Winthrop is part of the Methow Valley on Highway 20 (North Cascade Highway) in the north-central part of Washington State. No matter which way you enter Winthrop, the scenery is outstanding. The North Cascades Highway 20 is a national scenic byway (Cascade Loop) passing through the North Cascades National Park. This route is an efficient way to arrive and depart Winthrop when coming from the West and heading back to the West. However, the North Cascades Highway is closed in the winter. Scroll below for specific directions.
Be sure to check with the Washington State Department of Transportation on highway conditions before traveling at any time of the year*.
Directions From Seattle:
Four scenic route options:
- I-90 East to Cle Elum
- Hwy 970 East to Hwy 97 North
- Hwy 2 East (& 97 North) to Wenatchee
- Continue on Hwy 97 North to Pateros
- Hwy 153 North to Twisp
- Hwy 20 West to Winthrop
- Hwy 2 East over Stevens Pass to Wenatchee
- Hwy 97 North to Pateros
- Hwy 153 North to Twisp
- Hwy 20 West to Winthrop
- I-5 North to Arlington
- Hwy 530 through Darrington to Hwy 20
- Hwy 20 East to Winthrop -CLOSED IN WINTER! Closed Nov. until April
- I5 North to Burlington
- Hwy 20 east to Winthrop -CLOSED IN WINTER! Closed Nov. until April
Directions From Spokane:
- Hwy 2 West to Wilbur
- Hwy 174 West (Grand Coulee & Chief Joseph Dams) to Bridgeport
- Hwy 17 North to Hwy 97 South to Pateros
- Hwy 153 North to Twisp
- Hwy 20 West to Winthrop
*NOTE
During the winter months (usually mid-November through mid-April), highway 20 through the North Cascades closes to vehicle traffic due to high snowfall and avalanche conditions. This mountain highway is also prone to road closures anytime during the year. It is always a good idea to call 1 800 695 ROAD, 511, or visit http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes for current conditions on all Washington State Mountain Passes before traveling to Winthrop at any time of the year.
Car Charging Stations
The Methow Valley has three electric charging stations for vehicles. One in Mazama at the Mazama Country Inn, one in Winthrop at the Pine Near RV Park, and one in Twisp at the Twisp River Suites.
Shuttles & Transportation
SURROUNDING AREA ATTRACTIONS
Twisp & Methow Valley
Twisp is the arts and culture center of the Methow Valley. Browse local art galleries, jewelry shops, and a print art studio. Take in a play at the Merc Playhouse. Visit TwispWorks–the former Twisp Ranger Station, now home to art studios and the Methow Valley Interpretive Center, a museum of natural and Native American history of the Methow Valley. Stop by the Visitor Information Center in the historic Twisp High School. Visit the Twisp Website
North Cascade National Park
Are you hoping to encounter alpine wilderness, hike among dense evergreen forests, or car-camp with the whole family? Whatever your interest, we want to help you plan an enjoyable, safe, and memorable visit to the North Cascades. Explore jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers. Contemplate waterfalls cascading into deep valleys. Help steward the ecological heart of the Cascades. More info
Hart’s Pass & Mazama
Hart’s Pass is the highest road in Washington State. The road was built in 1893 into gold and silver mines. Today the road is used to access the Pacific Crest Trail and many other high alpine trails. Hart’s Pass
Mazama is the “town” at the base of the North Cascades National Park. It is a popular recreation area best known for its rock climbing and simple, wholesome amenities. Directions to Mazama
Scenic Cascade Loop
There’s nothing like hitting the open road: cranking up the tunes, feeling the wind in your hair, and taking a big old gulp of fresh air. And there’s nothing like doing this on the Cascade Loop! From the salty sea air surrounding the Puget Sound, flowering fruit trees from Leavenworth, Wenatchee, and Lake Chelan, acres of fresh-cut hay and farmland in the Methow Valley and Skagit Valleys, and miles upon miles of lush evergreen forest along the Stevens Pass Greenway and North Cascades National Park. This is the road trip of a lifetime.
Okanogan Country
Okanogan County in North-Central Washington State has the best family vacations! Scenic byways, tours, hikes, and family adventures await you in every corner of Okanogan Country: from the Northern Okanogan Region to the Methow Valley, across the Columbia River Basin, and into the Heart of the Okanogan. Okanogan Country is one of the best places to visit in Washington State. An affordable family vacation with endless outdoor adventure awaits you in our breathtaking snow-capped North Cascade Mountains and gorgeous winding river basins. Experience a Washington State getaway with fresh wholesome food, blue skies, and starry nights – a vacation that will keep you coming back for more!
