The Methow

sunset in Twisp, WA

It's winter in the Methow Valley (pronounced, Met-how, not Meth-ow). Valley residents seem to love the winter, often proclaiming, "it's not even cold yet!" I beg to differ as the low last night was 7 degrees with daytime temps maxing out in the high 20's.  If this isn't winter yet, I'm truly frightened at what awaits........

The Methow sits to the east of Seattle in the foothills of the Cascades Range.  The air is crisp and dry due to it's position at around 1,100 feet above sea level. The valley borders the Okanogan National Forest and the Pacific Crest Trail, making it a popular spot for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Gear lists for the winter include: skis, snowshoes, snow mobiles, snowboards, fat bikes, ice skates, and fishing poles. With over 120 miles of groomed Nordic skiing trails, the Methow Valley attracts cross-country and down-hill skiers from all over the world.

Benson Creek Rd., Twisp WA

The largest towns in the Methow are Twisp, population 939, and Winthrop, 415, with only a few thousand people living in this entire valley. Fortunately, there are two local coffee roasting companies (hallelujah!) - Blue Star and Lariat Coffee Roasters. Between these two roasters, Twisp and Winthrop have more coffee roasters per capita than Seattle.  Both towns shut down early in the winter, so be sure to stop in for a hot cup of joe before 4:00 pm.

Local bars and breweries are a common meeting place, and offer refuge from the frigid night time temps.  I recommend the Old Schoolhouse Brewery in Winthrop, serving the acclaimed Ruud Awakening IPA - recently named one of the 20 best american IPA's by Hi Consumption. All Schoolhouse beers are brewed with chlorine-free water flowing directly from the North Cascade mountains, allowing for truer malt and hops flavors to be distinguished.  The Old Schoolhouse Brewery is open every day and stays open late, which around here is after 8:00 p.m.

Methow River, Winthrop, WA

So, what do locals do in the Methow after 8:00 pm if not out at the pub? I'm not sure, but based the extreme temperature change after the sun sets (around 4 o'clock), I think they are scurrying home to change into their smart wool, heat up some deer stew and sit near the fireplace.

Methow - your stunning vistas and views of the Cascades melting into the Twisp and Methow rivers are so fantastically beautiful, I understand why valley residents love living here.