Winthrop

Discover the perfect, small-town getaway in the North Cascades

written by Ryn Pfeuffer

Hugged into the North Cascades, Winthrop offers a whimsical Western ambience that’s like stepping into a living history book. Its Old West facades and wooden boardwalks evoke a sense of time travel, but don’t be fooled. This town buzzes with sophisticated, year-round excitement. Whatever the season, Winthrop spoils you with an array of activities. Winter transforms the Methow Valley into a snowy wonderland, home to more than 120 miles of meticulously groomed cross-country ski trails amid expansive wilderness and forests spanning over a million acres. Here’s how to make the most of a weekend getaway.

Day 1

SNOWY DELIGHTS • WILD BOAR WELLINGTON

Arrive in Winthrop and settle in at Hotel Rio Vista—an affordable gem settled by the river, just a stone’s throw from the town center. The convenience is unbeatable, and the rustic charm? It’s off the charts. If you’ve got a group in tow, Fawn Creek Hideaway is your spot—the cabin sleeps six, features sprawling decks and has a cozy wood-burning stove for those chilly winter days.

Make your way to the Methow Trails for an unforgettable dose of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Seriously, it’s like stepping straight into a picture-perfect snowy scene. Methow Trails is your go-to here. This organization operates the nation’s most extensive cross-country ski area, boasting 120 miles of trails. Oh, and here’s a sweet deal—kids 17 and under ski free every day. The trails are divided into three zones: Mazama, perfect for beginners; Sun Mountain, great for mixed-ability groups; and Rendezvous, a treat for seasoned skiers with stunning views of the North Cascades and the Methow Valley from 4,000-foot-high overlooks. Plus, the Community Trail stretches nearly 19 miles from Mazama to Winthrop, connecting it all.

The vast Methow Valley trail system at the base of the North Cascades.
Photo by Gerald Smith/Methow Trails

A stone’s throw from downtown Winthrop, Arrowleaf Bistro is a testament to culinary artistry with a local twist. With new torchbearers Kathy Borgersen and Sophia Boesenberg at the helm, this spot’s flavors are next level. Kick off your feast with the maple and mustard roasted carrots before diving into the wild boar Wellington—a feast for the senses. Leave room for the grand finale, a hot fudge and tahini skillet cake paired with sesame crunch ice cream. For a classy sip, try the Arrowleaf Old Fashioned, a fusion of pink peppercorn, bing cherry and orange.

Arrowleaf Bistro, with its roasted carrots, is one of a handful of fine dining experiences in Winthrop.
Photo by Arrowleaf Bistro

Winter transforms the Methow Valley into a snowy wonderland, home to more than 120 miles of meticulously groomed cross-country ski trails amid expansive wilderness and forests spanning over a million acres.

Day 2

ADVENTURE • BAKED GOODS • CIDER SAMPLERS

Morning fuel? Essential for today’s agenda. Swing by Rocking Horse Bakery for a breakfast worth savoring. Doors open at 7 a.m. five days a week for the valley’s best breakfast sandwich—scrambled eggs nestled atop locally sourced bacon, sausage or roasted veggies, draped with pepper jack cheese on a freshly baked biscuit. And those cinnamon pull-aparts? They’re irresistible. If you need a caffeine fix, they’ve got you covered with espresso drinks crafted from beans courtesy of Lariat Coffee Roasters in Winthrop.

Snow adventurers, brace yourselves for an epic winter escapade with Snowmobile Winthrop. Get your fix of adrenaline-pumping snowmobile action aboard, with half-or full-day options. But that’s not all—prepare for an unforgettable guided night ride in Sweetgrass Butte, where the thrill of the dark, snowy trails under the starry sky awaits. And hey, these snowmobiles aren’t just for cruising; their Expedition 600 ACEs are rigged with ski or snowboard mounts, perfect for towing all your gear for some serious backcountry shredding.

For those who don’t ski, there are an array of snowmobile trails in the area.
Photo by Snowmobile Winthrop

Once you’ve soaked up all that snowmobile-induced thrill, hop on over to the Methow Valley Ciderhouse, an easy ten-minute stroll from town that’s worth the jaunt. Picture this: a variety of locally crafted ciders just waiting for you to sample while lounging on their deck, soaking up those sunbeams. My tip? Dive into their sampler—the golden ticket to sipping through their diverse cider offerings. The ciderhouse also has a menu that stars sausages with an array of condiments.

An outdoor culture pervades at the Methow Valley Ciderhouse.
Photo by Methow Valley Ciderhouse

Day 3

LOCAL FLAVOR • WILDLIFE VIEWING

Final day feels! Ease into the morning with a leisurely start. Slide into Three Fingered Jack’s Saloon for breakfast and soak up the vibes. There’s a buzz about this spot—rumor has it, it might just hold the title of the oldest legal saloon in Washington. Push those iconic saloon doors and step into a world brimming with billiards, pool tables and that timeless saloon atmosphere. Split right down the middle, this joint’s got something for everyone: a 21-and-over bar on one side and a family-friendly dining haven on the other. And if it’s breakfast you’re after (available Friday to Sunday), they’re serving up some killer chicken-fried steak and eggs alongside eggs Benedict.

Downtown Winthrop is a small, vibrant and walkable town with shops, bakeries and a good bookstore.
Photo by Jason Hummel Photography/State of Washington Tourism

Let’s venture downtown before you hit the road and head home. Prepare for a visual feast as you peruse the galleries and boutique stores. Marvel at skilled artisans at work in the glass-blowing studio and lose yourself in the pages of the locally owned, independent bookstore, Trail’s End Bookstore. Roaming through the galleries unveils a wealth of nature-inspired artwork, Western treasures, eclectic home decor and handcrafted jewelry.

It’s farewell time, but not without one last stop. Head to Pearrygin Lake State Park for some winter wildlife viewing. The park is home to various wildlife species. Winter can be an excellent time for spotting creatures like deer, coyotes and even bald eagles against the snowy backdrop. Trust me—it’s the perfect way to end your Winthrop adventure.