During a recent trip to Winthrop, a charming small town in the glacial valleys of North Central Washington, a couple of mega TicToc influencers, Traveling While Black. They were blown away by its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. You can watch the episode showcasing their entire experience below. Staying at the Mt Gardner Inn right in Winthrop, provided Traveling While Black comfortable and cozy accommodations.

Learn about their choice dining selections of the Arrowleaf Bistro, Sun Mountain Lodge. Old Schoolhouse Brewery, and the Methow Valley Ciderhouse were some of their favorites. These eateries were some of the culinary highlights of the trip, offering delicious food and a great atmosphere to relax and unwind. However, they hope to come back to try more of Winthrop’s fantastic dining options.

One of the highlights of the trip was attending the farmer’s market and the Earth Day Festival presented by Methow Recycles. It was wonderful to see the community come together to celebrate and support sustainable practices. They loved the Methow Valley Interpretive Center. Marlie and Anthony also had the opportunity to go horseback riding with JD Outfitters, which was a unique and memorable experience.

They felt completely comfortable and welcome in Winthrop. The town’s friendly and hospitable residents made Anthony and Marlie feel at home. Winthrop’s openness and willingness to embrace all types of visitors were appreciated. We were honored to host them!

Overall, they said that Winthrop is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a peaceful and inclusive retreat in the Pacific Northwest. Whether one is looking for outdoor adventures, delicious food, or a welcoming community, Winthrop has something for everyone. Traveling While Black excitedly told us they can’t wait to return during the Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival.

Winthrop and Okanogan County, WA | Traveling While Black™ | Episode 138

Find Lodging In Winthrop

WSDOT predicts the opening of Washington Pass to be Mother’s Day weekend- just in time for our annual ’49er Days Western Heritage Celebration.
As we anticipate the opening of the North Cascades Scenic Highway, let’s take a little journey back in time to learn about how the highway originated.

What was the purpose of opening a North Cascades route? The highway opened for automotive travel in 1972, but few realize that efforts to open a North Cascades route, as first recorded by white men as far back as 1895, were likely used for thousands of years. Work continued for over a year to open a route between East and West for commerce. That route was opened in 1896, but much was passable only by foot or horseback.

We are so grateful for the tireless work on behalf of WSDOT. The latest date the highway has opened is June 30th. Here you can see the historical dates of the highway opening back to 1935 | WSDOT List

When will North Cascades Highway open?
There are about six miles of roadway yet to clear. Plenty of snow is still in the loading zones of the avalanche paths, and a round of avalanche control is scheduled for next week. Warm weather is melting the snow and helping the cause, but it also creates high avalanche danger conditions that limit the time crews can work in certain areas. It’s tough to say when exactly the road will be open. There are always some finishing touches to the reopening work that may or may not go smoothly, so pinning the exact date down is tricky. If weather and equipment cooperate, the North Cross will be open by Mother’s Day.

Cyclists Rejoice

In the meantime, avid cyclists enjoy the narrow window of time to bike up to the top of the pass without worrying about avoiding vehicles. While the road crews are away on Fridays and weekends, we can peak at their progress as we enjoy the incredible views along the way.

Helpful Links from WSDOT

• Northwest Avalanche Center issued a special avalanche bulletin: nwac.us/avalanche-forecast/#/snoqualmie-pass
  
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/WSDOT
  
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/wsdot/
  
• Twitter: twitter.com/WSDOT_East
  
• Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/albums/72177720306984993

Check out other nearby scenic drives | Scenic Drives

Looking for running, cycling, and ski races in 2023?

Here in Winthrop, Washington, outdoor recreation is serious – in a fun way. If you’re wanting to achieve new fitness goals, why complete a race among wildflowers, snowcapped mountains, and pristine shared trails of the Methow Valley? Find a cozy hotel with steaming hot tub to relax those sore muscles. Whether you’re a runner, cyclist, cross-country skier, or pickleball enthusiast, we have something for you. You can even reserve our outdoor ice rink for your next ice hockey or pickleball tournament. 

