White-Water Rafting

Rafting is popular from March to July; the prime high-country runoff occurs in May and June. The Wenatchee River, which runs through Leavenworth, is considered one of the best white-water rivers in the state—a Class III on the International Canoeing Association scale.

Alpine Adventures. Challenging white-water and relaxing river floats through spectacular scenery are the options here. A Wenatchee River white-water trip with lunch costs $84; a scenic Wenatchee River float (lunch included) is $79. The Methow River drift is $89. An Icicle River run (no lunch) is $49 and fills up fast. Leavenworth, Washington, 98826. 800/723–8386; 509/470–7762; www.alpineadventures.com.

Blue Sky Outfitters. Half- and full-day rafting trips on the Methow and Wenatchee Rivers are offered by this outfitter. They also have snowshoe tours, wine tours, and combination snowshoe-and-wine (or beer) tours in Leavenworth, as well as white-water-and-wine (or beer) tours in Wenatchee. Private rafting trips are available, too. Cashmere Riverside Park, Riverside Dr., Cashmere, Washington, 98815. 206/938–4030; 800/228–7238; www.blueskyoutfitters.com.

Leavenworth Outdoor Center. Rent tubes, rafts, kayaks, paddleboards, and bicycles at this shop, which provides a shuttle to the launch point along the Wenatchee River, and even outfits your pet pooch with a life jacket for a float downstream. 321 9th St., Leavenworth, Washington, 98826. 509/548–8823; www.leavenworthoutdoorcenter.com.

Osprey Rafting Co.. This outfitter offers 4½-hour trips on the Wenatchee River for $78.56, which includes wet suits and booties, transportation, and a barbecue lunch; there's a two-hour "happy hour" trip ($55.46) for travelers short on time. 9342 Icicle Rd., Leavenworth, Washington, 98826. 509/548–6800; 800/743–6269; 509/264–1088; www.ospreyrafting.com.