Leavenworth Sleigh Rides at Beaver Creek Lodge was an absolute must-do during my trip and made even…read moremore special because it was my very first experience in the snow. Being from Hawaii, this was both exciting and exhilarating to say the least. The lodge is about a 30-minute drive from where we were staying at the Obertal Inn. We purchased our tickets online ahead of time, which I highly recommend since rides can sell out. Upon arrival, everything was well organized with clear signage directing us where to go. Check-in was conveniently located in the same area as the gift shop and coffee stand. Since we didn't want to hold anything during the ride, we waited to shop until afterward. After checking in, we were instructed to meet our guide out front near the fire pit. Once she arrived (I wish I remembered her name!), she walked us over to our carriage. It ended up being our lucky day because we had the carriage entirely to ourselves, which made the experience feel even more magical and intimate. Throughout the ride, our guide shared background history of the area and pointed out wildlife we might spot along the way. Sitting bundled up in the cold, surrounded by peaceful winter scenery, was such a serene and unforgettable experience. Before heading back, we stopped for hot apple cider which was absolutely delicious and exactly what we needed in the freezing temperatures. We also had the chance to take photos with the horse, who was incredibly sweet and even let us pet him. Overall, this experience exceeded all expectations. If you ever find yourself in Leavenworth, I would 100% say this is a must-do. It's a beautiful, memorable way to take in the winter magic of the area.

Such an amazing experience especially if you're stopping by to visit. A bit pricey but worth the…read moreexperience!! Take lots of pictures and make memories!

We had such a nice time it was icing on the cake for our trip. The horses are well taken care of…read moreand the owners are great, easy going guides which made it even more enjoyable :) Def recommend taking time out of rushing around or laying around bc it's effortless and icing on the cake for sure.

The lessons were much more expensive than other private lessons in the area. In addition, the…read moreoffice manager was difficult to work with and had quite the attitude.

I highly recommend you book your ride! Amazing ride in the morning through the mountains on a…read morequality horse! Jesse & Joe are great guides!

FUN!!! We went on an hour-long trail ride. Neither of us had ridden a horse in over 30 years…read more Wasn't a problem. Trail guides were terrific. Scenery was beautiful. Horses clearly knew more about this activity than we did. They do one hour, two hour and all-day trail rides. I'm old and so is my booty so one hour was fine for us. Great activity for adults or families. Call or message to make a reservation.

I went for a horseback ride with three peak's outfitters out of Cle Elum Washington. Only it wasn't…read morejust a ride we had an intent in mind. Trail clearing of fallen trees that block access to the trail system. As you can see in the pictures it's not just some leisurely ride into the cascade mountains, it was work. But it was good work. Like a great CrossFit workout. Cutting these trees is all done with a hand saw, because you cannot use any gas or electrical equipment in the wilderness. In conjunction with the U.S. Forest service these trails get cleared and opened up for all hikers to enjoy. So if you're ever out there on these trails take time to think about how they got cleared of the trees you walk through when you see those cut logs laying there. And if you ever see the trail clearers thank them for what they do. Three peaks outfitters offer's day rides, overnighters and other great adventures including sleigh rides in the winter, providing there is snow.....

Had an amazing horseback riding experience through the mountain trails. The horses were very tame…read moreand friendly and the staff were absolutely great to ride with.

Such a beautiful and amazing place! We came here with friends for my husband's 50th birthday, he…read moreloves to ride and was so incredibly happy to have this opportunity. The entire experience was great, and the cost was so reasonable. We will definitely be back.

This place is lovely. Took the kids for a 3 hour horseback riding experience, where the last hour…read moreis a trail ride. There was a group of 11, with 3 employees. My kids loved it. Everyone learns and helps get the horses ready before riding. Everyone is really nice. The horses are well-matched to the riders and generally behave well. The pricing is a *fantastic* value. But there are 2 catches: 1) The reservation system appears to be by phone only. There is an email on the site but I'm not sure it works. So it's sort of like 30 years ago. They are very nice, but you will probably have to leave a voicemail and be patient. 2) I'm skeptical that there are ever weekend openings. They seem to host group events on most weekends. So if you just want to take your family it's probably a weekday thing. So if you don't mind a little phone tag and taking a 2-hr drive out to Cle Elum, you are going to have a great morning horsing around!

This campground is a hidden gem if your looking for a real camping experience--not a crowded RV…read moreparking lot with generators humming all night? Let me introduce you to a hidden gem that's the real deal. Whistlin' Pine Ranch sits at the quiet end of Alta Lake, just one mile past the State Park. This four-generation, family-run ranch and campground was started by my girlfriend's grandparents and lovingly restored by Tara, who grew up hunting, fishing, and outfitting with her dad, Brian Varrelman. Many of you will remember Brian as the heart behind Sawtooth Outfitters, leading generations of families on unforgettable trail rides and backcountry hunts. This isn't just any trail ride. It's access to untouched wilderness--no joggers, no mountain bikes, no barking dogs. Just you, a sure-footed horse, and views so breathtaking they'll leave you speechless. If you're lucky, you might even spot the ranch's resident bear stretched out sunbathing by the pond. Whistlin' Pine is the kind of place that reminds you what camping should feel like--peaceful mornings, paddleboarding on the lake, fishing at sunrise, and star-filled nights. Tara has done an incredible job honoring her family's legacy while giving the ranch some love and new life. So if you're craving the real outdoors, not the Instagram version--this is it. Book a site, saddle up, and go make some core memories.

