How to Float the River in Leavenworth, WA: Access Points, Free Shuttle, and Tube Rentals (2026)

The Wenatchee River runs right through Leavenworth, and from roughly mid-June to mid-September, floating it is the best free attraction in the valley. The short version: rent a tube in town or bring your own, launch near the Icicle Road bridge, take out at Waterfront Park downtown, and ride the city's free river shuttle back to your car.

Guests ask us about this more than anything else in summer. Here's everything we tell them.

When to Float

The season runs mid-June through mid-September, depending on water levels. Early season means faster current and colder water — you'll finish the float quicker and you'll feel it. By August the river is warm, slow, and shallow in spots. Both are good. They're just different trips.

Outfitters watch the flow rate closely. Most won't run tubes until the Wenatchee drops to around 900 cubic feet per second, which usually happens by late June or early July. If you're planning a trip in June, check with a rental company before you count on floating.

Best time of day: late morning. Around 11 AM the air is warm enough that cold water feels good, and you're ahead of the afternoon crowd.

The Two Main Routes

The Bridge River access point at 8801 Icicle Road to Waterfront Park.

This is the classic Leavenworth float. You launch at the bridge just south of town on Icicle Road, drift past the golf course, and take out at Waterfront Park downtown. Expect 1 to 3 hours depending on flow and how often you stop. There are islands and beaches along the way worth stopping for. Blackbird Island, near the take-out, is a good one.

The Icicle Creek float (early season: late June to mid-July).

Put in at the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery at 8025 East Leavenworth Road and float Icicle Creek down to the Wenatchee and into town — about 4 miles, usually 2 to 4 hours. The water is genuinely cold, it's snowmelt off the Enchantments. No rapids. This route closes when flows drop in mid-July, partly to protect fish in the low, warm water.

Where to Rent Tubes and Gear

Three outfitters handle most of the tubing in Leavenworth. All of them include life jackets and shuttle service to the launch, so if you rent, your logistics are solved.

Leavenworth Outdoor Center — Located right at Waterfront Park downtown. In 2026 their 4-mile float runs June 13 through around July 19, and the 2-mile float runs July 3 through September 13. They rent dog tubes and cargo tubes for coolers, and they include frisbee paddles, which sounds like a gimmick until you're trying to steer. If you want the easiest possible experience, start here.

Osprey Rafting Company — Trips meet at Happy Wave Beach, about 2 miles east of town on Highway 2. Their adventure tubing route has small rapids and fewer crowds. This is the pick if a lazy float sounds too lazy. Icicle Ridge Winery is across the road for afterward.

River Riders — Also on Highway 2 east of town, near mile marker 102. Commercial-grade tubes with handles and cup holders, $30 per person, reservations recommended. They're strict about water levels, which is a good sign in an outfitter.

If you have your own tubes, skip the rental and use the free shuttle instead.

The Free Leavenworth River Shuttle

This is the part most visitors don't know about.

The City of Leavenworth runs a free river shuttle in summer, operated with Wenatchee Valley Shuttle, connecting the main put-ins and take-outs.

Here's the pattern that works: drop your group and gear at the launch site first. Drive to the East Leavenworth Public Boat Ramp and park. Hop the free shuttle back to the put-in, meet your group, and float. When you take out, your car is waiting.

Shuttle rules worth knowing: no alcohol on board, no pets (service animals are fine), no smoking or vaping, and gear capacity is limited — deflate what you can. Check the City of Leavenworth river shuttle page for current stops and hours before you go, since the route and schedule are set each season. Typically it's on the weekends.

The shuttle runs along Icicle Road, which happens to be our road. If you're staying with us, you're a quick walk to launch before most visitors have found parking.

DIY or Outfitter?

Go with an outfitter if you don't have tubes, you want life jackets and gear handled, or it's your first time on this river. The rental cost buys you zero logistics.

Go DIY with the free shuttle if you have your own tubes and want the float to cost nothing. You'll handle your own safety gear, so bring real life jackets, not pool floaties.

What to Bring

• Life jackets — required with outfitters, smart regardless
• Water shoes or sandals with straps. The take-outs are rocky.
• Dry bag for phone and keys
• Sunscreen, water, and a hat you don't mind losing
• A cooler tube if you're renting one — no glass on the river
• Not alcohol. It's prohibited on this stretch and rangers do check.

Float the River, Then Hear It All Night

The Icicle Road launch is a few minutes from All Seasons River Inn. Float to town in the afternoon, ride the shuttle back, and spend the evening on your private balcony above the Wenatchee River — the same water you just floated, minus the crowds. Seven rooms, king beds, and river views from every one.

Check availability and book direct →