About Winthrop WA

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Welcome to Winthrop a tiny old western town with antique boardwalks, great boutiques, restaurants, luxurious to cozy overnight options and every outdoor recreational pursuit you could ask for! 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 on any day of the year and you are sure to have a great experience.

Adventure in the air with a certain western flair.”

Within the Methow Valley, which is a sixty-mile long glacial valley, Winthrop is a haven for anyone with a wonderlust for the Pacific Northwest. The valley extends from the town of Pateros to Mazama along the magnificent Methow River. We are located 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 1850’s wild west. With a population of under 500 people, you’ll find us to be off the beaten path and away from the hustle and bustle, especially in the spring and fall.

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 barn on the level gravel site is ideal for large RVs, vans, and cars alike. At this site you’ll find public restrooms, a playground, and a spot along the river to let the dogs cool off. 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 located halfway through town, giving you access to many restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options. This location is right next to our outdoor ice rink which is a pickle ball court in the summer where you’ll find public restrooms. Take the beautiful Spring Creek pedestrian bridge over the Methow River to get to the boardwalk within an eight minute walk, or head south to see Homestream Park (with river access), The Barnyard Cinema our brand-new, single-screen movie theater, East 20 Pizza, and more! This is also a very flat, gravel parking lot suitable for large RVs. Map

old western storefront boardwalk western town winthrop washington

Outdoor Recreation

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

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