About

Welcome to Winthrop, a tiny old western town with antique boardwalks, fabulous boutiques, restaurants, luxurious to cozy overnight options, and every outdoor recreational pursuit you desire! Read more to learn about the pristine Okanogan National Forest is our backyard and your playground. Winthrop is a year-round wonderland but, in the winter, is acclaimed for the continent’s largest network of cross-country ski trails. Visit any day of the year and have a great experience.

“Adventure in the air with a certain Western flair.”

Within the Methow Valley, a sixty-mile-long glacial valley, Winthrop is a haven for anyone with a wanderlust for the Pacific Northwest. The valley extends from the town of Pateros to Mazama along the magnificent Methow River. You’ll find us in the northern portion of this valley at milepost 193 along North Cascades Highway 20.

Winthrop is a charming vacation destination in an authentic Western town preserved to resemble the 1850s wild west. With a population of under 500 people, you’ll find us off the beaten path, away from the urban hustle.

Winthrop is a year-round retreat to escape the routine, breathe fresh air, unplug and bask in sunshine.”

Where to Park (Parking)

To have the most relaxing and enjoyable experience in Winthrop, you won’t want to fight for a spot along the main road where backing out onto the highway during busy seasons and weekends. Try parking at the site of the original encampment of fur traders back in 1886 by the Winthrop Barn Auditorium. Parking behind the level gravel site barn is ideal for large RVs, vans, and cars. You’ll find public restrooms, a playground, and a spot along the river to let the dogs cool off at this site. Then you can take a five-minute walk into town as you cross the scenic bridge over the Chewuch River. Map

Another option is to park at our town trailhead halfway through town, giving you access to many restaurants, shopping, and recreation options. This location is right next to our outdoor rink and a pickleball court, where you’ll find public restrooms in the summer. Take the beautiful Spring Creek pedestrian bridge over the Methow River to get to the boardwalk within an eight-minute walk. Alternatively, you could head south to see Homestream Park (with river access), The Barnyard Cinema, our brand-new, single-screen movie theater, East 20 Pizza, and more! The Barn also offers a flat, gravel parking lot suitable for large RVs. Map

old western storefront boardwalk western town winthrop washington

Outdoor Recreation

The Methow Valley is famous for its outdoor recreation opportunities. Every year’s season brings about new activities and scenic colors to enjoy. With the continent’s largest network of groomed cross-country ski trails, we have hiking, biking, snowshoeing, trail running, and water sports galore.

On a moonless night, you’ll see the Milky Way from one end of the galaxy to the other and occasionally the Northern Lights, thanks to our predominately cloudless weather.