The Winthrop Trail

The Patterson Mountain loop is the perfect way for a beginner to intermediate hiker to get acquainted with the arid eastern slope of the North Cascades. This 3.7-mile lollipop with about 1100 feet of elevation gain showcases the open country of the high desert, blanketed with wildflowers in the spring and early summer and golden aspens in the autumn, and the sawtooth North Cascade range to the ...

The Methow Valley in north-central Washington is magical for myriad reasons—the dry powder and bluebird days of winter, the hot high-desert days of summer, stunning views of the North Cascades Mountains to the west; the list goes on and on.  Adding to its mystique is the little-known Pipestone Canyon, carved out the hills north of the town of Winthrop. Before you head up to the canyon, stop in...

During the winter months, there are few places in the country that are as isolated, picturesque and active as the Methow Valley, home to the western themed town of Winthrop and the tiny little town of Mazama.With over 200 kilometers of well-groomed cross country ski trails throughout the valley, you can ski to your heart's content and then relax at the end of the day at one of many rentals you ...

The North Cascades Highway is one of the most beautiful roads in the country. A popular, but long bike ride is to ride from Marblemount on the West side of the Cascades to Mazama on the east side. But for those who aren't up for an epic ride, there is an out and back option from Mazama on east side in the Methow Valley at 2,000' to Washington Pass at the crest of the North Cascades Highway at a...

The pin above is a small gravel parking lot which is clearly marked as "Trail Head" from the road. Once you park you are within eye shot of an information station and the trail is marked as "Suspension Bridge Access." Walk past this sign and continue on the well-groomed trail eastward for just short of a mile. Do not deviate on any of the other smaller forked trails. There is a continuous netwo...

Many cross country ski trails begin at the Mazama trailhead, located in the town of Mazama, just off of Highway 20. This area offers the perfect jumping off ground for a day on the trails.  Follow the interior short and flat Inn Run Loop trail to get your legs warmed up or get some practice on flat ground. To the right, choose Goat Wall Loop for long, flat expanse to work on distance and speed ...