Winthrop Washington is a favorite outpost along the Cascade Loop scenic drive, known for its stunning scenery and charming towns: Twisp, Mazama, and the western, recreational heartland of Winthrop.
From Winthrop, the Methow River diverges into two distinct and lovely sub-basins, each worthy of a day of scenic driving and exploration by car or motorcycle. Both options offer plenty of public access for picnics or cat-naps by the river.
The East Chewuch Road follows the Chewuch River through farmland into an ever narrowing, granite-sided valley. The paved road extends a full 30 miles to its end at the Wilderness access point and memorial of the 30-Mile Fire. On the way back to town, try the West Chewuch Road, which takes you right back to Winthrop by way of the west side of the Chewuch River.
Heading north on Hyw 20 from Winthrop will take you through the quaint town (don’t blink) of Mazama on your way up the Lost River. At the end of the pavement, one can choose to make the well-worth-it journey to Harts Pass, the highest point in the State of Washington that you can drive to. Expect to move slowly as you ascend the dirt road, and leave yourself time to hike the flat traverse of the Pacific Crest Trail and Harts Pass for a mile or two – one of the Trail’s most acclaimed sections anywhere between Mexico and Canada!
And last but not least, if you didn’t cross it coming to the Valley, be sure to enjoy the scenic drive up to Washington and Rainy Passes for Alp-like scenery, and cool temperatures on a hot day. If you feel like a short hike, try the paved, flat hike out to Rainy Lake.
Car Charging Stations
The Methow Valley has four electric charging stations for electronic vehicles (and more to come!) One in Mazama at the Inn at Mazama, one in Winthrop at the Pine Near RV Park, East 20 Pizza and one in Twisp at the Twisp River Suites.
SURROUNDING AREA ATTRACTIONS
Twisp & Twisp River
Twisp is the arts and culture center of the Methow. Browse local art galleries, jewelry shops and a print arts 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 know 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!
