You reserve your trip and then on the date of your trip, you check in with us at our downtown Leavenworth location. You then get on the van, which gives you a ride to the river launch point. We do a safety briefing and show you how it all works. Then you float down the river and get out just down the hill from our office. Then you walk up the hill and you are back where you started.
We usually keep the float between 1 - 3 hours. We have a 4 mile float on the Icicle River from June-July. That gets too low to float, so in August and September, we go to a 2 mile float on the Wenatchee River. You have the tubes until we close, which is 6pm. Many people will stop on beaches to swim or sunbath, really making the trip an entire afternoon adventure. If you float straight down without stopping, the time will depend on the water level and changes daily. You can ask average float times upon your arrival.
You should wear a bathing suit, sunglasses, hat, and shoes that can get wet. Make sure to wear sunscreen as well! If you forget something, we have essentials available to purchase. You can bring some drinks and snacks as well. When we bring items on the river, we also need to remember to "leave no trace." That means that whatever you bring with you on your river trip, you also take out with you. We have trash and recycling bins in the vans and at the take-out for your convenience. We get to play in these awesome places because people before us have helped to take care of it.
There is a pay lot behind our building that you can use. There is also free parking on the street if you can find it. You can also turn into Waterfront Park at the end of 9th street. Parking is free in the park and also free to park on the hillside of the street. There are pay lots around town, so give yourself plenty of time as you may have to park a few blocks away.
Arrive at your reservation time at our Leavenworth Outdoor Center parking area near Waterfront park. Our check-in times are scheduled every half hour from the hour between our business hours. The rest of the year meet at our base camp at 8025 East Leavenworth Road, near the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery.
Please wear your life jacket, stay hydrated, and apply sunscreen! Follow the safety briefing guidance and make sure to watch out for the signs that will tell you where to go. Also know that we share the river with other river craft. Be aware of fishing boats and lines that may be spanning across the river. Also, while the river is public property, some of the beaches are private. If you see "No Trespassing" or "Do not enter" signs please respect those. There will be other public beaches downstream to enjoy without angering private property owners.
Please reach us at havefun@leavenworthoutdoorcenter.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Yes, we reach our capacity on most days so advance reservations are highly recommended.
You can reschedule or get a full refund if you call or email by 6pm the night before your trip. If you do not cancel by the deadline or do not show up, we do not do refunds. We also do not do refunds or reschedules for poor weather day of your trip. We put people out rain or shine, so check the weather before your trip.
Beginning in May we're open 7 days a week 10-4 for guided rafting and kayak trips and helping you with your summer plans. During the regular season we are open from 10am-6pm 7 days a week. Last trip during summer is 4pm. In September the last trip start time each day is 3pm.
Our tubes are custom designed by us and manufactured right here in Leavenworth. They have a mesh bottom with an additional hammock seat to sit in. It also has an inflatable back rest. There is a pocket for a water bottle and an additional pocket to put sunscreen or flip flops in. We do not have double tubes, though you can connect up to three together, which is ideal for young children. Our kayaks are hard shell sit on top, single kayaks (no tandems). They have a space behind the seat for water and even dry bags. Our paddleboards are inflatable Uli and NRS boards, perfect for beginners and experts alike.
All ages are welcome to go tubing. Each person has to have their own tube, regardless of age, though you can attach the a younger kid's tube to your own. The minimum age for kayaking and paddle boarding is 8 years old. The weight limit for all of our equipment is 250 lbs.
Kids and dogs larger than 10 pounds can get a little heavy on your lap. Kids should have their own tube, even if they are just an infant. We have infant life jackets and you can attach their tube to your own while they lay in the hammock. Dogs less than 10lbs can sit on your lap, but after that, they must have a dog tube. Trust us, it is more enjoyable that way.
These tubes have no seat or backrest. For dogs, flip the tube over, connect it to your own tube and your dog floats on top of the tube. It does come with a dog life jacket. All dogs weighing over 10lbs need their own tube. Cooler tubes also have no seat or backrest and then one of our 48qt coolers fits down inside of it. You can bring your own cooler, but still need to rent a tube. You do need to bring your own ice and fix-ins. We have a no alcohol policy on the river, so make sure you do not bring any alcohol.
We highly recommend that you know how to swim before participating in any river activities. This is not a lazy river at an amusement park with life guards. You are in a natural environment and should feel comfortable in water and fit enough to take care of yourself should you find yourself away from your tube, kayak or paddleboard. We have life jackets and recommend that you wear one.
It is illegal to drink on the rivers in Washington. It is illegal to drink in the parks. It is unsafe. The sheriff and city staff are patrolling and enforcing. There are lots of beer gardens and wineries in Leavenworth for you to enjoy after your trip.
Yes, you can do the float on your own and we'll help with shuttle. Here's how it works: you drop your friends and gear at the launch and while they get everything ready you drive to the end and get a ride back on one of our vans. Free!
Yes, military personnel receive $5 off with valid ID. Not valid Saturdays. When you're making a reservation you can indicate the number of people that are eligible for the discount on the reservation form and then bring your ID with you and if you are a walk in guest you present your ID when you're checking in.
We have free key and bag check in our office to leave your car keys, electronics, and other things you do not want to get wet or lose. We have bathrooms and changing rooms in our equipment area.
We are located at 321 9th street. It is in downtown Leavenworth. From HWY 2, turn onto 9th street into downtown. Go straight on 9th street. We are just after the hospital on your right at the end of the street. You will see paddleboards, bikes, tubes, and kayaks out front.
There's a lot to see and do during your visit in Leavenworth. We hope you'll take a trip with while you're in town, and to make things simple we've partnered with resorts in the Leavenworth area, offering you the best deals on lodging and outdoor recreation. Take a look at our partnering resorts in our shuttle zone and we'll come pick you up for your float!
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