North Cascades and Mazama: A Natural Gem

One of the beautiful areas we discovered during our travels this summer is Mazama, Washington, located along the North Cascades National Park.

 At 5,020 feet, the Goat Wall, part of the Goat Peak trail, starting from the small town of Mazama, you will see breathtaking views of pasture lands along the Methow River. The picturesque site is surrounded by jagged peaks that surround Washington Pass. As icing to the cake of natural beauty, were the bountiful wildflowers of blue, yellow and orange.

The quaint town of Mazama, which means "mountain goat" in Spanish, with a population of 230, is part of the Methow Valley trail system of nordic skiing, mountain biking, and hiking.

To get there from the Seattle area, one goes on the North Cascades Highway, a scenic route along the Cascade Loop, passing through 'Lord of The Rings' scenery as the Liberty Bell of the glacier-clad Washington Peak. National Geographic calls the North Cascades National Park the "American Alps".

Map of Goat Wall: http://www.trailbehind.com/Goat%20Wall/#get_map_from_node/2294316

Leavenworth: Profiled Destination

Leavenworth - A destination for all seasons

What we like about Leavenworth are the various activities for all seasons. Sledding and sleigh rides in the Winter. Swimming and river rafting in the Summer. Golf and hiking in the Spring and Fall. And a sausage stand which offers a delicious respite from your activities all year round.

Courtesy of Leavenworth Visitor's Guide

Courtesy of Leavenworth Summer Theatre

Sledding

You don't have to go far to go sledding. Right in the city is a hill appropriate for sledding. They even provide hay bales to cushion your ride at the bottom of the hill. Plus you will take in the fairy tale view of holiday lights throughout Main Street. There is a tubing hill at the Leavenworth Winter's Sports Club for ages 8 and up. http://www.skileavenworth.com/tubing

Sleigh rides

It is a picturesque ride with snowflakes falling on your face, and views of snow covered trees. The horses gallop along with you in tow, around the natural beauty of Leavenworth's forests.