sunsets that go late into the evening. However, it’s also the beginning of fall, and nothing comes more beautifully than the fall season in Leavenworth.
Enjoy the breathtaking view of Bridal Veil Falls.
And as beautiful as fall in Leavenworth is, the actual drive to Leavenworth can be just as beautiful, especially if coming from Seattle on Highway 2. Sure, the western side of the Cascade Mountains during the first part of the drive might start off rather blandly. I’m specifically referencing the stretch from Woodinville to Monroe.
But as you head out of Monroe, the real beauty begins. You’ll pass some farms, the Reptile Zoo (home of the albino alligator), and the small and quaint towns of Gold Bar and Sultan. And then you hit the wide-open highway and all of the splendor of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The pines intermingling with the deciduous trees is absolutely breathtaking.
Beyond that, Mount Index leans slightly to the left and typically will glisten with a fresh blanket of snow. As you head toward the city of Index, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of a spectacular waterfall on the right of the mountainside called Bridal Veil Falls. The last city you’ll pass is the city of Skykomish. I highly recommend filling up on gas in town as well as grabbing one of the best sandwiches you’ll ever eat at the Sky Deli.
Once past Skykomish, it’s all forested land until you get up to Stevens Pass—check driving conditions here. While driving up this black ribbon of highway, it can be beautifully possible to go from rain to sun to snow, and then back to clear skies and falling leaves while heading back down the mountain. It can be like seeing three seasons in one 90-minute drive.
Autumn leaves reflect on the Wenatchee River
If time is not an issue, I have a handful of recommendations as you head down the back side of the Cascades:
- Have a sweet tooth? Don’t miss the sauces (including hot sauce), candies, and fudge at The Alps Candy.
- If you’re hungry and can’t wait to get to town, the 59er Diner has one of the best burgers I’ve ever eaten. Note that it’s a roadside stand at Coles Corner; depending on the weather, you’ll probably want to eat inside your car so the food doesn’t get cold. The original restaurant burned down, and until it’s rebuilt, the restaurant is operating out of a trailer.
- Between the 59er Diner and downtown Leavenworth, definitely take the time to pull off on the side of the road to take in the majestic Wenatchee River that’s meandering to your right.
- During the last 20 minutes of the drive to Leavenworth, you’ll pass some gorgeous field areas. The Chiwaukum area experienced a brutal fire several years ago, but it continues to revive itself year after year. Small trees and brush have made their way back to give the mountains a green patina despite the blackened trees that remain standing.
- Keep a watchful eye out for deer, as they are out in abundance this time of year.
And before very long, you’ll find yourself in beautiful Leavenworth. Before checking in (to one of our beautiful properties or your hotel), I always recommend grabbing a beer at the Icicle Brewing Company (sitting outside, of course, to enjoy the crisp air) and then heading to Dan’s Food Market to grab groceries for your stay.
As I’ve mentioned before, Leavenworth is fantastic—but getting there is half the fun. Any time you can be the passenger and let someone else to do the driving, jump on it so that you can really enjoy the scenery.
