Winter along the Cascade Loop is a spectacular journey. Especially on the east side of the mountains.

Here there is a REAL winter; snow covers the ground and cold crisp air tingles. On the west side of the Cascades, where I live, winter is a standard 40 degrees and drizzly. Its pretty much like that every day from November to March. Its a relief to escape the wet and gray for a few days!

My most recent excursion last week took me over the Stevens Pass Highway (Hwy 2) and to the Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort in Leavenworth. I do not often frequent resorts or hotels, being a backpacker I am happy with my inflatable sleeping pad and bag. My past visits to Leavenworth were passing through on the way to the Enchantments or Glacier Peak Wilderness.

But it being winter and cold and all I decided to give more luxurious accommodations a try.

I spent only one day and night at the Sleeping Lady and so didn’t even get close to trying all the stuff they have there, but what I tried was awesome! The rooms are very warm and comfy, the food at the two restaurants superb (breakfast and dinner are complimentary with a stay) and everyone was very friendly.

The resort is huge with all sorts of things to do, there is a spa, a sauna, a hot tub out side, game room, with pool table, and well lets say that you’ll find no shortage of fun stuff to do there, for all ages.

The place its self is stunning, along Icicle Creek the views are fantastic.

The night before I arrived there had been 6 inches of new snow to add to the Christmas decorations.

The late afternoon was clear, a brief opportunity for me to capture some night sky images.

The night brought 6 more inches of fluffy perfect new snow, a real Winter Wonderland! I am definitely planning more Winter Nights along the Cascade Loop!

Winter along the Cascade Loop