Beautiful vistas of Winthrop, WA | by foot, by bike, or car

Take a short ride with a beautiful view

The wonderful thing about Winthrop is that you don’t have to be the most athletic outdoors enthusiast to view gorgeous scenery (although many of you are). It’s literally all around during every time of year. Visitors often ask where they can take a short drive or a moderate bike ride to see the beauty of the Methow Valley and here are our favorites.

Bear Creek Rd/Pearrygin Lake Loop

This nine mile loop is mostly unpaved road that loops from the north end of town, past Pearrygin Lake and then turns south toward Bear Creek Golf Course. After passing the golf course, take a right at the “T” to head back into town, or take a left to view the scenic route to Twisp. This loop is about nine miles with about one mile of it having a 3% incline no matter which direction you begin.

What we love about this loop is the view of the mountains all year round. You’ll be traversing the hillsides east of town with a panoramic view of all of the Cascade Mountains to the west of town. Some of the peaks you’ll be viewing will be as far north as Canada. You’ll see Mount Gardner, the Sawtooth Ridge and so much more! Much of the drive is in the Methow Wildlife Area so most of the land is untouched with streams, hillsides and beautiful forests. There’s also a very curious art installation along the way.

There are places where the road is a little bumpy from fast drivers so please drive carefully if you’re going by car. Cyclists should find the road wide enough for two cars to pass safely but please be aware of blind corners. This is a fabulous place to walk the dog. Click here for where we recommend you park your car for the walk.

Chewuch Loop

This 13 mile loop begins right in front of Methow Cycle & Sport where you can rent everything you need for the ride! It runs north through the valley toward the Rendezvous and then back south along the other side of the river. It’s beautiful no matter which direction you begin. Along the way you will see beautiful pastures and river rapids. We enjoy this ride on a warm day because of the shade it offers.

You will also see a bit of the forest restoring itself from the Cub Creek Fire in 2021. If have a good eye, you might even see some ancient, sacred petroglyphs.

Happy Riding!

We hope you’re able to visit Winthrop soon!