Discover Why This is the Ultimate Leavenworth Resort for Nature Lovers

Seattle couple with dog overlooking Icicle Creek with snowy mountains in the distance

Dreaming of a getaway that feels like stepping into a storybook? This enchanting Leavenworth resort is your answer—a tucked-away treasure in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic towns.

Leavenworth has a certain magic that’s impossible to resist. Picture a Bavarian village so quaint it seems pulled straight from the pages of Sleeping Beauty. From lively traditional festivals to mouthwatering German eats (pretzels, bratwurst, and beer, oh my!), this charming town offers a little slice of Europe right here in Washington. And when winter rolls around? The snow-kissed rooftops and sparkling lights transform it into a scene worthy of a Hallmark movie.

Let’s be real, though—you’re probably already convinced this is a must-visit destination. The real question is, where should you stay to make your trip unforgettable?

As someone who’s been visiting Leavenworth for over 20 years, I’m here to let you in on a little secret: I’ve found the best resort in town, and I can’t wait to share it with you. Keep reading for all the details!

Ultimate Guide to the Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort

Buck deer during fall in North Central Cascade Mountains

If you’re anything like me, finding the perfect place to stay means hitting that sweet spot: close enough to the main attractions for easy access, but also tucked away in a peaceful setting surrounded by stunning nature.

Here’s the thing—if you visit Leavenworth and never venture beyond the downtown, you’re missing out. This Bavarian-inspired town is nestled in a breathtaking valley in the North Central Cascades, and its surroundings are nothing short of spectacular.

The Wenatchee River, the Enchantments, Icicle Creek, Blackbird Island—the natural beauty here feels endless, each spot more stunning than the last.

To fully immerse yourself in all that this area has to offer, I can’t recommend the Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort enough. It’s the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, with nature right at your doorstep.

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Where is the best Leavenworth resort?

Seattle content creator and labrador retriever outside cabins of Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort in fall

Just a quick 10-minute drive from downtown Leavenworth, the Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort is tucked into the forested foothills along Icicle Creek, with stunning views of snow-capped peaks. Fun fact: the mountains resemble a reclining woman, which inspired the resort’s name!

Getting there is easy: from Highway 2, turn onto Icicle Road near the Leavenworth Adventure Park. Drive about 2.5 miles through a charming residential area, then veer left onto Cyo Road—it’s a scenic route that sets the tone for your getaway.

Bestie Tip: If you’re visiting in the fall (especially November), keep an eye out for golden larch trees in the surrounding neighborhood. I’m so jealous of anyone who gets to see them in their full glory! And if you miss them, don’t worry—there’s one right by the main office waiting to greet you.

Land Acknowledgment: The Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort is located on the traditional lands of the p’squosa (Wenatchi) people. It’s worth taking a moment to honor the history of this beautiful place.

Reasons You’ll Love this Leavenworth Resort

Handblown glass art known as The Icicles with Sleeping Lady Mountain

Support the Local Community

Here’s something unique about Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort—it’s owned by a nonprofit! The resort is part of the Icicle Fund, an organization dedicated to supporting arts, history, and nature in North Central Washington.

So, how does it work? Essentially, the resort’s profits are distributed by the Icicle Fund to local community organizations. To date, they’ve contributed an incredible $50 million to nearly 150 nonprofits.

What makes this even more special is how your stay directly supports this mission. Not only do you get to enjoy a serene and beautiful getaway, but you’re also giving back to the community. By staying here, you’re helping preserve the region’s cultural and natural treasures while supporting local organizations that keep this area vibrant and thriving.

Two mugs of coffee at O'Grady's Pantry

Cabin-Like Experience

Unlike many Leavenworth resorts, Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort offers something refreshingly different. Rather than one big building filled with traditional guest rooms, you’ll find clusters of cozy, family-friendly accommodations—including rustic rooms and charming cabins. Bonus: dogs are welcome, so your furry friends can join the adventure too!

What makes it even more special is the history woven into the resort. Many of these structures have been beautifully restored from their original days as part of a CCC camp. The craftsmanship and care shine through, adding a nostalgic charm to your stay.

