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 surrounds the Methow 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. Here are our favorites.

Bear Creek Rd/Pearrygin Lake Loop

This nine-mile loop is primarily an unpaved road looping 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 nearly one mile 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. Cyclists should find the road wide enough for two vehicles to pass safely, but please be aware of blind corners. The road 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 by 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. You might even see some ancient, sacred petroglyphs if you have a good eye.

Happy Riding!

We hope you’re able to visit Winthrop soon!