Rafters Beach sits along the Wenatchee River in Leavenworth, accessed via the Bear Trail that winds through the riverside forest connecting Enchantment Park and Waterfront Park. This aptly named beach serves as a popular put-in and take-out spot for commercial rafting companies and recreational tubers enjoying the Wenatchee River's exciting whitewater and calm float sections. The beach features sandy and gravelly areas perfect for staging rafting equipment, relaxing between river runs, and watching the constant parade of colorful rafts, kayaks, and inner tubes floating past during peak summer months. Located within the network of trails that create a 1.4-mile loop system through Leavenworth's riverside parks, the beach offers easy access just minutes from downtown's Bavarian shops and restaurants. The clear mountain waters of the Wenatchee River flow past with varying intensity depending on seasonal snowmelt, creating class I through class IV rapids upstream that make this one of Washington's premier whitewater rafting destinations. Mature cottonwoods and pines provide shade along the riverbank, while views extend across the water to the dramatic Cascade Mountain peaks that feed the river with glacial melt throughout summer.
Whitewater rafting dominates the activity scene at Rafters Beach, with multiple commercial outfitters including Wildwater River Guides, River Recreation, Osprey Rafting, and Blue Sky Outfitters launching trips that typically cover 15 miles from Leavenworth to Cashmere over 3-4 hours. Trip options range from family floats suitable for children as young as 4-5 years old with class I and II rapids, to classic trips for ages 9-12 and up featuring moderate whitewater, to advanced class IV adventures for experienced rafters ages 14-16 and up. The rafting season runs April through September, with costs typically ranging from 70 to 100 dollars per person depending on the trip type. Tubing is tremendously popular for those seeking a more relaxed river experience, with commercial outfitters offering tube rentals and transport when the river flow drops to safer levels around 900 cubic feet per second. Swimming and wading attract visitors during summer low-flow periods, though life jackets remain essential and legally required for children under 12 due to persistent currents. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding provide additional ways to experience the river, with rental options available from various Leavenworth outdoor retailers. The surrounding Bear Trail system offers walking and wildlife observation opportunities, with deer, osprey, eagles, and songbirds frequently spotted along the riverside corridor.
After river adventures at Rafters Beach, downtown Leavenworth's restaurants are within easy walking distance. Kokopelli Grill near the waterfront serves Pacific Northwest cuisine featuring local fresh seafood including award-winning smoked salmon chowder, grilled wild salmon with seasonal vegetables, pan-seared halibut, Dungeness crab cakes, and perfectly prepared steaks, all complemented by the chef's famous prickly pear salad dressing and views from the upstairs bar area. Larch Handcrafted Pasta and Cocktails showcases Chef Ben Herreid's artisan pasta including wild mushroom fettuccine with roasted garlic cream, dungeness crab ravioli with brown butter and fresh lemon, seasonal pappardelle with local lamb ragu, and northwest-inspired small plates paired with creative craft cocktails. Next Door Gastropub features fresh local ingredients in an extensive menu including gourmet burgers with creative toppings, shareable appetizers like loaded nachos and wings, hearty sandwiches, seasonal salads, and full dinner entrees, complemented by ten rotating craft beer taps and a playful wine list. Mana provides elevated wellness dining with a prix fixe 7-course tasting menu highlighting locally sourced organic produce, Alaskan snow crab with citrus emulsion, pan-seared halibut with herb puree, and thoughtfully composed vegetarian options in intimate 2.5-3 hour seatings. Andreas Keller Restaurant delivers authentic Bavarian atmosphere with rotisserie-broiled chicken, schweinshaxn pork knuckle, house-made bratwurst and knockwurst, traditional German potato salad, and imported sauerkraut, accompanied by German beers and live accordion music.
