Are you ready for a fabulous enchanted weekend that will submerge you and your companions with endless mountainous adventures? Winthrop is 189 miles from downtown Seattle and as the crow flies, only 28 miles from the Canadian border nestled in the high pocket of the North Cascades. Before you begin your journey, book your lodging through Central Reservations as lodging options are plentiful yet coveted in the Methow Valley. The Central Reservations Gang is friendly and knowledgeable, making booking your home-away-from-home getaway as nice as a summer’s breeze.
Kyrie and Kathleen Jardin of Central Reservations
Now that your lodging is booked, your summer journey begins by heading North on Interstate 5, where you arrive at two route options, either exit 208 onto State Highway 530 through Arlington or exit 230 onto State Highway 20 through Sedro-Woolley. Both routes will bring you to one of our favorite rendezvous points, the Cascadian Farms which is a treat beyond the taste buds. Enjoying the fresh-off- the-farm organic goodness of berries and homemade ice cream in the gorgeous roadside picnic setting accented by flower beds, steepling evergreens and lush meadows is an experience for all the senses.
Driving upwards in your journey, arriving at approximately 1,285 feet above sea level (milepost 123) brings you to the marvelous Gorge Bridge, one of many bridges you will drive over as you enter the North Cascades National Park. The Gorge Bridge crosses over spectacular Gorge Creek Falls measured at a toppling 242 feet. The mist is certain to kiss your cheeks with mineral filled spray as you walk on the bridge with its breathtaking pedestrian walkway design. It feels something like walking on dazzling stream air. Driving on, the sites continue with one crystal blue/green waterfall after another cascading down from the steadfastly melting ice capped mountains.
Climbing up in elevation, Diablo Lake Overlook (milepost 132) is a siteseeing must. From here the turquoise blue lake is clear to see in a backdrop of lush forest and icy-capped mountain peaks. There is plenty of parking, interpretive signage, and restrooms as well.
At 5,477 feet (milepost 162) Washington Pass is another favorite get-out-and-stretch-your-legs, bring-the-camera-out and feast-your-eyes spot. It is the highest point on the highway and the last pass before descending into the Methow. There is an off-road viewpoint which overlooks the entire Methow Valley and the famous Liberty Bell mountain peak known well to climbers and photographers alike.
Climbing up in elevation, Diablo Lake Overlook (milepost 132) is a siteseeing must. From here the turquoise blue lake is clear to see in a backdrop of lush forest and icy-capped mountain peaks. There is plenty of parking, interpretive signage, and restrooms as well.
A view from Diablo Lake Overlook
At 5,477 feet (milepost 162) Washington Pass is another favorite get-out-and-stretch-your-legs, bring-the-camera-out and feast-your-eyes spot. It is the highest point on the highway and the last pass before descending into the Methow. There is an off-road viewpoint which overlooks the entire Methow Valley and the famous Liberty Bell mountain peak known well to climbers and photographers alike.
Plan on taking the opportunity for a short hike along your journey. There are many. We recommend Big Valley Ranch. Turn off of Highway 20 onto Dripping Springs Road to get to the parking lot to park your car at the Big Valley Ranch trailhead and go for a short hike where colorful spots of Washington native flowers dot their beauty along the BVR trail which is 4 miles of flat trails through wildlife habitat with river views just 8 miles west of Winthrop on Highway 20.
As you enter the Methow Valley, another gem along the way is the town of Mazama, a destination known for summer weddings, rock climbing and mountaineering. It is home to one of the world's longest cross-country skiing trails turned hiking and mountain biking trails during spring and summertime. These extensive far-reaching trails stretch for 120 miles and run through the town itself. Among many charming locations to visit, be sure to stop by The Mazama Store where “Home Grown” has never looked or tasted so good. Well known for their “fantabulous” lunchtime soups and sandwiches taylor made with rainbows of home grown veggies, cheeses and meats. Check the monthly homemade bread schedule and pick out and order your favorite locally crafted baguettes and breads coming straight out of the oven by 10:00 am each day.
