CASCADE LOOP " ORCHARDS, PEAKS & LEDERHOSEN"
FULL DAY TOUR

Inclusions:
Hotel pick up and drop off, highly qualified and knowledgeable naturalist guide, travel in adventure outfitted luxury Mercedes Vans or Jeep, morning tea with pastry, afternoon tea, northwest style lunch or picnic, selected Washington wines and refreshments, snowshoes if needed, all park entry fees and comprehensive naturalist commentary.

Escape Plan:
Our escape route follows the roaring Skykomish River as it ascends the west slope of the Cascades to 4,061’ Stevens Pass. We stop for morning tea and pastries to enjoy one of the many trails or waterfalls located just off the road. Several small towns along the route have logging heritages with nature still at their doorsteps. This region is noted for river rafting, hiking and fly-fishing.The mountain township of Index nestles at the foot of spectacular 5,979’ Mount Index and is a favorite of rock climbers. At the crest of Stevens Pass, we take in dramatic panoramas of the dense evergreen forest to the west.

The terrain changes rapidly as we descend upon the town of Plain; we witness the change from a wet, lush, maritime climate to the drier open woodlands and rolling hills of sagebrush. The vast natural surroundings of Leavenworth and Plain include the Wenatchee National Forest, Alpine Lakes and Glacier Peaks Wilderness. For us, these surroundings provide four seasons of activity and adventure. We will stretch our legs a bit with a couple of short nature walks while keeping an eye out for birds. There are seven sites listed in the area, selected by Audubon as some of the best birding hotspots in the state!

Depending on the time of year, we will go on either a short hike or snowshoe in this beautiful region, taking in the season’s natural beauty. Next we transport into Bavarian-inspired Leavenworth. We grab an ice cream or hot chocolate and stroll this unique village before heading down to Waterfront Park on the Icicle River. Surrounded by tall cottonwoods and other important streamside vegetation your naturalist guide will interpret the dry climate flora and fauna and spot for wildlife and many bird species.

During the Winter Holidays, we will skip Icicle River and instead enjoy the holiday cheer at the Leavenworth Christmas Lights Festival! Through out the remainder of the year, we will finish the day relaxing and tasting exquisite wines at a local winery. A burgeoning winery scene has brought a Pinot-and-brie refinement to the brats-and-brews style of Leavenworth - and it does not disappoint. What a day! Next we jump back into the Escape Vehicle, wind down, relax and continue the mountain loop adventure crossing over Snoqualmie Pass before arriving back home.

Tour Length: 12 Hours
Pick Up: Downtown Hotels & Cruise Terminals
Departing: 7:30a
Difficulty: Easy
Season: Year round
Tour Cost: Call for a quote
Departs: By private request

Check out Calendar of Escape Routes for Scheduled Departures!

Inquire about making this a multi-day escape encompassing Mt Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, The Wine Country or San Juan Islands into an incredible Northwest Adventure!

Thanks for Exploring the Pacific Northwest with EverGreen Escapes!