Traveling with a larger group? This resort is an excellent choice! For example, the Rookery can comfortably accommodate up to eight people, making it ideal for family reunions, friend getaways, or special celebrations.

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Excellent On-Site Dining

Female travel blogger enjoying salmon dinner at the Kingfisher Restaurant

Not gonna lie, there were days we didn’t feel like leaving the property because everything we needed. During my stay, I had the chance to explore the delicious dining options at Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort. Here’s the rundown of where to eat:

  • O’Grady’s Pantry: Perfect for a casual bite or grab-and-go snacks. They serve great coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and other to-go goodies.
  • Kingfisher Restaurant: Ideal for a sit-down dinner. My personal favorite? The salmon with green beans and mashed potatoes—it was so good, I couldn’t resist ordering it two nights in a row!
  • The Grotto Bar: A cozy spot for drinks and small plates or tapas. (Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit, but it’s definitely on my list for next time!)

Bestie Tip: The hours for these restaurants can vary depending on the season, so it’s a good idea to call ahead and double-check before your visit.

Art Features

Throughout Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort, art is seamlessly woven into the experience, adding a creative and inspiring touch to your stay. As you explore, keep an eye out for the stunning outdoor icicles crafted from handblown glass by none other than Dale Chihuly. You’ll also see beautiful watercolor paintings by artist-in-residence Heather Murphy, which perfectly capture the natural beauty of the area.

For even more artistic discovery, head toward the creek, where you’ll find a short but delightful self-guided Art Walk. It’s a great way to soak in the creativity and connect with the resort’s unique blend of nature and culture.

Milky Way as seen in November from the Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort in Leavenworth WA

Outdoor Pool and Hot Tub

There are so many amazing amenities at Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort, but the year-round outdoor hot tub easily tops my list!

Nestled in the most scenic spot, it’s surrounded by towering ponderosa pines that make you feel completely immersed in nature. During our visit, we even spotted a herd of six deer casually strolling by—talk about magical!

The absolute best way to experience the hot tub, though, is after the sun goes down. On a clear night, you can lean back and stargaze right from the warm, soothing water. I did this, and let me tell you—it was pure magic and became a core memory I’ll treasure forever.

Bestie Tip: Grab the super-soft bathrobe from your room to use as a cozy cover-up for your walk back. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver on chilly evenings!

Seattle blogger with dog in fall foliage at a cabin in the mountains

When to Visit

The most popular times to visit Leavenworth, Washington, are from July to October and again in December.

However, I have to say, we visited in early November, and it was absolutely perfect! The drive through the mountain passes was smooth—there was fresh snow on the peaks, but none on the roads. The weather was ideal, too: chilly but sunny, making for a crisp and refreshing atmosphere. Plus, we didn’t have to navigate through crowds in town, which was a huge bonus.

And the best part? It was peak larch season, so we got to enjoy the golden hues of the larch trees at their absolute peak!

Your Northwestie Bestie and family at the Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort in Leavenworth, Washington

What to Expect During Your Stay

  • Parking: There’s free parking available on-site in two main lots. Rather than parking right in front of your cabin, guests use walking paths to access their rooms. This was a pleasant surprise for us—less pavement and more nature to enjoy!
  • Luggage carts: If you’ve got multiple bags, a luggage cart can be a real lifesaver during check-in and check-out. However, if you’re traveling light with just a backpack or wheeled suitcase, you may not need one.
  • Resident cats: When the previous owner, Harriet Bullitt, passed away a few years ago, she left behind two adorable resident cats who now call the resort home. Reuben, the orange cat, is super friendly and loves to say hello. Keiska, the grey one, takes a bit longer to warm up but is just as sweet. At night, you can find them curled up by the fire in armchairs—honestly, if I were a cat, that’s exactly how I’d want to spend my evenings!
  • Additional amenities: There’s a Play Barn with games, Yoga on Saturdays, and the relaxing Aspen Leaf Day Spa to enjoy during your stay.

Have any questions about Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort? Drop them below—I’d love to help!

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