Waterfront Park Walking Trails Photo Journey
In Leavenworth Washington
Waterfront Park is one of Leavenworth's best kept secrets.
The trails wind along the Wenatchee River and through quiet riverbank forests. There are benches for sitting and interpretive signs to explain the natural and cultural history of the area. Throughout the park there are small beach inlets that are perfect for swimming on hot summer days. This is also a great birding site in the Spring or a place to spot salmon making their upstream journey in the Fall. The trail is accessible a block behind the Icicle Village Resort and will take you along the river, over Blackbird Island, and out in downtown Leavenworth. The trail is flat so you can just relax and enjoy the views. Click on the map to download a larger color version.
Open
printable Waterfront Park trail map
here.
Ride the town trolley back to the Icicle Village Resort after walking along the river to the shops!
click on each of the following pictures to open a larger image...
Washington State
Birding in Leavenworth
The Best Western Icicle Inn is a proud sponsor of the
Harlequin Duck on www.LeavenworthSpringBirdfest.com
“The Four Seasons of
Blackbird Island”
Just a few blocks from the hustle and bustle of downtown
Leavenworth lays a birdwatcher’s haven. Nestled along the
Wenatchee River, Blackbird Island is home and refuge to an
assortment of wildlife. The diverse habitat hosts seasonal
favorites from Bald Eagles and Osprey fishing the rapids, to a
large variety of warblers and other spring migrants. Flashes of
color in the thickets could be a Western Tanager, Lazuli Bunting
or American Goldfinches. Secretive tree nesters such as Wood Ducks
are common, as are a variety of other waterfowl. Canada Geese
follow the river as a flyway and can be heard in almost all
seasons. Black-headed Grosbeaks make short work of wild berry
crops, and their cousins, Evening Grosbeaks, flash black, white,
and yellow as they move about from each food source. The soft
tapping echoing through the snow-covered wood could possibly be a
Northern Flicker, Downy, Hairy Woodpecker or an industrious
Black-capped Chickadee! California Quail can be seen scurrying
through the underbrush and in spring young ones follow their
parents as if on a grand parade. Late summer skies can be laced
with raptors as they prepare to fly south. Turkey Vultures,
Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks, and an occasional falcon ride
the morning thermals. By winter, the power lines are adorned with
hunting American Kestrels and Sharp-shinned Hawks. Walk softly and
you may be treated to a sight of a deer, an otter or even a bear.
Just the gentle flowing of the water, the rustle of the trees and
closeness of wild things is enough to send any curious nature
lover to Blackbird Island.” - Diana Peffer, Leavenworth Chamber
Open
printable Waterfront Park trail map
here.
For a list of area birds please
see www.leavenworthspringbirdfest.com/areabirds.htm
Click to open Great
Washington Birding Trail large map image
To get your copy of The Great
Washington Birding Trail Cascade Loop brochure and map, go to the
Audubon society website at
http://wa.audubon.org/
or call 1-866-wa-birds.
Download a list of
Leavenworth
area featured birding locations from Audubon Society.
You'll also find very useful information on the
North Central Washington Audubon Society birding page at
http://www.ncwaudubon.org/birding.htm
Spring
Bird Festival - May
Experience a weekend celebrating birdsong and exploring the
natural world through birding, geology, wildflowers and
conservation. Art exhibits showcase local talents and a songbird
concert at Canyon Wren Recital Hall caps off a weekend to delight
the senses. The Leavenworth area features spectacular habitats,
ranging from snow-capped mountains to sunny pine forests, attracting
a wide variety of birds. Guided trips and activities range from
leisurely strolls to active hikes and most events are free.
Sponsored by North Central Washington Audubon, the US Forest
Service, US Fish & Wildlife, Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce and the
Icicle Arts, Barn Beach Reserve. See
www.LeavenworthSpringBirdfest.com
to learn more.
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