We first visited WPRSO about ten years ago, shortly after the fire that decimated the nearby Alta…read moreLake State Park. At that time we met Brian, the owner/outfitter, and were impressed with what he had to offer though we were just passing through at the time. We learned from his sidekick that the only reason the beautiful homes, cabins, and ranch at the south end of the lake weren't destroyed in the fire is that Brian and some helpers stayed to keep things watered down when official help wasn't. That's true grit. Fast track to now, and we were planning on staying in Chelan (about 40 minutes away) and I wanted to do some trail riding. I found the newly updated website (really well done - AltaLakeRanch) and contacted Tara, Brian's daughter, who has taken the reins of the ranch now that the Covid issues have passed. She returned my message immediately, something that sooooo many other riding places seem unable to do. She answers her phone. Long story short, we got two rides scheduled for early in the week. She does have a two rider minimum, like so many trail riding places. First two-hour ride ended up being just the two of us, and since I've had horses about forever we could take some of the steeper and rockier trails. This time I rode Bella, a draft/Friesian cross and a giant horse. These trails weren't the easiest, yet she never missed a beat. Since Bella hyper-enjoyed the spring grass, Tara did have to get off her horse to adjust (tighten) up Bella's cinch a few times around her round belly. Otherwise, the saddle fit me well. Tara was riding a young horse that wasn't "string" ready yet but still seemed very well trained to me. Dog Rip, already a great trail dog for his age, joined us. Second two-hour ride we had another person join us, not a regular rider though very fit. Tara asked if I wanted to ride her horse June from the day before (guess I passed the riding test!) so I rode third with her. Once she is on the official string she'll be a favorite as she is nicely trained, moved off the leg really well, was also very sure footed, and just was a pleasure to ride. Well, that plus she isn't a mile high like Bella. Tara rode June's sister, also a young horse in training, and she did great too. Got to add here that Tara knows her horses' quirks well and has appropriate tack for each horse and rider combo. It's awful trying to ride hilly ground on a saddle built for a giant that you slosh around in. This time we took different trails which were more suitable for less experienced riders and really enjoyed the scenery and mountain wildflowers. With 500 acres in this three-generation ranch and adjacent state land to ride on, there are lots of choices for riders from beginners to the more experienced. Reminder to people who don't ride regularly: don't start out with a long ride as you'll be using muscles you never thought you had. You'll realize that in 24 hours and beyond. I found two hours to be perfect for me. We haven't stayed in their campground or attended any equestrian events so I can't comment on that, though Tara is making improvements to the camping area and has more she is exploring. I'll be back to ride again and check on her upgrades as some of them sounded pretty cool.

We were camping at Nason Creek Campground and just as we started exploring, we saw this stable and…read morechecked it out. Horse rides were $32 for a 2 mile ride (approx 45 minutes) per person. I made an appointment for the next morning at 9am, and the next day when we showed up they were expecting us. The horses looked healthy and happy. The stable hands treated the horses with care as they saddled them up and helped us get situated. Jake was our trail leader. He did a good job of keeping us entertained, teaching us about horses and things we encountered, answering questions, and just being friendly. He is collecting dad jokes for better trail material, so be sure to share your favorites with him. Our 45 minute ride was mostly through the forest. We crossed a road several times. There is beauty in the forest, but we did not get to any territorial views. There is also a 4 mile, 1/2 day, and full day option so it might be that they have time to get to even better views. This was not my first ride, but I'm by no means a cowboy. I had fun. It was my son's first real horse ride and he enjoyed it. I would go again.

I spent much of my childhood riding with Icicle through the nearby Summer Camp (Zanika) and they…read morewere always so fantastic with us kids. Now, 15 years later, we've come back with the next generation of our family and they are still just as wonderful. My sister-in-law and I wanted to take my two young nephews (two and three years old) on a trail ride with us, so we called to schedule one for the next day. But oops, we accidentally made a reservation with their Leavenworth location in town rather than their location at the State Park on Lake Wenatchee. When we showed up this morning for our reservation, there was no guide there! We called in, and Megan immediately helped us resolve our scheduling mistake and personally saw to it that we would still get a ride in that day. Two hours later (we killed time at the playground at the state park), we were back at the stable and on our horses (July and Cookie) with the boys! Megan personally took us on our ride, and was an amazing guide-- very patient with the littles and constantly checking in with us to make sure they were doing okay. If you're looking for a family friendly stable in the area, you've GOT to go with Icicle!

Christina and His brother are great people and are very friendly. Loved the horseback ride this…read morewinter with amazing views of frozen lakes around their ranch.

Christina is an amazing teacher! My 7 year old daughter has been taking lessons from her for a few…read moremonths now, after deciding she wanted to become a barrel racer (with no prior horse experience.) Christina is so kind and patient with her. She never pushes my daughter to do anything she's not comfortable with, but always encourages her to try! She breaks down how to do things in a way my daughter understands, and explains why they are done that way. Christina always leaves time for fun as well. I highly reccomend her if you or your child are interested in any kind of horse riding! We've also done a trail ride with Christina. She gives you a rundown of each horse's personality and quirks and helps you find who is best for you. The views were amazing and she took lots of pictures for us! She even brought cold waters for us to enjoy. She made sure to give us a heads up on any difficult parts of the trail and coached everyone through what to do. We had such a great time and I can't wait to go again!