At the southern end of the valley, Alta Lake is a hidden gem. The two-mile long alpine lake has cool, turquoise water and spectacular views from a large sandy beach. A state park, Alta Lake has grassy picnic areas and a campground shaded by pine trees, as well as a snack stand. At both Alta and Pearrygin state parks, Discover Passes are required. Black Pine Lake, nestled in the mountains on U.S. Forest Service land southwest of Twisp, is a lovely spot with majestic views. At an elevation of 4,200 feet and surrounded by conifer forest, the deep blue waters of the lake are clear and refreshing. Two floating docks offer a great way to plunge into the lake, which is popular with local families and generally more serene than the state parks.
Running water
The valley’s rivers and streams are popular among locals and visitors, and some well-known swimming holes are big attractions on hot summer days. The Carlton swimming hole, just below the Carlton bridge on Highway 153, has a big sandy beach and a large eddy near shore that is safe for kids — with supervision, of course. The clear waters of the Methow River form a broad, deep pool that accommodates the crowds that gather there on hot summer afternoons. There is a parking lot (Discover Pass required) and an outhouse at the site, and it’s a short walk to the friendly Carlton Store for snacks. Another easily accessible and popular swimming hole, with lots of sandy beach and a sandy bottom, is located further upriver next to the Twisp town park. Some people like to swim across the wide swimming hole, climb up rocks on the other side and leap off into the deep water. Wilder and more remote, Boulder Creek Falls is about a mile above the mouth of Boulder Creek on the Chewuch River. The pool below the falls is a popular swimming hole, and a segment of the falls serves as a waterslide in late summer. The falls are about two miles up Forest Service Road No. 37, off the East Chewuch Road outside Winthrop. Stay right at the fork after the Boulder Creek bridge, and park. A short but steep trail leads to the falls.
There are hundreds of other possibilities for taking a dip on a hot summer day in addition to these popular spots. Explore, be safe, have fun. ❂
S TAYING SAFE The Methow Valley’s lakes, rivers and streams are fun and refreshing, but swimming in them requires using common sense and caution. In late summer, when local rivers and streams have warmed up enough to be tolerable for swimming, the water is also likely to be running fairly low. At higher water, streams and rivers can be treacherous and swimming in them should not be attempted. The Washington State Department of Health offers these safety tips for swimming in lakes, rivers and streams: • WATER THAT IS WARM ON THE SURFACE MAY BE MUCH COLDER BELOW. Use caution when swim-
ming and always supervise young children playing in or near the water. • SWIMMING IN OPEN WATER IS HARDER THAN IN A POOL. People tire faster and get into trouble more quickly. A person can go under water in a murky lake, making them very hard to find, or be swept away in currents. Avoid swimming where two rivers come together — many good swimmers have gotten into trouble or drowned in currents that didn’t seem to be moving that fast. • BE CAUTIOUS OF SUDDEN DROP - OFFS IN LAKES AND RIVERS. People who can’t swim or aren’t strong swimmers have slipped into deeper water and drowned. • STAY SOBER WHEN ON OR IN THE WATER. Alcohol and other drugs increase the effects of weather, temperature, and wave action. • E VEN THE BEST WATER ENTHUSIASTS CAN MISJUDGE CHANGING CONDITIONS IN OPEN WATER . Be prepared at all times
by wearing a life jacket. • HAVE CHILDREN WEAR A LIFE JACKET THAT FITS THEM. Watch them closely around water–they can go under water quickly and quietly.
Dine in • TAke OuT • TAke’n BAke
HOMETOWN PIZZA 202 N. Methow Valley Hwy Twisp, WA • 997-2100
The Valley’s Choice for Affordable Family Dining Since 1992
Stone Baked Pizzas made from scratch, Calzones, Grinders, Subs, Fresh Salads, Ice Cream Beer/Wine, Banquet Room (by reservation only)
Open Every Day 10 - 6 509.996.2345
Books, Periodicals & Espresso www.trailsendbookstore.com The Methow Valley is a beautiful place, but don’t take it home on your car!
• Touchless automatic with undercarriage wash • Self-service bay (RV Friendly) • Two vacuums w/ carpet cleaners Clean the boat before you go! KING’S PACIFIC PRIDE & CARWASH Precision Exhaust & Custom Tire South of Twisp on Hwy 20 Use cash or Pride Card
Methow Valley Summer
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