North Cascades Highway Closed for the Season
Warm Springs Inn - Winter
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Visit Chelan County in Winter

A "loop" really doesn't have a starting point -- so if you begin your Cascade Loop vacation in one of our regions that fall within Chelan County (Leavenworth/Cascade Foothills, Wenatchee/Columbia River Valley or Lake Chelan Valley), you will experience a true winter with snow-capped mountain peaks, chilly days perfect for hiking or skiing, watching the snow fall from inside a cozy winery, or just watching the sunset  from your lodgings. 

Saddle Rock in Winter

Snowy Scenery

Winter in Chelan County often means enjoying snow and sun simultaneously -- but even when it isn't sunny, watching fluffy snow fall can be entrancing and relaxing!

The regions of this area are as varied in geography as their are in community, but they all welcome travelers to enjoy the amazing weather, dining, events and recreation opportunities indoors and out!

Skiing in Plain

Cross-Country Skiing

Visit Chelan County and explore miles (km) of cross-country ski trails from the mountain valley system of Plain Valley Ski Trails, to Leavenworth's groomed Nordic trail systems, to the Echo Ridge Nordic Trails overlooking the Lake Chelan Valley.

Plain Valley Ski Trails

Plain Valley Ski Trails is a cross country ski trail system that starts in downtown Plain, Washington. We offer over 24 km of groomed skate and classic cross country ski trails. Park at Plain Hardware and walk across the road to access the trail system. The skiing is out in the open, sunny and has great views of the Plain Valley (pictured).

Leavenworth Ski Trails

The Leavenworth Winter Sports Club maintains 26km of tracks and skating lanes that offer a variety of skiing terrain across three areas around Leavenworth. Each location offers a slightly different experience both in scenery and terrain.

Echo Ridge Nordic Trails

Echo Ridge provides scenic ridge-top groomed cross-country trails, with breath taking views of Lake Chelan’s fjord-like valley and the Stewart Range. Consistent sunshine, dependable snow and the beautiful vistas bring visitors from across the country every year. Beginners to advanced skiers will find 13.3k of easy trails, 15.2k of more difficult and 11.1k of most difficult trails, all designed for classic skiing.

The Upper Echo Trailhead is 11.1 miles from the town of Chelan. 

Mission Ridge skier

Downhill and Snowboarding

Stevens Pass Ski Hill is at the top of Stevens Pass on SR 2, and sits amongst the old growth and plentiful snowfall of the Cascade Crest. It attracts adventure-driven skiers and riders of all skill levels to its 1,125 acres of skiable terrain.

Leavenworth Ski Hill is a historic small town ski area run by the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club. Offering fun for all ages and ability levels with a family friendly atmosphere, Ski Hill features two rope tows, a terrain park, and a very thrilling downhill snow tubing track. 

Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort is just outside of Wenatchee and features 2,000 acres of sunny Central Washington dry snow. It has been a local favorite for generations offering spectacular views of town and the Columbia River (pictured).

Echo Valley Ski & Tubing is located between Manson and Chelan, and is a family friendly ski area offering three rope tows and a poma lift with ski/snowboards instruction and rentals for all ages and abilities. It also has a six-lane tubing hill.

Warm Springs Inn - Winter

Cozy Lodgings

From well-appointed hotels in the heart of the community, to amazing bed and breakfasts in the quiet of the country, there are many great options for your stay with our partners in Chelan County:

Beaver Valley Lodge, Plain
Mountain Springs Lodge, Plain
Enzian Inn, Leavenworth
Linderhof Inn, Leavenworth
Hilton Garden Inn, Wenatchee
Residence Inn, Wenatchee
Warm Springs Inn & Winery, Wenatchee
Campbell's Resort, Chelan
Darnell's Resort, Chelan
Midtowner Motel, Chelan
Mountain View Lodge, Manson

Find accommodations for the dates you hope to visit here:

Watchable Wildlife

Bighorn Ram

Bighorn Sheep

From Wenatchee toward Chelan be on the lookout for Bighorn Sheep near the road - sometimes even ON the road, watching you as you watch them! Highway 97A follows the Columbia River most of the route between Wenatchee and Pateros. Just outside of Wenatchee we often encounter a herd of Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) who call the Swakane Wildlife Area home. Bighorn sheep get their name from the large, curved horns on the males, or rams. The ewes (females) also have horns, but they are short, and only slightly curved. They are well known for their ability to climb high, steep, rocky areas, and the talus hillsides along the side of the road allow you opportunity to witness their agility. 

Read more about our local herds here: https://www.cascadeloop.com/articles/wildlife-viewing-bighorn-sheep

Bird watching birding wildlife viewing

Bald Eagles

Bald Eagles migrate south from Alaska during the winter, and they can be found in large numbers along river valleys of the Cascade Loop in January and February. Look in the tree tops as you travel through Chelan County along the Wenatchee River to the Columbia River, and north to Lake Chelan!

Read more about identifying these majestic birds here: https://www.cascadeloop.com/articles/birding-bald-eagles 

Mountain View Lodge Winterfest Ice Sculpture

Winter Events

The Christmas Lights in Leavenworth stay lit until February! So if you miss "Christmastown" events, you can still see the lights during Winter Karneval weekends in January!

Lake Chelan celebrates with Small Town Holidays through January 1st followed by Winterfest January 12th - 21st with intricate ice sculptures, two spectacular fireworks shows, the infamous ice bar, live music, a snow slide and more across both downtown Chelan and Manson!

Experience the Village of Lights in Manson throughout the winter -- with kids activities and fun winery events!

Indoor Entertainment

When you are ready to warm up indoors, after playing in the snow, there are amazing museums, tours and shopping experiences to entertain young and old alike! 

Aplets & Cotlets Candy Kitchen Tour

Take the free tour of their old world kitchen to see how the delicious fruit and nut confections are made.

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Greater Leavenworth Museum

Leavenworth history and exhibits on the Wenatchi/p'squosa tribe, and the Great Northern Railroad

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Pybus Public Market

A year-round marketplace for restaurants, wine and food vendors and local craftsmen

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Rocky Reach Discovery Center

Steer a steamship, take a virtual flight, crank a turbine – it’s fun for all ages

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Wenatchee Valley Museum

11,000-year-old Clovis points; first trans-Pacific flight; working model railroad; apple industry history

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Lake Chelan Boat Company

Three tour boats cruise to Stehekin and the North Cascades National Park area for day-trips, or choose to stay overnight

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Wine Tasting in Chelan Valley

Vineyards surround one of the largest lakes in the US and the unique climate, soil, and physical features allow the ability to grow fantastic grapes and produce award-winning wines.

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Historic Ruby Theatre

Offering first run movies for the whole family for the last 109 years, and special events with a 1919 Wurlitzer Model “O” photo player.

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Chelan County Winter Scenes

Hiking above Lake Chelan in Winter

Thanks to our partner Visit Chelan County for funding support