Recreation
Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery (NFH) provides several popular on-site recreational public uses on the facility grounds. These are offered by hatchery staff:
- Guided and Self-Guided Hatchery Tours – We are open every day except Christmas from 8:00am – 4:00 pm and offer daily self-guided tours. Guided tours may be arranged, at least two weeks in advance, upon request.
- Icicle River Nature Trail - Our one-mile loop trail is fully accessible and offers a rare opportunity to see spawning salmon. This is a non-strenuous trail for families and nature enthusiasts.
- Watchable Wildlife viewings - Two wildlife viewing blinds as well as several benches along the trail provide opportunities to rest and enjoy nature in action.
- Birding - This is a birder’s paradise with frequent sightings of the American Dipper, Western Tanager, Rufus Hummingbird, and many more. An Eagle Scout project exhibits many bird nesting houses along with descriptions a few featured species.
- Winter Wildlife Snowshoe Tours – Volunteer naturalists provide weekend guided tours of the nature trail after it has been blanketed by snow. Snowshoes and poles are provided. Reservations must be made in advance.
The recreational opportunities listed below are coordinated through the Special Use Permit system of the Department of the Interior. These uses include:
- Summertime horseback rides (Icicle Outfitters)
- Leavenworth Summer Theater
- Rafting and Tubing on Icicle Creek (Osprey Rafting, Tube Leavenworth)
- Winter horse-drawn sleigh rides (Icicle Outfitters)
- Cross Country Skiing (Leavenworth Winter Sports Club)
- One day events:
- Washington State Special Olympics
- Leavenworth Marathon
- Arbor Day
- Friends of Northwest Hatcheries Programs
- Winter ski events
Check out the fishing opportunities and regulations at the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife website.
