The best hikes from bus stations in Alpine Lakes Wilderness

This is a particularly beautiful section of the PCT that leads you up to Kendall Peak. It is worth a small detour off the trail to get to the peak to enjoy the wonderful view.

Until the first half of the 20th century, Leavenworth had an important freight loading station as the community's largest economic factor. When the economy collapsed after the station was closed due to the relocation of the railroad lines, Leavenworth threatened to become a ghost town. In the 1960s, the remaining residents, with great commitment and without any historical reason for doing so, transformed the town into a "typical" mountain town in the Alps. The illusion of a Bavarian mountain village is further enhanced by the surrounding mountains.

The falls, when running at peak, give off a pretty heavy spray so rain gear is a good idea if you want to get close. During lower flow periods there is more room to roam by the base of the falls. In the wintertime this also makes an excellent destination for an easy snowshoe, though hikers are well-advised to not venture to the splash pool in icy conditions. The falls run year round and the incredible icicle formations along the rock face around the falls are spectacular. This trail is closed for the summer of 2023 for construction. Check Forest Service website prior to making the trek: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbs/recreation/recarea/?recid=17980&actid=50

In the town center on the edge of Wenatchee National Forest, this refined, adults-only riverfront spa hotel is less than 2 miles from Leavenworth Ski Hill ski area. The hotel style is like crossing a Mediterranean castle with a Swiss chalet without all the gaudy features.

If you want to take a break or leave the rest of the climb for tomorrow, this is where you will find some nice flat spots nestled into the forest and next to blueberry heaven. It is the only campsite along the climb to Kendall Katwalk.

This is the southern boundary of the amazing Alpine Lakes Wilderness. To get to the idyllic landscape with towering mountains and shimmering lakes, you have to get up and over this climb. It is worth the effort.

Snoqualmie Pass is one of the few trail towns that you will come along directly on the Pacific Crest Trail. If you hike northbound, you will enter the beautiful Alpine Lakes Wilderness at this trailhead. There are some flat spots to pitch a tent next to the large parking lot, but it will be loud at night due to the proximity to the highway and the interstate.

The small town of Leavenworth has a very special flair within the heart of Washington: Every building has a Bavarian style, and the whole town will make you feel like you just entered a random southern German alpine town. Stroll along the Wenatchee River, enjoy some beer, visit the rustic Nutcracker Museum, listen to traditional Bavarian music that is played in the gazebo located on Front Street and eat a Schnitzel in one of the numerous restaurants. A little about the history: The history of Leavenworth goes back to the time of the gold miners at the end of the 19th century. And when a major railroad through Leavenworth began operating in the early 20th century, the then-small western town boomed, primarily with lumber mining and transportation. But when the Cascade Tunnel caused the railroad to be rerouted, Leavenworth abruptly lost economic importance and virtually turned into a ghost town. It took three decades, after all, for the townspeople to come up with a smashing idea in the 1960s: "We're going Bavarian now!" If you are a PCT-Hiker, your best option to refill your supplies is the Safeway at the end of the town. The only outfitter in Leavenworth has almost no equipment you might need since it is more prepared for the typical - non hiking - tourist in Leavenworth.