2015 Methow Valley Summer

Methow Valley

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A supplement of the Methow Valley News

2015

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Summer

WinthropWashington.com

Once you’re here, the Methow will do the rest

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ometimes it’s not easy for us to explain what we think of as the Methow magic — in part

because we are wholeheartedly subjective about it, in part because words fail us. The only way to really get it is to experience it.

It all starts outdoors in the Methow Valley. Photo by Don Nelson

And boy, do we have some sum-

mertime experiences for you — ranging from wear-yourself-out activities to

kick-back-and-relax days of leisure,

and all things in between. Your place, your pace.

The agenda may include biking (road

and mountain), hiking (challenging and

less-so), backpacking, horseback riding, rafting, swimming, golfing, kayaking,

rock climbing, fishing, bird-watching,

star-gazing, driving the primitive back

roads, shopping in Twisp and Winthrop

Elvin Bishop Los Lonely Boys Bobby Rush KENNY NEAL CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS TOO SLIM & THE TAILDRAGGERS DUFFY BISHOP CURLEY TAYLOR & ZYDECO TROUBLE MARY FLOWER AYRON JONES & THE WAY STUDEBAKER JOHN SAMANTHA FISH ....with special guests Polly O’Keary Lady “A” Stan Street

28th Annual

(ice cream cones and pastries optional but recommended), or attending one or more of our many artistic and musical events. Check out our summer-long calendar on page 45 to make sure you don’t miss the good stuff.

You’ll also find plentiful options among our dining and lodging establishments, and a cornucopia of locally made things to fill your vehicle with for the trip home. Some of you may even pick up those colorful real estate brochures and start thinking, what if …

Once you feel the magic, the Methow Valley will keep you in its spell year-round with our spectacular winter season on the flip side of the calendar. Welcome, enjoy, and we’ll see you again soon.

— Don Nelson

WINTHROP

RHYTHM

&

Blues FESTIVAL

July 17-19, 2015 The Blues Ranch Winthrop, WA Friday Night show benefits the Cove Food Bank, $10 or free with festival pass featuring Ayron Jones & the Way, The California Honeydrops, and Too Slim & the Taildraggers.

21 and over.

INFO: www.winthropbluesfestival.org ORDER TICKETS:www.tickettomato.com 800-820-9884 TICKETS: $90 in advance - $100 at the gate - camping $45 Presented by Winthrop Music Association - A 501(c)3 non-profit organization

Methow Valley News // Summer Guide 2015

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Methow Valley Summer

2015

ON THE COVER: Photo By Stephen Mitchell

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The trails less taken

Backpacking offers solitude, a change of pace and connections with nature

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Don’t leave emptyhanded — we made something just for you

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A runner’s paradise Local long-distance veterans reveal the Methow’s top trails

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A day of hiking, a lifetime of memories

Three local trails will take you to sparkling mountain lakes

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The friendly skies

Summer stargazing is spectacular in the Methow

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Fishing Map & resources High rollers

Bicyclists will find great routes from the valley floor to upper elevations

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Summer Guide 2015 // Methow Valley News

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Winter makes the Methow a yearround destination

Enjoy a full range of activities — and the valley’s snowclad beauty

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Wherever the current takes you The Methow’s rivers and lakes are ideal for a wide range of watercraft activities

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Clearing the trails Volunteer groups help the Forest Service keep the valley’s trails passable

Contributors Don Nelson

Ashley Lodato

Marcy Stamper

Bob Spiwak

Ann McCreary

Joanna Bastian

Laurelle Walsh

David Ward

is publisher and editor of the Methow Valley News.

is a Methow Valley News columnist.

is a Methow Valley News reporter.

is a Methow Valley News columnist.

is a Methow Valley News reporter.

is a Methow Valley News columnist.

is a Methow Valley News reporter and proofreader.

is a Methow Valley News columnist.

