Leavenworth is to Washington as Frankenmuth is to Michigan. Both are cheesy "Bavarian-themed" towns full of gift shops, candy factories and enough gingerbread trim to decimate a small forest. One big difference- the mountains! In the 2+ years we've lived in Washington we never made it to the Cascade Loop. The trip was last minute so we didn't have any real plans. We went on a short hike but for the most part just relaxed and enjoyed our surroundings(and the sun). The hiking, biking and rafting looked awesome. We picked up a few maps on our way home and will plan a return trip very soon.

Click here for our photos.