As the temperatures start to drop, days start to get shorter, and leaves start changing colors. The weather is perfect for a variety of amazing and enjoyable fall activities. The cool, cozy, crisp air makes for perfect biking, running, hiking, and hiking weather. The chilly weather and shorter days are also ideal for grabbing a nice warm cup of coffee and carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns.
Mountain biking is one of the most popular fall activities for students at Cascade High School (CHS). With numerous trails in and around Leavenworth, there is something for even the most inexperienced rider. With six single track trails ranging from beginner to advanced and a network of lower trails, Ski Hill is Leavenworth’s most popular destination for mountain biking. Vincent Slette, a senior at CHS and an avid mountain biker says, Ribbed and Rosy Boa are his favorite trails because, “they have lots of jumps and you can really get going fast. I also like the Ski Hill trails more than anything else in Leavenworth because of how close it is to town and how easy it is to go ride.”
Another recommendable fall activity is simply going for a walk or hike and enjoying the beautiful fall colors. There are many beautiful places around town for a small day hike, trail run, or just a spot to walk the dog. Ski Hill, for example, welcomes hikers to go walk the very same trails. All the trails that connect back into the Ski Hill base area have exquisite views that overlook all of Leavenworth and Mt. Wedge beyond. Besides the views at the tops of the trails, the walks up are stunning with the vibrant fall leaves and pine needles covering the ground. An additional spot close to town with amazing views and beautiful colors is the Old Pipeline Bed trail. This trail is about a mile up Tumwater Canyon and starts with a rustic old bridge crossing the Wenatchee River. Past this is a trail winding along the bank of the river heading upstream. From the trail hikers can see the trees turning red along the river and up Tumwater Mountain in addition to an excellent view of the cold, clear water of the Wenatchee. Another popular spot, and the favorite for sophomore Ben Jerome, is the Ditch, “I love running the Ditch especially right now because of the bright yellow and orange leaves on the trees. I also just like running in the fall because of the cooler weather.” With multiple access points along Dye Road and Dempsy Road, the Ditch is roughly ten miles long and with beautiful views of town the farther out you get. Along the trail, trees canopy overhead with the bright fall that make the scenery even more pleasing.
One of the more favored options for fall activities by CHS students is going downtown to get a cup of coffee as the weather starts to get colder. One spot is Argonaut Coffee and Biscuits, located at 220 US-2, it is slightly out of the downtown scene; however, it has a spectacular view of Tumwater Mountain, and Icicle Ridge from its outdoor pavilion and does not see the huge crowds that the downtown area is known for having. Another popular expresso bar in town is J5. Their store is in the middle of downtown at 215 9th Street and does not have quite the views that Argonaut does. “I like getting coffee at Argonaut way more than J5, I just like the atmosphere of Argonaut more and I think the coffee tastes better,” said Emma Sunitsch, a senior.
Pumpkin carving is a final activity that students at CHS love to do during the fall. Making jack-o'-lanterns is an enjoyable activity to do alone or with friends and family. Leavenworth has a variety of places to find the perfect carving pumpkins including Safeway, Smallwoods, Prey’s Fruit Barn, and more. “I really just like carving pumpkins because thinking of how to carve the pumpkin is fun,” said senior Zoey Sheffield. As the days start to get shorter and Halloween approaches, these jack-o’-lantern’s make a perfect indoor and outdoor decoration.
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