A publication of the Methow Valley News P.O. Box 97, 101 N. Glover St., Twisp, WA 98856 509.997.7011 • fax 509.997.3277 www.methowvalleynews.com µ editor@methowvalleynews.com

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In the swim

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Vertically challenged

The Methow’s lakes, ponds, pools and streams offer cooling relaxation

Navigating the recpass landscape

From bouldering to 5.11 and beyond, the Methow will keep rock climbers busy

Methow Trails Summer Trail Map

Before you park, make sure you have the correct pass

Learning is fun at summer camps

Camp it up

Tents, trailers and RVs will all find great spots in the Methow Valley

‘Granny Winthrop’ heading down the trail

Indoor and outdoor experiences abound in the Methow

Fairways to heaven

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Basic info for visitors

The region’s varied golf courses all come with distracting views

The view from the saddle

2015 CALendar of events

Horse-packers bring the high country close

Don Nelson | publisher/editor Darla Hussey | design

Rebecca Walker | office manager

Sheila Ward | advertising consultant

Dana Sphar | ad design/production

Tyson Kellie | advertising consultant

Methow Valley News // Summer Guide 2015

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A group of backpackers descend from Maple Pass in the North Cascades. Photo BY LAURELLE WALSH

The trails less taken Backpacking offers solitude, a change of pace and connections with nature B y A sh l e y L odato

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ummer’s coming, you’ve just read (or seen) Wild, and you simply cannot wait to get out onto

the trail, develop some killer blisters, dabble in trailside romance with sexy strangers, write a book, and get to meet Reese Witherspoon. Right? Because that’s the great thing about backpacking: Almost anything is possible.

Even if your life doesn’t have the makings of a Hollywood blockbuster, though, there is rapture and reward to be found out on the trail, far from the trailhead. You’ll get to know places that most other people will never see: alpine lakes, talus slopes, snow-filled cirques.

You’ll get the time and presence of mind to appreciate both the grandeur and the subtleties of your surroundings. A ragged line of peaks high above your camp. The flat boulder that makes

Summer Guide 2015 // Methow Valley News

a perfect kitchen. And you see things that fill you up so much it sometimes hurts. The first rays of sun on distant summits. The sky an inky tapestry of stars. Alpenglow.

People backpack for different reasons. Some undertake it as a necessary step in reaching a distant destination — a climbing project, an untracked snowfield. Some do it to explore uncharted terrain, although there is preciously little of that left these days.

Others backpack solely to savor the journey. Says Kim Bondi, co-owner of North Cascades Basecamp: “It’s a chance for my kids to be out in nature, truly exploring, and uninhibited by the comforts of home. We always seem to

connect in new and adventuresome ways when we backpack as a family.”

Jennifer Schumacher echoes the thought. “I feel like I connect not only with nature but with my family in a way that doesn’t happen in our normal daily grind,” she said.

Backpacking is simple. Oh, sure, you’re carrying a load on your back and you’re puffing up hills and you’re getting sweaty and dusty and your clothes get stinky. But the relative ease of a day on the trail is singularly satisfying. Says veteran long-distance trail hiker and co-owner of Cascades Outdoor Store Amy Sweet: “All you do all day long is hike and look at the scenery and all you’re going to do that night

is fınd a flat spot, light the stove, and make macaroni and cheese.” Schumacher agrees: “Life seems to slow down and simplify once my feet hit the trail.”

“You have no responsibility,” adds Sweet. “It’s very easy.”

The less-good old days It wasn’t always this easy, though. The backpacking equipment and clothing available throughout most of the 20th century was both heavy and uncomfortable (and you don’t even want to know how tough things were in the 1800s). The pioneering recreational backpackers of the day (at least most of them) were not packing frivolously; they were simply equipped with the contemporary stateof-the-art tents, packs, and sleeping bags that were twice as heavy and half as effective as the same gear today.

Backpackers in the 1970s and 1980s, say, were poster children for the mantras “no pain, no gain” and “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

With the advent of modern lightweight equipment, however, (and we’re not talking specialized ultra-light gear here — just the mid-range equipment available in any of the valley’s outdoor stores) it has become relatively simple for both novice and experienced backpackers to keep their packs down to a reasonable weight.

“It’s easier and cheaper than it used to be,” says Sweet about buying lightweight equipment.

