A few miles south of Chelan, the Cascade Loop turns west along US-2 at Wenatchee, the drab center of Washington’s embattled apple industry, suffering from a recent market glut of fruit from Asia. From there, the loop heads for pocket-sized LEAVENWORTH, a Bavarian theme town where even the _ Safeway_ and McDonald’s are decked out in high gables and half-timbered woodwork. It only takes about an hour to explore the place, but there are plenty of outdoor activities to be had in the spectacular mountain setting – though the hills may look a little charred after the area’s recent rash of wildfires. The ranger station, just off US-2 at 600 Sherbourne St (daily 7.45am-4.30pm; tel 509/782-1413), provides trail guides and hiking information, and bikes, canoes and kayaks can be rented from several outlets, including Leavenworth Ski and Sports, US-2 at Icicle Road (tel 509/548-7864). The visitors center, 894 Hwy-2 (tel 509/548-5807, ), has copious listings of places to stay and eat. Downtown options include the arch-Teutonic suites of the Hotel Pension Anna, 926 Commercial St (tel 509/548-6273, ; $100-130), and the comparable Enzian Motor Inn, 590 Hwy-2 (tel 509/548-5269 or 1-800/223-8511, ; $100-130). The Andreas Keller, 829 Front St (tel 509/548-6000), serves up hefty helpings of gut-busting German cuisine.