what to do around Leavenworth

[deerhunter_98520]

I'm going to be spending 4 days in Leavenworth in April and have never been there....what's some suggestions to do over there that time of the year....it will be me and the wife and kids so it needs to be kid friendly....I've always wanted to check out the feeding grounds on the east side for the elk would it be a waste that time of the year to check out?

[trophyhunt]

Shop, eat kilbasa and shop.  That time of year is off season, summer you river raft, winter you enjoy the Christmas lights, snow and the food!  Not sure about April time, try going in the winter or summer, I love it there.

[TheHunt]

How old are your kids?  There are lots of hikes around there and some are pretty tough like the Fourth of July trail.  There are others which are much easier like the hikes like the one along the river.  You can get the kids all hyped up on applets and cotlets in Cashmere as they have free samples.  There is a BBQ place there which is not too bad.  If you stay at the Enzian Inn there is plenty for kids to do there.

[vandeman17]

Best thing to do in Leavenworth is not go to Leavenworth.  what's the occasion? Lots to do here in Wenatchee or up in chelan as well. April is a rough time because you are in between the good times of summer and winter. Feel free to hit me up when you get closer to coming and I can give ya some places to go

[snowpack]

eat german food and drink dark beer.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Check with the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery. They stock the ponds there for juvenile trout fishing sometime in the spring? Then there is always Beer and Beer and more Beer and Sausages!!!

[deerhunter_98520]

Only reason I'm going is its a free stay....mother in law has a timeshare and she books a spring break trip for the kids every year ....wasn't my idea  but I won't pass on a free stay in a condo.....my kids are 4 and 11....I would be willing to drive an hour or 2 for something fun for the kids....sounds like alot of sausage in leavenworth 

[bobcat]

In April there might still be quite a bit of snow in the higher elevations, so you may need to stay in town. As for the the elk feeding area, it's not near Leavenworth, but if you're going over Snoqualmie pass it won't be too far out of your way to stop by on your way there or on your way home.

[deerhunter_98520]

Ill go out of my way to see some critters  ....how bout some sheep or goats?....any place without hiking miles to see some....I've never seen any in the wild and would love to

[bobcat]

I would take a drive down to Swakane Canyon for sure. You might see some Bighorns there. Also take a drive up Entiat River road. Mule deer won't have their antlers but would still be a nice drive.

[deerhunter_98520]

  thanks

[Bullkllr]

Shop, eat kilbasa and shop.  That time of year is off season, summer you river raft, winter you enjoy the Christmas lights, snow and the food!  Not sure about April time, try going in the winter or summer, I love it there.

Is it ever off season in Leavenworth? I'm sure the Chamber of Commerce has some kind of festival planned and choreographer for hourly performances for the whole month of April.
Aprilfest?
Aprilpole lighting?
Spring Sprout Festival?

Did I miss any?
There is good fishing in Fish Lake up by Lake Wenatchee. Resort has dock/boats.

[WAcoueshunter]

Fish Lake is great that time of year, assuming the ice has broken up.  Beautiful, and tons of fish.  You can rent boats there or just fish off the dock - you'll catch fish off the dock no problem in April.  The only trick is the ice needs to have broken up.  That usually happens around the first part of April. 

[pcal]

 Here is an activity that kids and adults can all enjoy:http://www.thecommunityvoice.com/article.php?id=6296   I have hunted spring kings(boletes)and morels for my whole life.Fires,clearcuts and insect damage to the forest makes it bust or bounty.The year after a fire can make you a lot of money or keep 10lbs per person for personal use with no permit required.Last year was fantastic on the burn between Wenatchee and blewett pass.Buyers were paying up to $12 per #.The mushrooms are good at hiding but kids are lower to the ground and quickly out do many of the adults.In april in warmer years you should find them along the Yakima/Cle elum River.Easton to Thorp Prairie if you can find access.I took my family along Salmon La Sac and usually got a few that early,years ago.Up the Teanaway to Indian Creek tword the end of april into may and even june or later on colder years.Enjoy and make sure you have plenty of snacks and clothing for any weather as it can change pretty quickly from sunny to wet or even snow and hail.The mushrooms follow the snow melt so by may and even june you can find them at higher elevations.Its like a easter egg hunt for kids.I think the spring kings are just as good eating and the big ones are really easy to spot.The best ones are still in button stage,though.

[steen]

The elk are no at the feeding stations in April but take a day trip to the Yakima River Canyon and look for sheep!  Bring some extra binos and spotting scope.  Watch the rocks and you should be able to find sheep! I don't know if April is to early to hire an outfitter to take them fly fishing or not, or a rafting trip!

[deerhunter_98520]

Thanks! Me and my oldest would be down for those but I don't think the wife and 4 yr old would enjoy fly fishing and rafting

[ICEMAN]

Purchase some of those felt hats with the feather on top and be sure to get a picture of your kids wearing them climbing a steep area around town, and in town...  By April you could take a run up to Sugarloaf and get great views... Take a drive down to the Columbia, Hiway Alt97 and enjoy the incredible views there too!

[Jburke]

Trout in the Icicle won't be open until June.  Think that will be too early for salmon as well but not sure.  The fish hatchery has a neat little hiking trail to use.  Bear are often seen along the trial at the river.  Could get lucky and see one that early, and it will be too early for Rattlesnakes so that shouldn't be a concern as they find them occasionally as well.  Deer should also be a real possibility.  Plus they also obviously have the hatchery

[pope]

In Leavenworth it's always a celebration, organized around some kind of "event"....the Fest du Jour. Oktoberfest, Return of the Salmon, Christmas Lights, Mai Fest.....we're coming up on April 20th so possibly they have a Hitler's Geburtstag Fest?