Area Information
The Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest takes place in beautiful Leavenworth, Washington with events and activities throughout the greater Wenatchee Valley. The area features spectacular habitats that are home to a wide array of resident and migratory bird species. It is also a popular tourist destination with a multitude of dining and shopping options, as well as easy access to world-class hiking, mountain biking, rafting, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities. Attendees are invited to make the most of their Bird Fest experience by exploring everything the area has to offer.
Bird Fest is organized by Wenatchee River Institute and North Central Washington Audubon Society. At WRI, you can register and check-in for field trips, get your questions answered, and attend events like Family Day, the Keynote Address, Birders' BBQ, Birders' Happy Hour, and more. Located just downstream from the confluence of the Wenatchee and Icicle Rivers, WRI's 13-acre nature reserve is located in a spectacular setting that features accessible walking trails with panoramic views of the Wenatchee River and the Stuart Range. You're also just steps away from the campus e-Bird route, Waterfront Park, and Blackbird Island - a popular stop on Audubon's Great Washington Birding Trail. It is only a short walk from downtown Leavenworth, but a world away from the hustle and bustle of Front Street.
What to Bring
Expect sunny weather but be prepared for wind, spring showers, and chilly mornings and evenings. It is, after all, spring in the mountains! Wear sturdy footwear and layered clothing. Binoculars are essential for birding! WRI has limited binoculars available for loan. You can check a pair out during check-in for your trip. Spotting scopes, cameras, plant and bird field guides are optional, but recommended for your enjoyment. Please heed special requirements for some field trips. For any field trip requiring carpool, the driver is expected to have their own permit if it is required. If a permit is required, it will be stated in the field trip description.
No pets at Bird Fest events, please.
Getting Here
Wenatchee River Institute has free parking available on site, but it is limited to about 20 vehicles. Visitors are strongly encouraged to walk, bike, or carpool if they are able. There is parking available at various spots in downtown Leavenworth, but can be very limited on festival weekends. Check out parking resources here. Don't want to drive? Check out Link Transit for public transportation throughout the Wenatchee Valley. Link Transit routes are zero-fare for all ages - that's right, it's free!
Restrooms
Public restrooms are available at WRI, behind the band shell at Waterfront Park, at 8th & Commercial Streets, in the Obertal Mall on 9th Street, and in Front Street Park on the west side of the gazebo downtown.
Visit
There is nothing like spring in North Central Washington! Come enjoy everything Bird Fest has to offer, but don't forget to shop, dine and explore "little Bavaria" and beyond. Be sure to book early - accommodations fill up fast! Check out our top picks for businesses to visit below. Need more ideas? Visit the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce. Scroll down to see the live cam of Leavenworth!
Lodging
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Located on Icicle Rd, just a 10-minute drive from WRI, Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort has spectacular views, and excellent opportunities for birding.
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Located just a 5-minute drive from WRI along the Wenatchee River, the KOA gives you an opportunity to camp, bring your RV, or stay in a cabin.
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Located in the heart of Leavenworth, Obertal Inn is located just a couple blocks from WRI. Be sure to treat yourself to some of their tasty strudel, too!
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A great resource for private accommodations throughout Leavenworth, including vacation rentals, cottages, condos, and townhomes.
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A small family-run hotel located just a couple of blocks from WRI! Get the true Bavarian experience with traditional decorations and a German breakfast.
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Just a 5-minute drive from WRI, Blue Elk Inn brings the same comfort of home and community you love to the mountains of Leavenworth.
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Located just around the corner from WRI, you can't stay any closer! They have 8 relaxing suites and 11 deluxe guestrooms to choose from.
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Located 19 miles from WRI, Brunners Lodge is a perfect vacation experience in Plain with many recreational opportunities!
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Located 16 miles from WRI, The Cove Resort is right on Fish Lake with prime fishing and birding opportunities.
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Less than a 5-minute walk from WRI, The Suites on Main is a prime location with great privacy and views.
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A local, cozy guest suite located on Icicle Rd, just a 10-minute drive from WRI and close to beautiful trails.
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A family-friendly resort with many activities on-site, located 1 mile or about a 20-minute walk from WRI.
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Located on Mountain Home Rd, this lodge is the perfection for privacy, seclusion, and birding.
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Located about a 20-minute drive from downtown Leavenworth near Lake Wenatchee, Pine River Ranch is a B&B on a beautiful property.
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The LOGE Downtown is a local hotel and hostel just a couple blocks from WRI. A great space to stay for outdoor enthusiasts!
Dining
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An authentic German biergarten located just a short walk from WRI. A perfect place to enjoy a brew and some German favorites.
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Blending Latin, Mexican, and Cuban cuisine, South Restaurants is a great place to visit for wholesome food and delicious drinks.
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Beer from here! A great location to enjoy a local beer and some small bites with friends. Check out their live music and events, too!
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A local Bavarian grill and beer garden, just a short walk from WRI. A great place to get a bratwurst and enjoy a local brew.
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A local grill and beer garden with a wide range of food. Their onion dome building is iconic as you arrive in Leavenworth.
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Leavenworth's largest biergarten featuring Bavarian drinks and bites with a beautiful view of the town and Front Street Park!
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A local restaurant and grab & go spot for nourishing food, coffee, and snacks, located along Hwy 2 in Leavenworth.
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Located in Leavenworth and Wenatchee, there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy a fantastic Italian dinner.
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An authentic Bavarian experience with a wide swathe of options available including pastas, steaks, and sandwiches.
Shopping
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Support our local wild birds store in Wenatchee! Pick up bird foods and feeders specific for the birds here, and get expert advice!
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Swarovski Optik
Be sure to visit the Swarovski Optik booth at WRI anytime during Bird Fest to pick up some new binoculars and scopes!
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Leavenworth's independent bookstore offering a wide selection of books and gifts, including the featured book in this year's keynote.
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A classic European style chocolate shop located on Front Street, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth after birding all day!
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Our local natural foods store and deli, perfect for a grocery run and a quick bite.
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A must-visit shop in town featuring a wide variety of hats, wooden gifts, and toys.
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Offering fine quality infused Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars to inspire and enhance any meal, dish, or appetizer!
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A local retail store featuring artfully curated art, decor, and apparel by local artisans. Perfect for finding gifts for loved ones!
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The local go-to shop for jewelry hand-crafted by local artists! Also great for other jewelry services like cleaning and repair.
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Calling all plant nerds! This is the perfect shop to visit for your plant fix, purchase local art, and pick up a delicious tea or coffee.
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The perfect place to visit on Front Street if you need gear so you are prepared for your next outdoor adventure.
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Get your gear fix at our local used gear source in Cashmere, just a 15-minute drive from Leavenworth!
Things to Do
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Get out on the river by going kayaking, paddleboarding, rafting, or tubing! The Leavenworth Outdoor Center has it all and is based right in Waterfront Park.
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Learn about the history of Leavenworth and the Upper Valley by visiting our local museum, located downtown on Front Street.
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While you're here, be sure to support our local farmers markets in Leavenworth (Saturday from 9am-1pm) and Cashmere (Sunday from 9am-1pm).
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Located just 1-mile from downtown Leavenworth, visit the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm to meet, interact with, and learn about reindeer!
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Didn't get enough birding in on your trip? Check out some of the many trails managed and protected by CDLT, from hiking to biking, there's a trail for everyone.
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Check out our local indoor climbing gym in Wenatchee! It also has a fitness center, café, and gear shop.
The Wenatchee River Institute is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit. EIN 20-5611326
At the Wenatchee River Institute, we welcome everyone. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