“The whole point of backpacking is to have fun, right?” Sweet points out. “If people’s packs are too heavy, they’re going to be miserable and never backpack again. But if their packs are reasonable and they have fun, they’ll continue to do it.”

Sweet advises backpackers to “focus on the big systems fırst”: tent, backpack, sleeping bag. Ideally, your pack will weigh about 3 pounds empty, your three-season sleeping bag will be about

2 pounds, and your two-person tent will weigh 3-4 pounds.

In addition to making the backpacking experience less painful, a lighter pack gives the hiker the freedom to wear lighter footwear. The heavy leather hiking boots that have become a ubiquitous element of most of today’s misguided hiking advice were, in fact, necessary back in the day when hikers’ packs weighed upwards of 60 pounds.

If your pack weighs that much you’d better be wearing boots that can handle the load, because your ankles certainly can’t do the job alone for long.

Of course, those with a tendency to roll their ankles should seek boots with supportive uppers, as might those who spend a considerable amount of time off-trail. But for many of us, a low hiker shoe on a boot base with a Vibram sole is the answer to pain-free feet at the end of the day.

Lots of choices The sheer number of models of boots on the market can be overwhelming, but Winthrop Mountain Sports co-owner Diane Childs gives sage advice to the question “What’s the best boot for backpacking?”

Says Childs: “The best boot for you is the one that fıts your foot best.

“People hike in everything from running shoes to mountaineering boots,” continues Childs. “Fit is key.”

Childs also advises considering sole stiffness (she says the older she gets the more she appreciates a stiff sole, particularly in uneven terrain), boot height (ontrail you might lean toward low hikers while off-trail a high upper gives more stability), and breathability (wetter climates call for waterproofed leather boots or lighter boots with a Gore-Tex liner, while drier climates like the Methow are conducive to breathable boots).

Finally, Childs notes that boots made on European lasts are narrow

The Ten Essentials The Ten Essentials are critical items you’ll want to be sure to bring in addition to the dozens of other things you’ll have to cram in your backpack.

• Map: Learn how to read a topographic map before you hit the trail. Seriously.

• Compass: Ditto for your compass.

Plus, a lot of compasses have mirrors in the lids, which you can use to admire your grubby face.

• Water and purification system: In John Muir’s day you could drink water straight from the stream. Not anymore — treat your water.

• Extra food: Bring something high-calorie, non-perishable, and unappealing, like stale energy bars in an unpopular flavor.

You’ll have them if you need them, but you won’t be tempted to break them out for dessert one night.

• Rain gear: If you’re lucky, your rain (like Europeans) while those made on American lasts tend to be wider (like … well, you get it).

In general, hikers in lightweight and breathable boots are far less likely to get blisters than those in heavy leather boots. “Blisters are caused by friction, heat, and moisture,” says Sweet, who speaks with the empathy of one who has suffered. “When your sweaty feet are trapped in your waterproof boots, you’re creating the perfect conditions for blister formation.”

Sweet recommends the athlete’s lubricant Glide, combined with lightweight breathable boots and two-layer socks as blister prevention.

The importance of properly fıtting boots cannot be overstated. You may be able to endure the challenge of a monster backpack, but if your feet turn to hamburger three miles in, your backpacking trip might as well be over,

gear will sit at the bottom of your pack for the whole trip, but better safe than sorry.

• Fire-starter and matches: If for some reason you are spiraling toward hypothermia, and there are no other options for getting warm, you’ll have to light a fire. This should only be a last resort if there are no established fire rings. Heed all fire bans!

• First-aid kit: You can buy a ready-made kit or assemble your own.

• Knife or multi-tool: If you’ve lost all of your pocket knives at TSA screening, you’re going to need to buy yet another one.

• Headlamp: Even in the summer with 16 hours of daylight, you never know when you might have to hike out in the dark.

• Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat — wear them every day. and you’re going to wish it were. Childs said it: “Fit is key.”

In addition to reasonably lightweight gear and appropriate footwear, you’re going to want to bring reasonably lightweight meals. For some, this will mean going to the local outdoor store and buying a bunch of foil packages which, after combining with boiling water, can be opened to reveal offerings such as beef stroganoff and chicken a la king (which, as they are far more gourmet than anything I ever even cook at home, are not likely to make an appearance in our backcountry kitchen lest the children develop tastes too refıned for my menus).

