Methow Valley

Methow Valley horseback riding. Photo by Werran, courtesy of REIEver been to the Old West town of Winthrop, the community of Mazama or the lively town of Twisp? Then you’ve been to the Methow Valley. Located just east of the Cascade Crest and most easily accessible via the seasonal scenic North Cascades Highway, the Methow Valley offers something for everyone from some of the best cross-country skiing in North America to some of the finest handmade Western arts and crafts in the state.

The Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Areas are close to Methow Valley communities and offer a number of recreational experiences for the intrepid traveler, including scaling 9,000 foot peaks, horseback riding over rolling hills and swimming in pristine aqua marine alpine lakes.

While many think of the eastern half of Washington state as a dry and dusty place, the Methow Valley is home to some impressive rivers, including the Methow, Twisp and Chewuch – all three draining into the region’s largest river, the Columbia.

Photo: Methow Valley Riding by Werran, courtesy of REI