The Reserve: Environment

Bridging Environment, Arts, & Cultural History

Celebrating a Special Place

Barn Beach Reserve, just downstream from the confluence of the Wenatchee River and Icicle Creek and only two blocks from the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth, Washington, is an extraordinary site that borders the Wenatchee River and features a panoramic view of the Stuart Range, the largest granite batholith in North America.

The Reserve consists of 5.5 acres with a 108-year-old, 9,500-square-foot historic home (the River Haus) and a new, "green-built" learning center (the Barn). The building is a model of energy efficiency that provides space for everything from science labs and art classes to lectures, films, and acoustic music performances. Most of the Wenatchee River Institute's programs are held in the Barn. Please click the "Events" tab for a current list, and come visit us. Tours given by appointment.

An adjacent 2.5-acre parcel is managed by the Wenatchee River Institute as part of Barn Beach Reserve under terms of a bequest from an adjoining property owner, and currently houses the Institute's administrative offices. The combination of these parcels with the adjacent city park creates a protected greenbelt of diverse habitats ranging from upland ponderosa pine forest, to riverine and riparian habitats that include Blackbird Island, a popular stop on Audubon's Great Washington Birding Trail. The width of the river along this reach varies from 15 to 60 yards. The river spills out of the narrow, high-gradient Tumwater Canyon immediately west of Leavenworth. Upstream from this point, the watershed is relatively underdeveloped, so the water quality and aquatic habitat are superb. On most days, the river bottom can be seen through the clear water. Wildlife commonly viewed at the site includes river otters, mule deer, black bear, neo-tropical migratory birds, bald eagles, woodpeckers, bats, salmon, steelhead, and trout.

Download a map of our site:
 Barn Beach Reserve Map

Download a list of area plants and birds:
 Area Plant List
 Area Bird List

The River Haus, on a bluff beside the Wenatchee River.

Below: The "Barn"--our learning center, built with "green" technology.