Many meal options For those on a tighter budget or for those who prefer meals from scratch, food planning will take a bit longer.

But fear not — backpacking meals with

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whole ingredients can be simple and satisfying, lightweight and luggable, endlessly varied and easy on the budget.

For breakfast it’s hard to beat hot cereal, like oatmeal or Bluebird Grain Farms’ Old World cereal blend. Another favorite backpacking breakfast is rice pudding. Bring beans and rice for dinner the night before and cook some extra rice. In the morning, heat up the leftover rice with milk, butter, brown sugar, raisins, and cinnamon for a tasty breakfast treat. It takes a few extra minutes and ounces of fuel to cook up a hot breakfast, but it’s worth the effort. Hot breakfasts taste better, they’re lighter to carry than granola or energy bars, and they stick with you longer through the morning.

Backpacking lunches work best when you surrender the idea of a sandwich or entrée and think instead of lunch as a cocktail party without the cocktails.

Lunch is all about appetizers: a pile of trail mix, sliced cheese and salami on crackers, a few pieces of dried fruit, and a small slab of dark chocolate. Forget the crushed bagels, the crumbled pita breads, and the soggy sandwiches; just bring protein to pile on some sturdy crackers. Peanut butter, jam, tuna, and chicken are all available in foil pouches

and can be easily squeezed onto Stoned Wheat Thins or Rye-Vita crackers, creating scrumptious little canapés for your mid-day meal.

One of the easiest and relatively lightest backcountry dinners is a dish I imaginatively call “couscous and sausage” (and which my kids call “not couscous and sausage AGAIN?”). Like the name suggests, the dish consists of a main base of couscous (which cooks by sitting in boiled water for fıve minutes) and a topping of sliced sausage sautéed with zucchini, mushrooms, and spices. If you’re only going out for a night or two, you can pre-cook the sausage with the vegetables and carry them in a double plastic bag to be mixed in with the hot couscous at your campsite. A sprinkling of Parmesan cheese makes this hearty meal taste positively gourmet.

Another crowd-pleasing backcountry dinner is pesto pasta. Take a few blobs of last year’s pesto out of the freezer and double-bag it. When you’ve got the pasta cooked and drained (penne or rotini work better than longer noodles), simply squeeze the contents of the bag out into the pot and mix it all together with a dusting of Parmesan cheese.

Don’t forget the snacks! Trail mix (the options are endless), string

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cheese, jerky, dried fruit, nuts, granola bars — anything that can be carried in your pocket and consumed on a quick break — will come in handy as a trail snack. Err on the side of salty/savory versus sweet; you’ll crave salt more than you’ll crave sugar.

Waste disposal logistics What goes in must come out, and this is where the logistics of backpacking become too crude for some people.

Knowing what your human waste disposal options are for the area you’re backpacking in will serve you well.

You may be headed into a site with a modern, clean, regularly maintained outhouse with a rack of current magazines and plenty of natural lighting. But probably not. More likely you’re going somewhere that has either a ramshackle privy or a “wet willy,” which is basically a box-like platform with a seat over a hole. I am partial to wet willies because of the great view they typically afford the user, but for those unaccustomed to the open air concept the experience may be disconcerting.

Still, both of these options offer predug holes, which is something you will yearn for as soon as you’re faced with the task of digging your own cat hole,

which you should do according to Leave No Trace regulations — 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter (with the U-Dig-It or other sturdy trowel you had the foresight to pack, because it’s really hard to get down 6-8 inches using only a sharp stick or the heel of your boot).

There are entire books devoted to the philosophy and methodology of human waste disposal in the backcountry and although you may not have the inclination to read any of them, you should at least know how to dig a proper cat hole; If you’re going backpacking, at some point you’re going to need that skill set.

And look at it this way — it’s simply one more means to lighten your load.

Finally, make sure you have proper permits, passes, and parking information for your desired destination (see Page 37).

