Ah! Nothing beats the unrivaled beauty of Leavenworth in the Spring. The snow is melting, and the fabulous foliage of the Cascades has begun to blossom. This is when this quaint Bavarian-style town begins to shine, and May is the time to add fantastic springtime activities to your itinerary. From rafting to mountain biking to walking the Blackbird Island trails to golfing along the river—Leavenworth, Washington, is the place to be in May! We’ve pulled out all of the stops and came up with a few of our favorite fun activities and eats for your springtime enjoyment! So, read on to find out the seven best things to in Leavenworth the month of May.

1. Raft the Roaring Rapids around Leavenworth

Our Rafting Companies offer a 3-4 hours adventure on the Wenatchee River that features Class III rapids like “Boulder Bend,” “Rock And Roll,” and “Snowblind.” If floating the river is more your speed, check out paddleboarding where the whole family can enjoy. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon with your friends and family. Paddleboarding generally starts in summer when the river levels have dropped. Check out our recreation page here

2. Peddle Majestic Mountain Bike Trails

Calling all bike warriors! If you love to ride, then the trails in and around Leavenworth are for you. You can choose from the scenic highways and byways or get dirty on some world-class trails like Freund Canyon. For a one-of-a-kind thrill, visit Enchantment Park’s Bike Pump Park—the only paved track on the West Coast. Once you are bitten by the “Leavenworth Trails,” you’ll come back to Leavenworth year after year. For breathtaking views of springtime blossoms, bike the “Fruit Loop.” This route starts in Leavenworth just off of Highway 2 and meanders through Dryden, Peshastin, and Cashmere. As you bike through Peshastin, check out the historical the old cemetery and their 1920’s era “downtown.”

3. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

It’s May in Leavenworth, and that means one thing—good food! May is the time eat well, and all the local eateries go all out to offer the best in local fare. You have the option to dine in, enjoy outside seating, or order take-out! There is no shortage of old-world charm in this Bavarian-themed town, complete with a mix of Pacific Northwest friendliness. After a day of outdoor adventure, non-stop shopping, or experiencing the arts, you’ll be ready to explore their fabulous restaurants that serve up locally sourced cuisine. You can start with a giant pretzel and then feast on brats and beers at your favorite restaurant. That is just the beginning. You’ll also find world-class fare all around town. From Italian treats to South American tapas to hearty pub food to elegant fine dining—nothing beats dining in Leavenworth.

4. Hike the Blackbird Island Trails… and more

Ask anyone what one of the top things to do in Leavenworth is, and you’ll get a resounding—hiking! May is the prime spring hiking season, and there is no end to the trails to tackle. The best place to start is at Waterfront Park and the famous Waterfront Park Trail, which winds along the Wenatchee River. May is a great time to enjoy the sounds of nature with the Cascades as a beautiful backdrop. While you’re there, try the trails up at Ski Hill which are very accessible and close to downtown.

If you’re up for a more adventurous hike, head to the 4th of July Creek Trail for some of the most breathtaking views in the entire Northwest. To access those views, you’ll have to earn it. It’s a very challenging hike and takes hours, but the vistas and wildlife you encounter along the way are definitely worth it! Another great hike is the Icicle Gorge Trail. It’s a more accessible trail that takes you along the Icicle River. Just remember that you’ll need a Northwest Forest Pass for both of these trails.

5. Hit the Links Along the River

It doesn’t matter whether you are a three-handicapper or a duffer; the championship golf courses in and around Leavenworth will not disappoint. Experience majestic mountain vistas as you play the Leavenworth Golf Course. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Wenatchee & Icicle Rivers as you drive the pristine fairways. Keep your eyes open for the abundant wildlife as you play this fabulous course. You’ll want to come back year after year.

If you want to work on your putting stroke, check out the Bavarian-themed mini-golf course at the Icicle Village Resort. You’ll experience mountain goats and waterfalls set among a miniature Bavarian Village or The Enzian Falls for an 18 hole groomed putting course.

6. Shop ’til You Drop

The saying goes that you come to Leavenworth for the scenery and the outdoors, but you stay for the shopping. You’ll find some of the best shops and boutiques in the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth. You’ll find authentic imported treasures like beer steins, cuckoo clocks, nutcrackers, and Christmas decorations, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. The quaint village streets are lined with shops selling wines, handcrafted soaps, and boutique clothing. This part of the Pacific Northwest is also the place to find incredible artisan specialty foods like chocolates, meats, and cheeses. Shops also carry all the gear you need to tackle all of the outdoor adventures that Leavenworth is famous for, such as hiking and biking.

7. Meander Through Leavenworth’s Many Museums

The arts scene is alive here in Leavenworth, and the Nutcracker Museum leads the way. This fascinating museum boasts a collection of more than 7,000 nutcrackers from all over the world. You’ll learn the history of these fascinating gadgets and see how different cultures fashioned them. The ancient Roman nutcracker is a showstopper. Also, check out the nutcrackers created out of unusual materials—you’ll be amazed! After you’ve checked out the history of nutcrackers, head to the the Upper Valley Museum. The curators will be eager to teach you all about the area’s rich history, from the first Wenatchi people to the present day. You’ll also find out about Leavenworth’s unique history of lumber and railroads. You’ll find something for everyone in Leavenworth!