A Spontaneous Weekend in Leavenworth, Washington: Snow, Reindeer, and Scenic Hot Springs

A recent weekend in Washington State was far from what I expected – it was a whirlwind, spontaneous trip that turned out to be one of the most memorable getaways! On Monday night, my friend Melissa messaged me about visiting Leavenworth for the weekend. Naturally, my first question was, “What’s out there?” as I immediately scrolled through Instagram for the geotag. Endless photos of a picturesque Bavarian town, a reindeer farm, and, best of all, SNOW! But the real reason behind our Leavenworth visit wasn’t just that. Melissa had secured a reservation at a dreamy spot that had been on her bucket list, and the weather conditions were perfect to make it happen!

So, what does a girl from Southern California wear when she’s headed to the Cascade Mountains of Washington in winter? Well, nothing remotely suitable! Thankfully, Amazon Prime saved the day (as usual) for last-minute planning. If you’re planning a last-minute winter trip to Leavenworth, check out my Amazon storefront for some items that helped me survive the chill!

Standing in front of Rhein Haus

3 Hours in Downtown Seattle

We had separate flight bookings to Seattle on Saturday, and I arrived much earlier than expected, giving me a few hours to explore Downtown Seattle before heading to Leavenworth.

Car Rental Surprise:

Originally, we planned to take public transport for just $3 each way, and store our luggage at the SmartCarte at the airport ($8 per bag). But upon landing, I checked car rental prices one last time, and they dropped dramatically. For just $26, I secured a rental car—an amazing deal! With this sudden change, our adventure took off right from the airport.

What to Do with 3 Hours in Downtown Seattle?

Pike Place Market

A must-visit spot in Seattle! I’d been before, but I couldn’t resist returning to snap some shots. It’s the perfect place to grab a meal, baked goods, or coffee—especially at the original Starbucks. Parking here was a breeze for $0.25 per 15 minutes. After checking out the long line at Starbucks, we opted for some delicious treats at Piroshky Piroshky—highly recommend the beef and onion piroshki. It’s similar to a Vietnamese pâté chaud.

Rich results on Google's for Seattle SERP when searching for 'things to do in Seattle'

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Located next to the Space Needle, I had been eyeing this place online for years but had never visited. It’s a visual feast, with glass art in every room. The grand finale: a stunning glass ceiling piece in red and orange hues. Tip: There’s a photographer on-site offering free photos for visitors—just use your 18-digit ticket code to retrieve your pics online. One thing to note: Masks are mandatory in this museum, even for photos.

Rich results on Google's for Seattle SERP when searching for 'Chihuly'

After soaking in some culture, we returned the rental and met up with Melissa and Charlie to head towards Leavenworth!

En Route to Leavenworth

Leavenworth is just a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle, which is roughly the distance between LA and San Diego. There are two main routes:

  • Highway 2 East through Skykomish to Leavenworth
  • Highway 90 East and then Highway 97 North to Leavenworth

Leavenworth, Washington: A Bavarian Wonderland

Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth feels like a little piece of Germany. The Bavarian-style town is a photographer’s dream—every corner offers a new Instagram-worthy shot! If you’re lucky enough to visit in winter, it’s even more magical with Christmas decorations still up until February.

Rich results on Google's for Seattle SERP when searching for 'unique places in washington'Rich results on Google's for Seattle SERP when searching for 'leavenworth washington'Rich results on Google's for Seattle SERP when searching for 'winter in leavenworth'

Although the Winter Festival (held around Martin Luther King Jr. weekend) didn’t happen this year due to the pandemic, the festive lights and Christmas market vibes definitely made up for it. After missing out on Europe’s Christmas markets in 2020, this was the perfect substitute.

Where to Eat in Leavenworth

  • Rhein Haus: Known for its long lines (especially during peak season), we waited 45 minutes to be seated in the side area with no views. The food was worth it, though! I loved my bratwurst and giant pretzel. The beer I tried had a tart pear flavor, but I can’t remember the name. Tip: Be the first in line when they open to avoid a lengthy wait.
  • Other Places to Try:
    • Visconti’s Italian Restaurant
    • Fresh Burger Café
    • Munchen Haus
    • The Gingerbread Factory

If you’re a fan of craft beer, make sure to check out Icicle Brewing Company. I didn’t have time to visit, but it’s known as the best local brewery. I did get a cup of Glühwein (mulled wine) at Ludwig’s. While it was good, it didn’t quite compare to the ones in Europe!

Leavenworth Reindeer Farm: A Bucket List Experience

The highlight of my trip was visiting the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm—a true once-in-a-lifetime experience! I thought I’d have to travel all the way to Lapland, Finland to see reindeer, but this farm proved me wrong. Tickets are $20 per person, and you need to make advance reservations. Heads up: if you’ve been around sheep or goats recently, you won’t be able to visit, as they carry a deadly airborne spore for reindeer.

Rich results on Google's for Seattle SERP when searching for 'things to do in Leavenworth' Rich results on Google's for Seattle SERP when searching for 'things to do in washington' Rich results on Google's for Seattle SERP when searching for 'reindeers'

Wenatchee State Park: Winter Wonderland

Located about 30 minutes from Leavenworth, Wenatchee State Park is a scenic gem, particularly in winter when snow blankets the lakes and mountain peaks. It’s popular for snow sledding and picnicking. Parking costs $20, but the lot is small, so plan to arrive early. We spent half an hour circling before finding a spot!

Rich results on Google's for Seattle SERP when searching for 'lake wenatchee'

The drive to Lake Wenatchee is scenic, with views of the mountains, the winding Wenatchee River, and rustic farmhouses. We made a few stops along the way checking out the locations. We also passed by a beautiful barn that I suggested stopping at. As we got closer, there were signs of “No Photography” everywhere. I was disappointed but quickly got over it when I saw the beautiful road alongside the barn. This was hidden from the main road and a true gem!

Beautiful hidden road in Wenatchee

Scenic Hot Springs: The Real Reason for This Trip

The main reason we came to Leavenworth was for Scenic Hot Springs—a hidden, privately owned hot spring that’s accessible only by reservation. Due to COVID restrictions, only one reservation is allowed per day, and the cost is $150 for the entire group.

The hike to the hot springs is 4.4 miles round-trip with an 1,100-foot elevation gain. It’s not easy to find, as the trail is unmarked, and we had to switch between snowshoes and crampons depending on the conditions. Don’t forget to pack microspikes or crampons if you’re visiting in winter!

Hot Spring Etiquette:

  • Keep it clean: No oils, lotions, or soap.
  • Pack it in, pack it out: Leave the area cleaner than you found it.

Pro Tip: Clothing is optional while soaking. It’s your private reservation, so make sure you’re comfortable with your group.

Rich results on Google's for Seattle SERP when searching for 'hot springs in washington'

A Flight to Remember (or Not)

We had every intention of catching our flight back to Seattle that evening, but a major car accident on Highway 2 caused a 5.5-hour delay! What should’ve been a 1.5-hour drive turned into a frustratingly long wait. We missed our original flight and had to rebook for the last one to LAX. Always have a plan B when traveling!