The Methow Valley is known for its spectacular weather, with five sunny days out of seven during winter bringing bright blue skies for those longing to escape winter’s gray doldrums. The area is also known as the Alps of North America. Surrounded by four wilderness areas, the Methow Valley is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities as well as dry powder snow.
Centrally located in the Wenatchee National Forest, the Methow Valley is a casual and affordable vacation destination. It’s easily accessed by driving the scenic Cascade Loop. The lofty peaks of the north Cascades are a dramatic backdrop to the area. The Methow, Chewuch and Twisp Rivers run through the wide valley like clear, blue ribbons. The area’s three largest towns—Twisp, Winthrop and Mazama—each offer a unique way to explore all that this region offers.
Twisp, Winthrop and Mazama
At the confluence of the Methow and Twisp Rivers, Twisp serves as the artistic and cultural hub of the valley. The Methow Valley Community Center is the stage for many events in the area. Word has it that there are unique antique finds in Twisp. Comfy lodging can be found in Twisp’s country inns and B&Bs.
Winthrop recaptures the spirit of the Old West, with its colorful main street and rows of false-fronted buildings, wooden sidewalks and old-fashioned streetlights reminiscent of the 1890s. But Winthrop isn’t just a cowboy town. There are some cozy as well as very elaborate lodging facilities in the area.
The village of Mazama provides a quiet getaway, especially when the nearby North Cascades Highway is closed during the winter. Mazama affords a perfect romantic escape with some unique lodging opportunities.
Methow Skiing (X-C too) and Snowshoeing
The Methow Valley boasts one of the largest and best-maintained cross-country ski areas in the United States. 120 miles of groomed trails allow classic and ski-skating enthusiasts to enjoy the rolling, forested terrain of Sun Mountain; the challenging, high-elevation Rendezvous loop; or the gentle, scenic river route near Mazama. All three areas have ski schools and instruction, as well as rental skis and equipment.
Loup Loup Ski Bowl, between Twisp and Okanogan, offers runs for alpine skiers of all abilities. Many vertical opportunities abound for downhill skiers and snowboarders at Loup Loup. And the quad chair gets skiers back to the top quickly. Lessons, rentals and a day lodge with a cafeteria are available as well.
For those in search of the ultimate adventure, North Cascades Heli-Skiing offers skiing through virgin snow in a supremely scenic setting. Steep, deep powdery snow can be found in the 300,000 acres of mountain slopes in the area. Beginning as high as 9,000 feet, runs range in vertical feet from 1,500 to 4,000.
Snowshoeing is an easy way to explore the area’s quiet forests and pristine scenery. There are snowshoe-designated trails in the Methow Valley trail system. Throughout the winter, local naturalists lead family-friendly snowshoe tours from Sun Mountain and North Cascades Base Camp in Mazama, with MVSTA passes required.
Lodging and Dining in the Methow Valley
With so many winter activities, you’ll need to stay at least a weekend in the Methow Valley. And there are many lodging facilities to choose from:
If you want to be pampered and splurge a little, the Sun Mountain Lodge is the place to go. The elegant four-star lodge perched on a mountaintop overlooking the Methow Valley offers a complete range of resort facilities and activities. The lodge has an award-winning dining room with an upscale menu and impressive wine cellar.
The ruggedly handsome Freestone Inn in Mazama is another luxurious lodging facility. Each spacious room boasts a fireplace, large bathtub and lakefront view from the private balcony or patio. The dining room features a menu that makes the most of local and Northwest ingredients. Diners enjoy views of the lake or the massive fireplace patterned with granite and gneiss.
If you’re looking for a secluded bed-and-breakfast experience, the Mazama Country Inn in Mazama is a retreat nestled in the forest between the mountains’ tall peaks. The inn’s cozy lodge opens onto cross-country ski trails. After your ski adventure, you can toast in the inn’s sauna or soak in the indoor hot tub overlooking the forest. The inn’s family-style country breakfasts are a real treat
For some local flavor in Winthrop, try the Duck Brand Cantina’s tasty Mexican-style food or drinks at Three-Fingered Jack’s saloon, the oldest legal saloon in the state. The Methow Valley has many lodges, resorts, B&Bs, hotels, motels and vacation rentals available.
Susan Lynne Hamilton - Award-winning writer Susan Lynne Hamilton is the Topic Editor of Suite 101's Northwest U.S. travel section, showcasing its rich ...
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