If you’re looking to get outside, why not experience the majesty of Winthrop, Washington’s snowcapped mountains? Here are some events to select:

Ski Rodeo

December 31st, 2022

Join us in kicking off the ski season with the family-friendly Ski Rodeo. A great way to spend time with friends and family, try a ski race, or cheer someone on! Participants can ski competitively or just for fun. Races for all ages, from 1 to 10 km, plus fun obstacle courses and relays.

Saturday Ski Shuttle

January 7th, 2023 — February 25th, 2023

On Saturdays in January and February, Methow Trails offers transportation service between Winthrop and Mazama for those looking for a one-way ski journey along the iconic Methow Community Trail. The shuttle is free, but a valid ski trail pass is required.

Winthrop Trailhead Parkrun

Every Saturday at 8:00 am (May – September) & 9:00 am (October – April).
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer, or spectate – it’s up to you! The event occurs at Winthrop Trailhead, 21 Horizon Flats Rd, Winthrop, WA 98862. See the Course page for more details.

Fatbike Meetup

January 13-14th, 2023 (MLK Weekend)

Join Methow Cycle & Sport for activities Friday evening, Saturday, and Saturday evening.

Backyard Ski Day

January 27th, 2023

Methow Trails invites everyone for a day of FREE winter trail access. Try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or fat biking for the first time, or introduce a friend to the experience you love!

Hanz’s Big Adventure

January 27th, 2023

Hanz’s Big Adventure is a trials-format race for kids up to 100 years old at the McCabe Trails at Liberty Bell High School. You guess how long it will take you to do your chosen course and enter your time when you register. All you know ahead of time are the approximate distance of the courses you can choose from–1, 2.5 or 5 km.

Race of the Methow

February 4th, 2023 — September 29th, 2023

Two days of racing at this US Ski and Snowboard-sanctioned Pacific Northwest Junior National qualifier! Races for everyone with sanctioned categories and open/community categories too!

Evidence based holistic Mountain Retreat

February 10-12, 2023

Cradled in the North Cascade mountains we will combine yoga, mindfulness, and compassion training for an unforgettable experience. Release stress and safely open your mind, body and heart. You need time to decompress and nurture you, so you can engage in life from a place of wholeness. More Info…

Ski to the Sun

February 11th, 2023

Join Methow Trails and the Methow Valley Nordic Ski Education Foundation for the annual Ski to the Sun Marathon and Relay. The course travels through North America’s largest ski trail network and takes skiers from the tranquil banks of the Methow River to the beautiful mountain vistas at Sun Mountain Lodge. Ski the marathon as an individual or as a relay with up to five other friends or family members. You’ll enjoy food and fun along the way!

 

Snowshoe Softball

February 19-20, 2023

The Winthrop Snowshoe Softball tournament is a popular annual winter event sponsored by the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce. Now in its third decade, this tournament is held every February on the three-day President’s Day weekend.

Doggie Dash

February 19th, 2023

Get out your costume box. This race is all about the costume and a dose of good luck out on the course. Human-dog teams compete in short heats to go for the glory of the coveted Golden Poodle award. Humans must ski. Dogs must run. Dogs must be on a leash. Both must be in costume. It’s that simple.

Sunflower

April 29th, 2023

This unique course begins at 2180 feet elevation in Mazama and includes well-marked deer trails, single-track trails, and gravel roads. Stunning views of the Methow River, North Cascades, and Chelan Sawtooths abound from flower-carpeted meadows and fields.

SUN MOUNTAIN 50M/50K/25K

​50M: SATURDAY, MAY 13TH, 2023
50K: SATURDAY, MAY 20TH, 2023
25K: SUNDAY, MAY 21ST, 2023

Located on the eastern and sunny side of the North Cascades – on the edge of the Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness, above the Methow River Valley – these courses offer a great mountain trail running early in the year. You can expect fields of wildflowers, beautiful, snow-capped peaks of the Cascades in the distance, and primarily gradual, smooth, runnable trails.  Contact Rainshadow Running to register.

