Located along the North Cascades Scenic Byway, Winthrop, WA is an Old West town surrounded by natural beauty. If you are looking for outdoor adventure in and around this popular town, here are 5 places you must visit:
The Methow Valley
From majestic mountain ranges to sparkling rivers, the Methow Valley is truly the place to get away from it all. Extending all the way from the shores of Pateros to the foothills of the North Cascade Mountain Ranges, this standout destination showcases the best the great outdoors has to offer. Here, you can hike around the North Cascades National Park, go fishing in the Methow River, and ski cross county on the Methow Trails – the largest cross-country trail system in North America.
The towns in the Methow Valley also have a lot to offer. In Winthrop, you can explore the famous Shafer Museum and walk to the ends of Winthrop’s two walking bridges for picture-perfect views.
Moreover, real estate in Winthrop is well-known for its Old West design.
Twisp, on the other hand, is home to an active arts scene. Watch plays at the Merc Playhouse and view works of art at the Confluence Gallery.
The Methow River
Flowing from high up the North Cascades and running through the whole Methow Valley, the magnificent Methow River teems with cutthroat, bulltrout, whitefish, steelhead & salmon that make it a favorite among anglers.
Those who like something more adrenalin packed can go rafting on a thrilling whitewater river course. You can also take in beautiful views while kayaking. The forests and mountains surrounding the river are the perfect backdrop for camping as well.
Pearrygin Lake State Park
This 1,186-acre camping park features expansive green fields, 6.5 miles of gorgeous hiking trails, and Pearrygin Lake with its two-mile shoreline. The lake is open all year, with outdoor activities available no matter the season.
During summer, visitors can swim, fish, and go boating on the lake. The park also has the 3.1-mile Rex Derr hiking trail as well as designated campsites. Wintertime activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat tire cycling.
Falls Creek Falls
If you want to bring children along, head to the trailhead of Falls Creek Falls just outside Winthrop. There’s a paved trail leading to the first of four waterfalls just a quarter of a mile away. If you want a better vantage point, follow a gently zigzagging path to the top of the falls. Here you’ll see the waters cascading down rocks that form the lower falls.
Winthrop National Fish Hatchery
Established by the Grand Coulee Fish Maintenance Project in 1937, the Winthrop National Fish Hatchery aims to maintain a steady level of fish above Grand Coulee Dam. Millions of steelhead, spring chinook, and coho salmon are raised here each year to be released into the Methow River.
Tour the hatchery to learn about the lifecycle of fish and take a peek at the beaver rescue facility where you can watch the animals swim and work. At the end of the tour, visitors can feed rainbow trout in a large pond.
To help you find the best homes in and around Winthrop, trust our expert realtors at Coldwell Banker Winthrop Realty. Get in touch with us today by calling (509) 996-2121 or by sending an email to [email protected].
