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The Best Backpacking in Leavenworth

Looking for the best backpacking in Leavenworth? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Leavenworth. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top backpacking spots in and near Leavenworth

  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Winter Camp at Nada Lake

    10.6 mi / 3800 ft gain
    Being one of the lucky recipients of an Enchantments overnight permit can't happen for everybody. So, for the rest of us, taking to the mountains in the winter is an awesome way to bypass this system and experience the central Cascades in a completely different, colder way. The suffering is almos...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Climb Prusik Peak's West Ridge

    18 mi / 5000 ft gain
    The Enchantments are an amazing experience in themselves.  Yet one of the most striking features of any hike into the core zone of the Enchantments is that of Prusik Peak.  This pyramid like spire rises dramatically from the many puddle lakes and boulder fields you pass along your way.  With it's...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    The Enchantments Mountain Run

    5.0
    18 mi / 6000 ft gain
    At the Snow Lake Trail, you start at a elevation of 1400 feet and run up to Nada Lake 5000 feet at 5.6 miles. From here, you make your way to Lower and Upper Snow Lake, 2.2 miles. There are a lot of campsites in this area, but you have to apply to stay the night at these lakes. You will need to...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Run to Lower Wildcat Lake

    1.0
    Friday after work I headed out to Snow Lake Trail and found my perfect camping spot. There is a sign that says no Camping but I broke the rule since I got the ok from the Forrest Department of Agriculture. Spent the night at Snow Lake and then Saturday I ran over to Gem Lake and notice no one t...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    The Enchantments: Leprechaun Lake via Snow Lake Trailhead

    4.7
    19.57 mi / 5948 ft gain
    The Alpine Lakes Wilderness named “The Enchantments” draws explorers from all over the world. On a four day backpacking trip you can take day trips from camp to explore over a dozen crystal clear lakes, summit surrounding peaks, and camp at an alpine lake of your choice! Before you set out to c...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Snow Lakes Trail (Leavenworth)

    16.12 mi / 4508 ft gain
    Known primarily as one of the entrance routes to the Enchantments, the trek to Snow Lakes is a beautiful area to set up base camp or to simply enjoy on its own. The trail starts out at the Snow Lakes Trailhead off Icicle Creek Rd. - you'll immediately drop down from the parking lot to cross the r...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Winter Camping in Leavenworth

    It's an easy day hike to the Ridge of only 2.5 miles. On the ridge you can relax and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains and a view of Leavenworth. I went into the Rangers office to ask for a good spot to take night time photos and this is one of the areas they suggested. Make sure you ge...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Backpack to Lake Caroline in the Enchantments

    5.75 mi / 3100 ft gain
    From Leavenworth, WA head down Icicle Creek road and head to the Eightmile Lake Trailhead.The backpack starts at roughly 3270 feet of elevation and the highest point of the hike is 6300 feet. To start you will hike through a very beautiful and forested area for a while before getting into a burn ...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Eightmile Lake

    4.0
    6.76 mi / 1496 ft gain
    Beginning at the trailhead, fill out a self-issued permit allowing you to stay overnight. Start your trek heading upwards at an elevation of 3300 feet. As you become adapted to the trail, you will start to realize it is maintained and well groomed. In addition, The 1300 feet of elevation gained t...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Climb to the Summit of Colchuck Peak

    12.5 mi / 5300 ft gain
    Getting There: From US2 in Leavenworth, Washington, turn onto Icicle Creek Rd. Drive 8.2 miles and turn left on Forest Service Road 7601—you might be able to spot it more easily as the turnoff for the Bridge Creek Campground. In 3.7 miles, you'll arrive at the Stuart Lake Trailhead parking lot; w...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Snowshoe to Colchuck Lake

    3.3
    16 mi / 3000 ft gain
    From Leavenworth, head south on Icicle Creek rd for 8.2 miles until you reach USFS rd 7601. This road isn't plowed and is blocked by a locked gate about one quarter mile from where it intersects with Icicle Creek Road (usually from November to May), so parking at the intersection is probably your...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Scramble to the Summit of Dragontail Peak

    16 mi / 7000 ft gain
    Getting There From Leavenworth, WA, drive Icicle Creek Road for 8.5 miles until you reach Bridge Creek Campground. Turn left here onto Forest Service Road #7601 signed for the Stuart Lake Trailhead. The pavements ends and the road gains elevation quickly as your car transports you high above the ...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Hike to the Enchantments' Horseshoe Lake

    1.0
    16 mi / 6000 ft gain
    Getting There From Leavenworth, WA, drive Icicle Creek Road for 8.5 miles until you reach Bridge Creek Campground. Turn left here onto Forest Service Road #7601 signed for the Stuart Lake Trailhead. The pavements ends and the road gains elevation quickly as your car transports you high above the ...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    The Enchantments: Stuart Lake Trailhead to Snow Lake Trailhead

    5.0
    18.02 mi / 4626 ft gain
    There are a couple different ways to tackle this hike through the stunning Central Cascade region. I recommend checking out this handy resource for more detailed info. Bottom line: this is an absolutely amazing hike for people willing to take a little bit of an ass kicking. Aasgard Pass rises 1,...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Backpack to Ingalls Creek

    3.0
    11 mi / 1450 ft gain
    As attempting to find a good overnight spot, I stumbled upon the mostly overlooked Ingalls Creek trail. Seemingly easy to get to, this seemed like a solid option for Spring camping. When we arrived, there were about four other cars in the parking lot, and my guess is that was about how many cars ...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Climb Mount Stuart

    5.0
    Global climbing legend Fred Beckey once said, "[Mount Stuart is] without a rival as the crown peak in the central Cascades of Washington, Mount Stuart has been pronounced the single greatest mass of exposed granite in the United States".To ascend the mountain by is easiest route, the Cascading Co...
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