What's Up, Winthrop!
Visit Vibrant Winthrop in the Methow Valley of Washington State
It’s not just its location close to Washington State’s spectacular and less visited national park (North Cascades) that makes Winthrop such a winsome mountain town. This lively enclave in the Methow Valley bristles with a whimsical blend of Wild West charms, contemporary culture, and a mosaic of outdoor adventures—from river to lake to waterfalls, and beyond.
Be sure to walk Winthrop’s beautifully designed multi-use (and car free) Susie Stephens Trail. The path travels from the south end to the center of downtown Winthrop, crossing the Methow River.
It includes the 380-foot long Spring Creek Pedestrian Bridge—an idyllic spot for cyclists and walkers to soak in the beauty of the sunlit river, enhanced by the impressive Cascade Mountains. Keep an eye out for osprey, commonly sighted here.
Downtown’s got plenty of shops to keep the pep in your stroll—from Trail’s End Bookstore to a delightful dog store, thrift-shopping, and all kinds of Methow Valley–inspired apparel and crafts.
As the largest apple-producer in the United States, this region of Washington State makes the most of its fruitful bliss. Stop by the Methow Valley Ciderhouse for a family-friendly experience of homespun dining delights and a variety of ciders sourced from their nearby apple orchard. Three Fingered Jack’s Saloon is the oldest in the state, and Rocking Horse Bakery is a morning staple with locals … the coffee is smooth and artisan, and the warmed cinnamon buns will knock your boots off.
If you like your craft brews with brilliant river views, beeline to Old Schoolhouse Brewery. For dinner, belly up to the counter at Meza and place your order for tapas dishes including meatballs, roasted cauliflower, and a sumptuous moruno chicken.
Little Patagonia: Just half an hour by car from Winthrop, North Cascades National Park is open year-round, though road access is weather- and season-dependent. The park is certainly not unsung—with peaks up to 9,000 feet, glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, and a terrific trails system to see the highlights—but it is less traveled, which is part of the appeal for those wanting a little solitude.
In late fall, chances are good you can still access the Washington Pass Overlook on the North Cascades Scenic Highway. To reach the viewing area, it’s just a 0.25-mile quick and easy paved walk from the designated parking area. We call it Little Patagonia for the impressive granite peaks spiking the skyline as a marquee highlight of this vista. You'll see Liberty Bell Mountain, Kangaroo Ridge, and the Early Winters Spires.
Panels of poetry feature into the platform viewing, fitting for the sublime nature surrounding you. Beneath the peaks a mix of conifers carpets the landscape, and autumn brings the magic of the low-glowing sun late in the day.
Waterfall Hike: About 20 minutes from downtown Winthrop, Falls Creek makes for a short and easy hike to a multi-tiered year-round waterfall. The trailhead is across the street from Falls Creek Campground.
Within a 0.25-mile walk (this section of trail is also wheelchair accessible) you’ll get to the main spectacle, the first in a series of falls fed by the Methow River. The falls comprise a duo of oases separated by stream. The lower tier is fall-filling enough, with an up-close vantage perfect for photos. You can keep going up a narrow and often steep path to get to a perspective of the second tier, though this section is not for everyone—it’s a slim trail with not much payoff beyond the second tier of falls (there is a plateau leading to the base of this oasis, but it’s not clear cut to find). Our recommendation is taking the short stroll to the first falls and soaking in the beautiful autumn light in the meadow as you hike.
Night & Day: Just a few miles east of Winthrop, Pearrygin Lake State Park is quietly grand—and beloved by locals. Tucked in the foothills of the Methow Valley and sprawling with a campground, surrounding hiking and mountain biking trails, and paddle rentals for getting out on the water, Pearrygin is an all-season recreation haven (in winter, Nordic skiing and fat tire winter biking are popular). Celestial enthusiasts will want to keep track of dark sky and starry night programs here. The park is designated as a dark sky destination in Washington State—ideal for adventures in stargazing and astronomy. You can also check the Methow Dark Sky Coalition for upcoming events.
STAY: There are many great lodging options in and around Winthrop. For a best-value stay in a great location, there’s a reason Mt. Gardner Inn consistently tops favorite-accommodation lists. It offers all the best basics—with bonus scenery! Mt. Gardner is nestled on public land that’s an ode to the great outdoors—including the enticing spectacle of North Cascades National Park, just 30 minutes away by car.
Rooms at Mt. Gardner have a spacious main area with fireplaces and intimate outdoor patios overlooking the Cascades. You can walk to downtown by joining up with the nearby Susie Stephens Trail.
Note: Potential closures of SR 20—part of the famed Cascade Loop Scenic Byway—means you may need to route your road trip from Seattle by way of Stevens Pass (U.S. 2) or Snoqualmie Pass (I-5). Check ahead!
