Recreation Ambassador Weekend Report - 7/11 & 12

Recreation Ambassador Program – Weekend Report 7/11 – 7/12

Weekend Summary:

Ambassadors reported a high level of engagement over the weekend, logging a total of 2,092 interactions. Both River and Forest locations were fully staffed on Saturday and Sunday. The Marlin Handbell Ringers Society covered the three U.S. Forest Service locations — Icicle Gorge, Eight-Mile Trailhead, and the Colchuck/Stuart Lake Trailhead — while the Leavenworth Immigration/Race Justice Group covered the three river locations: Barn Beach, the East Leavenworth Boat Launch, and the Bridge River Access (Icicle Bridge Put-In).

Survey results indicated that the river and its banks were largely clean, with only a single report of litter. The river was also noted to be uncrowded overall. Parking, however, continues to be a challenge at the Bridge River Access site, and vehicles are still frequently parked along Icicle Road. Several visitors commented favorably on the city shuttle service, describing it as a valued and well-liked alternative to driving.

At Colchuck/Stuart Lake, the primary concern remains restroom facilities, which continue to experience heavy use and have become a recurring point of feedback from both hikers and ambassadors. Icicle Gorge saw high visitation this weekend; hikers reported no concerns and noted that the trail remains well maintained with minimal litter. Conditions at Eight-Mile Trail were consistent with previous reports, with overgrowth near the trailhead remaining the primary issue.

Volunteer Impact:

• Visitor Interactions: Weekend Total – 2,092

• Surveys Conducted: 52 River, 19 Forest

• Trash Removed: 2, 30 Gallon Bags

Survey Highlights (53 River – 19 Forest):

Visitor Origin:

• 92.31% of River users surveyed were not local. 7.69% Surveyed were local.

• All Trail users surveyed were not local, with visitors from Portland, California and Hawaii.

Recreation Type:

• 52.63% of hikers surveyed headed to Icicle Gorge.

• 84.62% Tubes, 9.62% Paddleboards, 3.85% Rafts, 0% Kayakers and 1.92% other.

Conditions Reported:

• Multiple survey respondents said beaches were clean, river was not overcrowded and just one frisbee found in the water.

• Respondents complained about overgrowth towards the beginning of Eight-Mile trial.

• Icicle Gorge was clean and well maintained.

Post-Recreation Plans:

• After floating the river 40.4% plan to go back to their lodging, 34.6% plan to visit a restaurant, 21.2% other, and 3.8% shopping.

• After hiking 36.84% plan on going to a restaurant, 31.58% plan to do other recreation, 26.32% lodging, 5.25% other and 0% plan to go shopping after.

Transportation & Parking

• 40.38% of river users surveyed had previously heard about the City’s free river shuttle.

• 38.46% tool their own car, 32.69% used the city and LOC shuttle, 15.38% other and 13.46% walked.

For more information, please email Miranda at Recreation@leavenworth.org or apply at Leavenworthchamber.org.