methow valley
From the North Cascades to the Methow and Columbia Rivers, the Methow Valley’s scenic beauty offers plenty of recreational and cultural opportunities. Here you will find some of the world’s best cross-country skiing, hiking and mountain biking, local organic farming, galleries, theater and live music.
WINTHROP
Step into the old Wild West town of Winthrop. The downtown's wooden boardwalks invite you to take photos and enjoy eclectic boutiques, sporting goods outfitters, restaurants, bakeries, and pubs. Enjoy casual dining, handcrafted brews, and carefully selected wines at local watering holes. You'll find camping, comfortable hotels, and cabins with private hot tubs along the river right in town.
Looking for adventure? The Winthrop Rink offers an NHL size outdoor rink for ice in the winter and roller skating in the summer with a stunning view of Mt Gardner.
Downtown Winthrop is bookended by stunning pedestrian bridges that span the Chewuch and Methow rivers, with viewing platforms to watch salmon spawn, fly-fishing, river rafting, and tubing. The surrounding hills provide vast opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and rock climbing. Don't have the gear you need? No problem! You'll find plenty of outfitters, guides, and retailers who advise on your perfect trail with well-fitting rental or purchased equipment.
North America's most extensive Nordic ski trail system, Methow Trails, spans much of the Methow Valley, making it a winter mecca for skiers to enjoy more than 120 miles of groomed trails, with select trails specifically for fat biking, snowshoeing … and even for skiing with your dogs! The trails are great for hiking and biking, too!
For more information, please visit their website: www.WinthropWashington.com
TWISP
In the heart of the Methow Valley, Twisp is home to musicians, thespians, painters, sculptors, glass, metal and fabric artists. Enjoy live theater at the Merc Playhouse and art exhibits at the Confluence Gallery. For great food and cool brews, stop by a local brewery. On seasonal Saturdays, don’t miss the famous Methow Valley Farmers Market right off the main highway. As the summer heats up, take a dip in the Wagner Pool and enjoy the Twisp Park, at the confluence of the Twisp and Methow Rivers. Up the Twisp River Recreation Area find numerous trails for outstanding hikes and camping.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS For the outdoor enthusiast, the Methow Valley is a fantastic base for exploring the North Cascades National Park or the half-million acre Pasayten Wilderness. Autumn brings deer hunting season, and fishing in the Methow River or many of the streams and lakes is a popular pastime year-round.
NORDIC SKIING DESTINATION Ski on the largest cross-country ski trail system in the US with the Methow Trails. The snow quality and grooming of the trails is the best in the nation and draws athletes from around the world. With over 200km of groomed trails and hut-to-hut skiing you’ll find a trail for every age and skill level.
MORE WINTER ADVENTURES Alpine skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing and tubing for all ages are a short drive away at the Loup Loup Ski Area, a fantastic family ski area with a 1,240 vertical drop and a quad chair lift. For the snowmobilers, the Methow offers 450 miles of groomed trails and many snoparks. Heli-skiing rewards the truly adventurous with unsurpassed snow. Everyone will enjoy ice skating at Winthrop’s outdoor ice rink.
UNIQUE SPOTS Spring is a time of extravagant beauty as the wildflowers bloom. The best view is while running the MVSTA’s Sunflower Relay! Don’t forget the annual Ride to Rendezvous, as horses, mules and stagecoaches ride through Twisp every spring on their way to the famous 49ers Days in Winthrop. Learn about the history of smokejumping and take a guided tour of the birthplace of smokejumping at the North Cascade Smokejumper Base south of Winthrop.
KIDS & PETS The Weather Channel declared the Methow as the number one place in the nation for family vacations! In Winthrop, tromp the wooden boardwalks, play mini golf and check out the ice cream shop and bakery. There are many easy well maintained trails that are perfect for the family. Some, like Falls Creek, Blackpine Lake, Rainy Pass Trail and the Washington Pass Overlook are designed for wheelchair and stroller access.
Visitor Information
Winthrop Visitor Center
202 Riverside Ave
509-996-2125
winthropwashington.com
Twisp Visitor Center
201 Highway 20 South
997-2020
twispinfo.com
Methow Trails
996-3287
800-682-5787 (trail report)
methowtrails.org
Sun Mountain Lodge Trails & Activities
800-572-0493
996-2211
sunmountainlodge.com
Unexpected Treasures
North Cascades Base Camp
Mazama
Ecology center, nature programs, retreats | 996-2334
Winthrop Fish Hatchery
Winthrop
Tour newly remodeled facility, open daily. | 996-2424
fws.gov/winthropnfh/index.cfm
North Cascades Smokejumper Base
Winthrop
tour the birthplace of smokejumping. | 997-9750
northcascadessmokejumperbase.com
Methow Valley Interpretive Center
Twisp Explore area’s Native American inhabitants and
natural history | 997-4904
methowvalleyinterpretivecenter.com
All area codes (509) unless otherwise noted