Leavenworth, Washington, is a place for locals and tourists to find old growth forests, wildflower meadows and pristine alpine water ways. This town is known for its backpacking, hiking and overnight trails. Springtime in a town like Leavenworth means getting out on the trails and seeing beautiful snow-capped mountains. These pathways are reviewed by the locals of Leavenworth as well as the students at Cascade High School. Many CHS students and staff enjoy hiking during the springtime and might pass by some of their peers on popular trails in town: Icicle Ridge, The Enchantments, Colchuck and Tumwater. Teyva Dillon’s (10) favorite hike is The Enchantments because, “it’s so pretty, like a little paradise.” She also likes it because of its “little streams systems, and the goats with their baby goats.”
Although students at CHS mostly hike in Washington there are a few students who adventure out of the state. Cassidy Gillespie’s (11) favorite hike is Deer Creek Falls in Grand Canyon, Arizona, it’s her favorite because, “it’s the prettiest hike I’ve been on and it's in my favorite place in the world.” Deer Creek Falls is considered a relatively hard hike with an incline and many rocks in the way, but all of this pays off with views of a 50-foot waterfall at the end of the trail. Even though most people at Cascade walk to trails, some of the students do more than the walk.
Dylan Munly, a Junior at Cascade High School, hikes, bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Munly loves the more local trails, consisting of Saddlerock trail in Wenatchee which he enjoys because, “there’s a swing at the top with an amazing view.” As well as the local hikes, Dylan likes to bike on the Ski Hill paths, his favorites are called The Nut which he bikes up and when he goes down, he takes the Ribbed trail. The Nut is a steep trail with a lot of twists and turns while the Ribbed path has jumps and a smooth flow. Munly likes to stop at the top and look at the viewpoint of Leavenworth, while he sits at the top, he snacks on granola bars and drinks water. He also brings some friends and has a good attitude. While Dylan loves to bring his granola bars, there are more students who come fully prepared for adventure ahead of them. Tonio Aurilio’s (12) essentials for his adventures are, “canned tuna, beef jerky and gummy bears.” Additional supplies Tonio likes to bring are, “a hammock to sleep in, light stove, water filter, sleeping bag, and Chaco’s.” The bulk of the students at CHS love to hike but some would love to learn.
Granted that the ultimate majority of the students and staff love to go on hikes, some people would love to get into the hobby. The staff at Cascade love to hike and want everyone to be involved with the scenery we have in Leavenworth. Mr. Bard, a math and science teacher at the high school, loves “the scenery and how it sends you into the present, the moment where you are enjoying your time.” Mr. Bard wants the best for all his students and wants everyone to get involved with the sports and outside activities CHS offers. Cassidy Gillespie also has advice to give new hikers: “The hike is always worth it and pretty all the way. Definitely hike with friends because it’s more fun and even if you’re tired just push through it for the view.”
Whether you like or don’t like hiking you should still try and get out there to enjoy those views and the nice spring time whether.
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