SUMMER ROAD TRIP, DAY 44
Not only is Leavenworth a lovely mountain village, but it is also situated on the crystal clear waters of the Wenatchee River. On a 90 degree summer day, we couldn’t think of a better activity to choose than rafting and floating on the river.
It was a day of mixed emotions and scenic landscapes as we explored Wenatchee. We started out anxious for our day, had tense moments hurdling through rapids and then relaxed completely as we floated along the rolling river.
Related: Things to Do in Leavenworth, WA
Osprey Rafting Company
Osprey Rafting Company, established in 1991, has been providing thrilling river fun and unforgettable memories to Leavenworth’s visitors for over 20 years. They provide trips for every level: high adventure Class IV, moderate Class III, and no sweat Class II trips, as well as family-friendly floats. Osprey guides are experienced and knowledgeable about all things river-related. They provide life jackets, booties and wet suits if needed. No wet suits were needed for us on the hot day. We were looking forward to jumping in the cool water!
Wenatchee River Late Summer Combo
We were on the Late Summer Combo trip which includes three Class III rapids, an inflatable kayak float and a barbecue at the end on Osprey’s private beach. The trip took just under four hours total. We walked to our launching point about 1/4 of a mile up the road and after a semi-alarming safety speech of what to do, not do and all the things that could go wrong but probably wouldn’t, we were off!
We were on a boat with five others, making our raft group a total of eight with the guide. We had a blast navigating and paddling over the water of the Class II and Class III rapids.
“Class 3: Whitewater, small waves, maybe a small drop, but no considerable danger. May require significant maneuvering. (Skill level: Some experience in rafting)”
The water levels of the Wenatchee River are the highest in May, June and early July. As the water level decreases so does the intensity of the rapids. Based on the time of year, the rafting was not considerably intense, but we enjoyed it nonetheless.
After about an hour, we jumped in our kayaks and made our way down the river. We cruised by beautiful cabins, osprey nests and vigorous trees that line the banks. It was so enjoyable, we’re now considering buying a two person inflatable kayak of the same brand that we used, like this one. It was shocking how well they worked even though they were inflatable! Portable and functional are definite selling points.
Our final stop was Osprey’s private beach for hamburgers, hot dogs, watermelon, salsa, and chips. We were starved so the barbecue was a perfect end to the rafting trip.
After the barbecue we hopped in the van to head back. It was a great day to get out on the water and our experience with Osprey Rafting was outstanding.
Know Before You Go
- Osprey Rafting, 9342 Icicle Road, Leavenworth, WA (509) 548-6800
- Reservations recommended (especially weekends)
- Wear sunscreen and/or hat
- Only bring sunglasses if you have a sport band attached
- Wear swimsuit and bring a set of dry clothes (you can change at the office or have them bring it on the bus when they pick up)
- The office will hold your car keys
- Photos of your trip are available at the office
And so our epic 80 day summer road trip continues – 12 U.S. states, 1 Canadian province and 11 national parks. For the upcoming months, I will be sharing with you our highlights, lowlights, adventures, favorite spots, best tips and our thoughts on three months of road tripping and living in a pop up. I’ll try to answer any and all of your questions too!
Miles Driven: 0
Total Road Trip Miles Driven: 6,920
Average Gas Price per Gallon: $2.67
State: Washington
All States Visited: Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, British Columbia & Alberta Provinces
If you would like to see our full itinerary, start at the beginning here. And Start at Day One here.
Thank you Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce and its associates for hosting us. All words and opinions, however, are my own.
Next: Big Birthday Celebration in Leavenworth
Thanks for following along! Have you been rafting? What was your experience like?
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sarah
We love Leavenworth and have been several times both in the summer and at Christmas when the town is all lit up. We’ve never been river rafting there though, will have to do that next time!
Dang Travelers
You must live pretty close then. Nice to have such a cute town close. Kayaking and rafting were tons of fun especially since it was so hot!
Juliette @ Snorkels To Snow
Sounds exhilarating! Have you ever been rafting in New Zealand? There’s the famous Shotover Jet near Queenstown in the South Island which is an iconic activity in NZ!
Dang Travelers
No, but we will get to New Zealand at some point. It’s high on our travel wishlist. We will have to add that to the list when we visit!
Lara Dunning
Looks like a great day on the river. We almost did that a few years ago, but it was really cold and we opted to cancel.
Dang Travelers
The water was refreshing on a hot summer day, but probably would opt out if it was cold. Although I do believe they have wet suits!
Emma Hart | Paper Planes and Caramel Waffles
This looks really fun! I’ve always wanted to go rafting but never really had the chance to go but I’d love to go on a day like this! Especially if there’s a BBQ at the end, that would be ideal.
Dang Travelers
I’d only gone one other time before since I’m bit of a chicken. It was nice getting out on the water!
Tom
Washington State seems to be attracting more and more bloggers, most of them doing outdoors things, and I’m beginning to understand why.
Dang Travelers
We are loving this state! Went to San Juan Islands, Seattle and Olympic Nat’l Park a few years a ago and had a great time exploring there too!
Kerri
This looks so beautiful and always makes me think of summer in the US. Lakes, rivers a boting – such a great combination. Looks like you would have had an amazing time.
Nancy
It’s been a few years since we have been to Leavenworth but love going there. It is truly Germany in the PNW. Christmas is our favorite time to visit but looking at the fun you had rafting and kayaking we just might have to go up and give it a try before the end of summer! Looks like a blast!
Nathan
I’ve never been but this looks like so much fun! I’ve done some rafting before but I’d love to do more.
melody pittman
I’ve seen many Leavenworth posts in the past and fell in love with the idea of visiting but your outdoor adventures really push it over the edge. Leavenworth is looking MUCH better with your contribution, I didn’t know this float and kayaking were options. Looks like a great time was had by all. 😉
Renato Alves
Looks like a fun day spent at the river. Thanks for sharing.