The best hikes from bus stations in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Until the first half of the 20th century, Leavenworth had an important freight loading station as the community's largest economic factor. When the economy collapsed after the station was closed due to the relocation of the railroad lines, Leavenworth threatened to become a ghost town. In the 1960s, the remaining residents, with great commitment and without any historical reason for doing so, transformed the town into a "typical" mountain town in the Alps. The illusion of a Bavarian mountain village is further enhanced by the surrounding mountains.

McGregor Mountain stands at 8,122-feet high mastiff above the Stehekin Valley in the North Cascades. This imposing looking peak is reached via a steep trail past Howard Lake and a final scramble up a talus-covered slope to a steep, exposed final scramble, which is not for the faint of heart. Be warned, there are steep drop-offs, off of slabs of rock, which might be wet, icy, and/or covered in ball-bearing-like rocks. There are red painted arrows on the rocks to help guide your way, but this summit is for the experienced hiker only. At the summit there is a Park Service radio repeater. You get truly fantastic views across the North Cascades of Bonanza, Dome Peak, Glacier Peak, and many more. Be as careful, if not more, on the way down from this remote, challenging peak.

Howard Lake is an idyllic lake at the base of Mount McGregor. If you want to take a break here, find the best spot is at the west side at a flat shaped boulder.

The High Bridge recreation site at the beautiful turquoise Stehekin River is your gateway into the south part of North Cascades National Park and the small town of Stehekin. Two shuttle bus companies commute between the Stehekin ferry landing and here on almost an hourly base. The recreation site has a ranger station, picnic benches, pit toilets and a campground just around the corner. There are many great hiking trails in the area like the Agnes Gorge Trail, the Old Wagon Trail and the iconic Pacific Crest Trail.

The small town of Leavenworth has a very special flair within the heart of Washington: Every building has a Bavarian style, and the whole town will make you feel like you just entered a random southern German alpine town. Stroll along the Wenatchee River, enjoy some beer, visit the rustic Nutcracker Museum, listen to traditional Bavarian music that is played in the gazebo located on Front Street and eat a Schnitzel in one of the numerous restaurants. A little about the history: The history of Leavenworth goes back to the time of the gold miners at the end of the 19th century. And when a major railroad through Leavenworth began operating in the early 20th century, the then-small western town boomed, primarily with lumber mining and transportation. But when the Cascade Tunnel caused the railroad to be rerouted, Leavenworth abruptly lost economic importance and virtually turned into a ghost town. It took three decades, after all, for the townspeople to come up with a smashing idea in the 1960s: "We're going Bavarian now!" If you are a PCT-Hiker, your best option to refill your supplies is the Safeway at the end of the town. The only outfitter in Leavenworth has almost no equipment you might need since it is more prepared for the typical - non hiking - tourist in Leavenworth.

Small Garmisch in the North Cascades, one can hardly believe it. When Leavenworth was cut off from the railway network in the 1960s and the economic future was endangered, the idea came up with a crazy and brilliant idea: the alpine environment is reminiscent of Bavarian areas, so let's stage Bayern here: "Munich without the passport". Beer cellar, brass band, maypole, everything is there. "Welcome to Leavenworth".