Submitted by phro321 t3_z5657l in Washington
Any tips or recommendations for going to Leavenworth from Portland? I’m a travel worker wanting to go to Leavenworth for a couple of days. It looks like Amtrak Portland to Seattle then Seattle to Leavenworth is my best bet. Thoughts?
Hotel stays?
Tours/activities around this time?
Not traveling there for work, just going for leisure.
Have you checked the train Schedule for Leavenworth? I think getting from Seattle to Leavenworth via train isn't as convenient as you might be envisioning.
Yea it is two trains to get there but I get off of work the morning of so I’ll have time to sleep the two train rides. They’re two 3+hr train rides.
As long as you've seen that there's only one train per day from Seattle to Leavenworth, and that you'll arrive from Portland hours before it departs.
Of course. It’s booked. I used my abacus to calculate the arrival and departure to coincide with the same Seattle train station and according to my astronomy book I bought at Walmart shows that the sun should be in the right coordinates for punctual timing.
Wow. Even your passive aggression is delusional. Fuck's wrong with you? Why would you respond like this? You're here asking for local advice aren't you?
You haven’t given me any advice or even recommended something for me to do/see. Only petty comments about my trip worried about the train schedule.
You’re all up and down this post being an ass, calm down lol
The Leavenworth train station isn't terribly convenient if you're on foot with anything more than fits in a backpack. Especially with snow on the ground. Rideshare services are an option. You might also want to ask the lodge you're staying at if they offer rides.
Between now and the end of the year, there are various special events happening in Leavenworth, some really cool stuff too! In previous years, the city planned a big festival around the lighting ceremony (when they turned on all the Christmas lights), but this year they are already lit and there are just various activities and things happening on evenings and weekends. Here’s a little more info:
https://leavenworth.org/calendar/ A little ways down on that page there is a pretty good calendar with info!
As far as travel, from Portland you are probably best suited heading up north on I5 then cross at snoqualmie pass, then north past ellensburg, but that’s of course weather dependent!
I’m a Floridian and super scared to drive anywhere there could be snow let alone drive for +4hrs. The train may take longer but I could enjoy the ride.
A train ride would certainly be a wonderful experience! IMHO this region is one of the most beautiful in the world, it would be a great chance to take it in and not worry about the stress of driving!
I will say though, unless it’s a brand new huge dump of snow, the crews over our passes do a great job of keeping the roads as safe as possible.
How the eff are you going to get from Seattle to Leavenworth without driving anywhere there could be snow?
For lodging, there are a few places with availability, even over a couple different weekends. If you go say from dec 8 - 11, the Howard Johnson is only around the upper 200s each night on avg.
What's a travel worker?
How will you get from Seattle's Union Station to Leavenworth?
These people are harsh and no fun. Leavenworth downtown is a beautiful fun little tourist trap this time of year that really brings out the Christmas spirit. Fun places to eat and shop, and fun things to do in the area. I took my family on a sleigh ride a couple of years ago and we had a blast. You get out of it what you put into it.
Thank you. Very much. I appreciate the positivity here. I hope to enjoy the atmosphere and scenery. It’ll be my second time in snow so it’s all worth it to me. Some coworkers told me about this place and they go annually. Also just for clarity I use to live next to Disney world and I would still go regardless Of the touristy feel. It was about my enjoyment and it was super humid as usual in Florida so this is a big difference and a break from the heat
Leavenworth this time of year is pretty, but booked up a year ahead of time. If you really want to go, set up a hotel room for next year. Or make it a day trip.
recently posted in a similar thread but thought i'd share here: you could potentially take the wenatchee valley shuttle from seatac or bellevue to the "big y/peshastin park and ride" and take a taxi/rideshare/link bus (free) from there.
You’re probably not going to find lodging this time of year and there’s really only one day worth of activities.
Are you renting a car to drive over from Seattle? If not you’re going to have to get a bus ticket which is $$ and the buses require reservations.
Personally I’d go to Port Townsend or Poulsbo. Both have the European feel, and they don’t have half the crowds with more to do.
Port Townsend has a European feel?:?!
*looks around him*
*scratches head*
It’s literally a Victorian Seaport modeled after Seaports in England.
No… It is a seaport that was built during the Victorian times. Not the same thing. Townsend wasn’t “modeled” after anything, it was just built to the standards of the day architecture wise.
It's "Victorian" because of the era it was built in, not because of England. I live in PT and before COVID we spent three months each year living in Amsterdam. Your description is puzzling.
Finally sound advice. I will definitely look in to those other towns.
Faux Bavarian town created by the Chamber of Commerce rocks your world as a tourist destination. Enjoy the illusion. Levenworth doesn't have Bavarian roots in early settlement. Total bullshit.
I wouldn’t be traveling to Leavenworth for the Bavarian stuff - real Bavaria is closer to me. But I will be touring the Pacific Northwest next summer and was still planning to spend a few days here, as Leavenworth seems useful as a starting point for some Cascades exploration. Am I right or wrong then? Fully appreciate that there will be better spots in the Cascades, but also need something relatively central as we don’t want to spend whole days traveling to our base for a few days only. Thanks!
Cle Elum and Winthrop are much nicer townscapes and vibs. for a few days stay in my book. Both well located for high country access and less expensive and touristy than Leavenworth. Personal preference. Cashmere is also well located for the Wenatchee/Icicle River drainages.
I understand. I hope to enjoy either way.
How far it has come from faux Bavarian village wishing upon a star to become a tourist trap selling overpriced fudge. Not just a place to slow down as you turn onto Icicle Creek Road. No.You no longer wish upon:
You are the star! A shining sun! Travel professionals now wish to visit you by train and go on guided tours! Spas with Alpine views! No accomodations available less than six months in advance, pay $500 deposit which we will hold the entire time! Hooray!
Poor Leavenworth. I lament thee but did I ever know thee? Perhaps I only judged thee by thy Enchantments. For that I forgive all thy sins.
I call it Leavenworthless.
phro321 OP t1_ixv20yf wrote
Ok great news. I booked Bavarian lodge for this coming week and train rides. I looked up the other towns mentioned but I think this town has got what I want to spend my money on. Gonna be awesome. Thanks got all your help everyone.. I’ll try the fudge too and I’ll purchase it with hard earned cash.