Food , Drink and Play in the Methow Valley
Dining & Entertainment
If you’ve got a healthy appetite after a day of playing, we highly recommend a pie from East 20 Pizza. It pairs well with a movie across the way at Winthrop’s local gem- The Barnyard Cinema!
If you’d like a locally brewed beer with your meal, check out The Old Schoolhouse Brewery. Don’t forget to check out their music calendar, with live music every Friday!
Or, if you’re more the cocktail type, we recommend checking out Copper Glance, and stick around for the music on Saturday nights!
Then there’s also the local favorite Methow Valley Ciderhouse, featuring locally made cider and its own backyard garden amphitheatre!
If you’re up for a short drive to Twisp, we recommend grabbing lunch from our friends at Fork food truck, which is parked in TwispWorks during the week, as well as our favorite authentic mexican joint La Fonda Lopez.
Hiking
If you’re looking for a great hike not far from town with sweeping views of the valley, check out the newly upgraded Lewis Butte loop trail. If you’re up for something a little further check out Tiffany Mountain or the steeper but rewarding Copper Glance lake hike. Then of course there’s the trails in North Cascades National Park, a 40 minute drive west on Hwy 20 (closed during the winter). Must-hike trails up there include the Heather-Maple pass loop, as well as Blue lake. For other great hikes in the area, as well as trip reports, check out Washington Trails Association’s extensive directory of trails throughout the state.
Biking
Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance has been doing great things in the Methow valley lately, putting the area on the map as a legitimate mountain biking destination. If you’re looking to test your endurance while also taking in some views we recommend checking out Buck Mountain and the new Buck Up Track extension.
If you’re looking for a wide array of trail options, including DH and flow trails, Sun Mountain is your spot. Make your way up Climb It Change Lower and Upper, then flow down Pete’s Dragon. Or, if you’re looking to test your endurance, continue climbing on the newly completed Thompson ridge trail, which will take you all the way up to Thompson ridge for stellar views or the Chelan-Sawtooth wilderness followed by a fun descent all the way down the ridge, 13 miles total.
If that doesn’t satiate your need for adventure, there’s always Cutthroat Pass or Angel’s Staircase.
Looking to get geared up? Be sure to visit Methow Cycle & Sport.
Skiing
Methow Valley is known for its world-class Nordic skiing. The extensive trail system is managed by Methow Trails. Nordic passes are available for sale at the hostel. If you haven’t already, we recommend you download their mobile app, which keeps you updated on their grooming operations.
If you’re looking for some lift-serviced skiing check out our local family friendly ski resort- Loup Loup Ski Bowl!
Or perhaps you’re looking to venture into the backcountry? Our local guide company North Cascade Mountain Guides can help you out there. Or if you’re looking to get elevated, North Cascade Heli are your people.
Looking for ski gear? Pay a visit to our friends at Winthrop Mountain Sports, Cascades Outdoor Store or Goats Beard at their new & improved location in Mazama.
Winthrop Rink
Did you know that Winthrop is home to one of the nicest outdoor ice rinks in the West?!
Whether you’re looking to get out on skates for the first time, jump in on some drop-in hockey, or spectate some tournament play, Winthrop Rink has it all!
River Floating & Rafting
You simply can NOT visit the Methow valley in the summer without getting on the river. Whether you’re up for a leisurely float through town or a thrilling rafting experience further down river, Methow River Raft & Kayak are your people. Tell them the hostel sent you!