Plan To Pull the Plug on Leavenworth Cross In the Works

Story updated at 5:15pm, March 12th, 2025

Plans to erect a 70-foot illuminated cross on Tumwater Mountain in Leavenworth appears to be off the table after Chelan County Commissioner Shon Smith said the property owner has started negotiations on a land swap with the U.S. Forest Service.

The site of the proposed cross that would have overlooked the Bavarian Village is owned by the Johnson family which operates the Enzian Inn.

The Leavenworth Echo reports the land swap discussion was revealed at this week's Leavenworth City Council meeting by Smith who said the Johnson's would swap the 20 acre parcel where the cross has been under construction for acreage on Mountain Home.

Smith spoke on behalf of himself and not the full Board of Commissioners.

Chelan County spokesperson Jill FitzSimmons said late Wednesday  the building application for the proposed structure was withdrawn from Chelan County Community Development.

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Smith said the Johnson family also hoped the move would bring an end to the controversy over the project that had divided the community.

FitzSimmons also said via an email that the U.S. Forest Service does not have record of discussions of land exchanges involving the Tumwater Mountain site.

An agreement would mean construction of the illuminated cross would be scrapped.

The Council tabled a vote on a resolution opposing the cross.

A similar but larger illuminated cross is located on Wenatchee Heights and visible throughout Wenatchee.