Cutthroat Classic

September 9th, 2023

Topping the charts in inspiration and popularity, the Cutthroat Classic provides incredible mountain views along a spectacular high alpine trail. The Cutthroat course is an 11-mile singletrack trail run through the North Cascades, following the iconic Pacific Crest Trail up and over Cutthroat Pass. This race is limited to 400 participants and sells out early every year.

Gran Fondo Winthrop

September 16th, 2023

Gran Fondo Winthrop road cycling event will take you deep into the North Cascades and dish out a whopping 10.000+’ of climbing.  There’s a reason we save this one for the end!

Looking for something more individually focused? Check out the yoga class schedules at Motive Yoga and Head and Heart.

Keep an eye on the Winthrop, Washington Calendar for more events like Frisbee golf at Loup Loup Ski Bowl.

After the gorgeous, smoke-free summer in Winthrop, WA, we look forward to cooler nights and warm beverages offered during fall travel. The temperate weather lends itself to more comfortable recreation opportunities that don’t require plunging into Pearrygin Lake afterward, although that’s fun too! Have you thought about traveling in the fall?

Fall travel certainly has distinct advantages

Avoid the crowds: 

The kids are back in school, so families are less likely to travel in the fall. Holiday breaks in autumn tend to be either brief or family-oriented, which limits recreational travel for some. Traveling at a time when more residents than visitors offers a more authentic and personalized experience.

Hot lodging deals:

In many tourist towns, the “shoulder season” allows for more affordable lodging. Winthrop, WA, is no exception. In addition to lower room rates, you’ll find that multiple hotels offer a “get the third night free.”

More recreation options:

Showing up between summer and winter means you can dip your toes into both options. Snow begins falling in at higher elevations while the valley floor remains comfortable. By the end of October, the Winthrop Rink will switch from roller skating to an outdoor ice rink. Camping is cooler but campfire bans are lifted. Some of our RV sites remain open year-round.

Experience the beauty:

Best of all, the larches. Need we say more? When the deciduous firs of North Central Washington turn a golden hue, it’s a magical experience. Taking a walk in a golden forest can be a life-changing experience. Some beautiful places to see the larches (aka tamaracks) are in the North Cascades National Park and the Okanogan National Forest near Loup Loup Ski Bowl – between which Winthrop, WA, just happens to be nestled.

If you have the travel bug of just need a break, the doors here will always be open for you to take off your hat and stay a while.

Next time you come to Winthrop, you’ll be delighted to learn that there are some new restaurants to sit down at and enjoy a delicious meal.

Jupiter

Formerly Duck Brand, the Jupiter offers dining on a beautiful deck overlooking the town of Winthrop. Jupiter is a counter-service restaurant offering ethnically infused, health-conscious food, baked goods, and espresso. Beverages include beer, wine, hard kombucha, and a large selection of nonalcoholic bubbly drinks. Food made to order takes between 5 and 20 minutes, depending on demand. Learn more on their website.

Meza

Formerly Six Knot Taphouse on the Downtown Winthrop boardwalk, you’ll find a delightful place to enjoy tapas and more. Learn more from a Facebook post about it.

Mazama Public House

Not quite in Winthrop, the Mazama Public House has opened to offer tasty bites and refreshing the brews of Old Schoolhouse Brewery to the avid recreation adventurers of Mazama. We hope you check out their scrumptious happy-fun bowls, panini, spent grain pizzas, and more. Learn more on their Facebook page.

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Don’t forget about Twisp! A new bourbon and BBQ restaurant should open on Glover Street soon.

Don’t forget about our faithful Winthrop Chamber of Commerce restaurant members by clicking the link below.

During the pandemic, we all know the restaurants struggled. The housing crisis still affects the restaurants in Winthrop and their ability to find employees. We hope you’ll understand if a particular restaurant doesn’t have enough employees to be open during their regular hours. We are grateful to have the best, most understanding visitors around!