We’re still digging out from under the ice in Seattle. So, today we’re featuring a guest post from David Wilkinson over at Switchback Travel. He recently headed out to Methow Valley in Washington for a cross country ski trip and sent us his thoughts.
The Methow Valley in the North Cascades is just beyond the weekend reach for most Seattlites, enough so that it remains an off the beaten path haven for those who love the outdoors. Rolling ranch land slowly narrows over the course of thirty miles before reaching the sheer walls of a box canyon. The terrain in between, fondly referred to simply as the Methow, elicits the far more famous Telluride in the Colorado Rockies. It’s difficult to say which is a more beautiful place.
The pride of the Methow is the over 200 kilometers of world-class trails used in the winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. A relatively flat valley floor is surrounded by high peaks, therefore the snow conditions mimic the mountains but with easy access to outdoor activities. An extensive network of ski trails—the Methow Community Trail and a number of nearby loops—is fastidiously managed and groomed for all levels of experience. The rest of the work is up to you.
The character of the Methow evolves as one heads up-valley and north toward the Cascades. At the mouth is the town of Methow, a dusty throwback to the time before many tourists made it there at all. Next up is Twisp, the most real town in the valley, home to old industry and new establishments serving organic food and microbrews. The next town north from Twisp is Winthrop, the hip tourist heart of the valley dominated by Subarus and historic buildings transformed into outdoor stores, shops, and restaurants. Mazama is the last stop, a prime location with the most snowfall in the valley and some of the premier trails.
For those new to the area or to cross-country skiing, there couldn’t be a better place to learn.
Winthrop Sports on the main drag rents and sells all the requisite gear, and they will also get you trail passes and point you in the right direction of where to ski. Much of the terrain is comprised of soft rolling hills ideal for beginners and families. For those with some experience, Jack’s Trail near Mazama offers more change in elevation. The most difficult track is the Rendezvous Hut system, which makes for a great multi-day trip or a challenging 30-km day.
The Methow snow is legendary, but the valley is just as alive in the summer. Fly-fishing shops are abundant and many of the ski trails transform to accommodate hikers and mountain bikers. Eateries and watering holes open their patios, many facing the Methow River. Of course, when the snow melts there is far easier access to the surrounding North Cascades for all kinds of backcountry hiking and camping.
Aside from being active, the Methow Valley is a place to recharge, meet good people, and soak up the laid-back mountain town atmosphere that is not easily replicated. If you stop by the Old Schoolhouse Brewery in Winthrop, one of two Methow breweries, you will likely end up in conversation with those who have made the permanent move there. The ease on their faces suggests that maybe it’s not such a bad idea, and many visitors spend the long drive back brainstorming on just how to make it happen.
More information on cross-country skiing and other activities in the Methow Valley can be found at www.mvsta.com.
What a great article. I am one of those faces that found serenity in a move to the Methow from SoCal. I own and operate Timberline Meadows Nightly Rentals since 1997 when my husband developed the property. It is wonderful to see the looks on peoples faces the first time they come here. This is truly a majestic place.