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 over Lake Chelan from your lodgings.
Winter in Chelan County usually means enjoying snow and sun simultaneously -- but even when it isn't sunny, watching fluffy snow fall can be entrancing and relaxing!
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 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).
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 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.
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.
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
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
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!
Thanks to our partner Visit Chelan County for funding support