After a relaxing day of travels and adventures, it is Winthrop, famous for its old west style storefronts and boardwalks, attracting all who appreciate an evening of locally inspired cuisine. One of our favorite dinner locations offers a robust array of local meats, grains, cheese, fruit, bread, coffee, wine and more in a warm and friendly setting, The Arrowleaf Bistro.
Another fabulous place is the Old Schoolhouse Brewery where home crafted beer meets live music venturing out on the riverside patio. The blues, country, Americana and more performed by local and regional artists sharing their musical bliss.
Blaze Ruud, Brewer , Old School House Brewery
Speaking of bliss, the largest and longest-running blues festival in Washington happens in Winthrop and is located 1 mile West of Winthrop on Highway 20 at The Blues Ranch. This year Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival is July 19th, 20th and 21st. 2013 marks a whopping 26 years of R&B enthusiasts and nationally recognized performers all gettin’ down together on the glorious banks of the Methow River. Three days packed with live musical entertainment by musician, performer and headliner talent from our region to regions throughout the United States, all here for your enjoyment, brought to you by the Winthrop Music Association (WMA).
Camping is located on the banks of the tumbling waters of the scenic Methow River and rustic to resort style lodging are available throughout the Valley. Gates open at noon on Thursday, July 18th. There are only 2,500 tickets available.
Tickets are sold by:
Central Reservations / Tickets NW 1-800-422-3048 or www.WinthropTickets.com
A morning brew... 100% Organic Fair trade coffee, homemade fresh breads made with organic grains, soups, custom deserts and the most delectable fresh baked goods can be discovered each morning in the accompaniment of local conversation at the charming Rocking Horse Bakery. Among their daily specials are gluten-free options and de-lish-e-oh-so tasty pizza by the slice featuring a daily vegetarian and meat lovers variety.izza by the slice featuring a daily vegetarian and meat lovers.
Steve and Teresa Mitchell of Rocking Horse Bakery
Enjoy something old and something new? The Glover Street Market, a market where drinks are served in every color of the rainbow. Smoothies for the kids, wheatgrass shots, organic juice blends and our favorite, a smoothie called The Lime & and Coconut. There is even a beautifully restored wine cellar downstairs for the wine lovers in the house or for those planning small events, head downstairs and get your ten cent tour. This market has it all from fresh and bulk foods to a wellness pharmacy stocked with vitamins, herbs, homeopathic remedies and aromatherapy essential oils and a wealth of health and beauty aids!
Jeff and Molly Patterson of Glover Street Market
Eating in or simply enjoy produce fresh off the farm? The Methow Valley Farmer’s Market is bursting with local fresh produce and artisan vendors galore you will adore, every Saturday from 9:00 am to noon. Need we say more?
Cinnamon Twisp Bakery, their specialty is in their name, the famous cinnamon twisp is served here. A healthy vegan option or two, try the vegan peanut butter granola bars and a cup of one of their Choice organic teas.
The Methow Valley Inn Bed and Breakfast offers just about everything you could ask for in homemade goodness. Wonderfully organic and local selections down to the organic apple cider made fresh from the fruits Washington is known by best, coming straight from their backyard orchards to their old fashioned kitchen. Drink some in front of their gorgeous fireplace.
Among the local events throughout the valley happening each week are movie nights in Mazama, storytime and meditation in Twisp, music you can dance to in Winthrop and Twisp, classes, lectures and meetings, outdoor events, sporting events and more. You are sure to find your zen, a nugget of wisdom or a skip in your get-along all right here in a little piece of mountain paradise called the Methow Valley.
There’s a story behind just about every establishment evoking a sense of small town nostalgia. And there’s a town heartbeat much like rhythm, known to everyone who lives, plays in or visits the Methow Valley. One pulsing through the valley similar to the many crystal blue rivers and streams flowing through the waterfall marbled hills. That of nature. The Methow Valley is truly alive.
