r/PacificNorthwest • u/Doodle-e-doodle-e-do • 2d ago

Road trip tips: Portland - Winthrop - Leavenworth - Portland in late April

We're making a loop trip up through Tacoma (pit stop) to Winthrop to visit some friends there for two nights. From Winthrop we're heading to Leavenworth for two more nights, then back to Portland via 82 & 84. Last weekend of April

Questions: 1) What places are a must see/do in Winthrop? 2) Anything we should definitely check out between Winthrop and Leavenworth? 3) Same for Leavenworth, what is a must see/do?

We're fit and into hitting the trails. It'll be too cold for water recreation but probably not snowy anymore, or so I'm thinking - am I wrong about that? We also love art, music, food, and unique cultural experiences. And a good thrift shop.

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

2

u/BiteImmediate1806 2d ago

Prybus market in Wenatchee. Short trip from Leavenworth.

3

u/Humble_Bodybuilder75 2d ago

The mountains and trails around Winthrop and Leavenworth will be snowbound until late June or July. Not to say there aren't some lowland river trails that will be accessible for your trip! But if you're thinking of hiking any mountainous terrain during that period, you will most likely need more serious gear and snow experience. Check wta.org for trip reports closer to your travel dates to gauge which trails are accessible.

Winthrop and Leavenworth are great towns; you'll have a blast no matter what you do!

1

u/tractiontiresadvised 1d ago

If you're planning on taking the North Cascades Highway (SR 20) to cross the mountains and get to Winthrop, please note that it may or may not be open in late April. (Here is historic data on when that road opens.) If it's closed, your other options will include US-2 (Stevens Pass), I-90 (Snoqualmie Pass), and US-12 (White Pass).