TRAVEL GUIDE TO WINTHROP
Winthrop is a quaint, charming old Western town located in the north-central part of Washington state. Winthrop is considered “the Gateway to the North Cascades”. In the 1960's, Hwy. 20 opened up and ran through the North Cascades. The highway expansion boosted the amount of people that could reach this unique town. Kathryn and Otto Wagner, a couple of innovators, wanted to give back to their community and helped transform Winthrop back to its 1850's old West roots. They helped convert the local businesses into the unique 1900s Western town that it is today.
Winthrop is a tourist destination known for its antique boardwalks, luxurious and unique overnight options, and recreational opportunities for everyone. Winthrop is a year-round wonderland but is most known for the continent's largest network of cross country ski trails. Winthrop is located within the Methow Valley which is a 60 mile long glacial valley and home to the magnificent Methow River.
Let us help you get the most out of your trip with our travel guide and tips. Find out more below:
- Best time to visit
- How to get there
- Travel requirements
- Getting around
- Highlights and travel tips
- Suggested itineraries
- Recommended Hotels
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Winthrop has something for virtually everyone, every season of the year. With the largest network of groomed cross-country ski trails on the North American continent, take advantage of all the snowshoeing, hiking, biking, running trails, and plenty of water sports available.
- Spring - ‘49er Days, Balloon Roundup, Methow Valley Rodeo, Outdoor Theater, Farmers Markets, Hiking, and Mt biking
- Summer - Vintage Wheels show, Rhythm & Blues Festival, Outdoor Theater, Farmers Markets, Hiking, Water sports and Mt biking
- Fall - Outdoor Theater, Farmers Markets, Hiking, and Mt biking
- Winter - Christmas at the end of the road, Rink Hockey Tournaments, Snowshoe Softball Tournament, Snowshoeing, Cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling
HOW TO GET THERE
Easiest way to get to Winthrop is by car
- From the Seattle area: I-5 North and WA-20 E
- From the Spokane area: US-2 or WA-20 W
GETTING AROUND
It’s quite easy to get around in Winthrop. The town is great for walking or biking. There is public transportation provided by TranGo. The Methow route provides service in Winthrop, Twisp, Methow, Carlton, Pleasant Valley, and more. You will want a car to explore some of the beautiful areas around and out of town.
HIGHLIGHTS AND TRAVEL TIPS
There are several great reasons why you should put Winthrop on your travel bucket list:
- ’49ER DAYS
- CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
- CHRISTMAS AT THE END OF THE ROAD
- METHOW VALLEY RODEO EVENTS
- FARMERS MARKETS
- VINTAGE WHEELS SHOW
- WINTHROP BALLOON ROUNDUP
- RINK HOCKEY TOURNAMENTS
- SNOWSHOE SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT
- RHYTHM & BLUES FESTIVAL
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
It is impossible to see all the sights in the Winthrop area in one day. I would recommend planning a 2 day visit to make sure you can hit all the sights.
- Day 1 - Check out the town and all it has to offer
- Day 2 - Check out the outdoor recreation and small towns and lakes nearby.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS
Here is a list of the hotels we have found in this area:
- Hotel Rio Vista
- River's Edge Resort
- River Run Inn
- Bunkhouse Inn
- Chewuch Inn & Cabins
- River Pines Inn
- Mt. Gardner Inn
- Winthrop Mountain View Chalets
- North Cascades Mountain Hostel
- Pine Near RV Park & Campground
- Winthrop / N. Cascades National Park KOA