Although the planning, preparation, and packing for a backpacking trip can be daunting, your cares really do melt once your feet — in their properly fıtted boots — hit the trail. With your everyday concerns left behind at home, you have ahead of you only what Kim Bondi refers to as “this elemental adventure in life,” where almost anything is possible. R

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SUMMER GUIDE 2015 // Methow Valley News

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OU can remember your Methow Valley visit for more than its scenery and activities by taking home, or ordering online, something from the vast array of locally made, manufactured, grown or created goods — including beer, wine, coffee, cider, spring water, grains, meats, fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, hot sauce, honey, baked goods, cheese, soaps, lotions, arts, crafts, plants, jewelry, knives and more.

More than 40 Methow Valley businesses are represented in the Methow Made program sponsored by TwispWorks. For a complete list, visit www. methowmade.com.

Many local retailers carry selections of Methow-made products. Look for the Methow Made display stands at the Mazama Store; at the Winthrop Store, Aspen Grove, the Wine Shed, Methow Masala, Pardners Mini Market and Evergreen IGA in Winthrop; Sun

Mountain Lodge gift shop; Glover Street Market, Hank’s Harvest Foods and YardFood in Twisp; and the Carlton General Store.

Don’t miss either the Farmers Market at the Methow Valley Community Center in Twisp, on Saturdays from 9 a.m.– noon; or the Winthrop Market at Mack Lloyd Park (near the Winthrop Barn) from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on Sundays.

For lots of useful information, you may be able to fınd copies of the 2014 Made in the Methow publication produced by the Methow Valley News. It includes a map of places to fınd Methowmade products. To see a digital version, go to www.methowvalleynews.com, scroll to the bottom of the home page and click on the Made in the Methow cover.

The 2015 version of Made in the Methow will be available in late June at locations throughout the valley.

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A runner’s paradise Local long-distance veterans reveal the Methow’s top trails B Y L AU R E L L E WA LSH

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ITH its scenic beauty, vast network of trails, and diverse terrain ranging from mountainous, to rolling hills, to valley floor, the Methow Valley ranks at the top of many trail runners’ lists of favorite places to run.

“My very fırst experience running in the Methow was in 1999 when I pulled into town for seasonal work,” said James DeSalvo, Methow Trails executive director and accomplished marathoner (fourth place overall in last year’s Seattle Marathon). “I found the Winthrop Trail and was planning just a quick 30-minute run. Two hours later I was still running and I hadn’t touched the same section of trail twice. I knew then I wanted to live and work in the Methow for the rest of my life.”

We queried DeSalvo and three other Methow Valley trail runners — Hannah Dewey, Alison Naney and Brian Sweet — about the joys and special challenges of running in the Methow.

They also described some of their favorite runs in the area.

“After I graduated college, I moved up to the Methow Valley and found out what trail running was all about,” said photographer, artisan and blogger Hannah Dewey. “I thought I was hot-to-trot,

but was immediately humbled by both the gnarly mountain terrain and the athletic mutants that inhabit this valley.”

For Dewey, the biggest challenge of running in the Methow is the “huge temperature swings from summer to winter. I’m really not conditioned to run in the heat, so I adapt during the summer by running up in the high country or on shaded trails through the forest,” she said.

Running coach, massage therapist and ultramarathoner Alison Naney said that before she started Nordic skiing, fıguring out how to run in the winter was her biggest challenge in the Methow. “The Sno-Parks, though, are a fun way to run off pavement in the winter, if you don’t mind sharing the road with snowmobilers,” Naney said.

“The valley landscape changes quite a bit from Mazama to Twisp, so as the weather changes you can go to different spots that are better at different times of the year,” Naney said. “You can fınd anything in the Methow from steep stock trails to wide gravel paths that allow you to run with a stroller.”

DeSalvo recommends that runners wear bright clothing during hunting season, whether running on the road or on the trail. And, as a runner who does a lot of solo running in the woods, Dewey said she is always conscious of the presence of wild animals, though she has never had any problems with them. “Be ready to encounter a diverse set of wildlife and user groups,” such as mountain bike and horseback riders, “and be knowledgeable with how to interact with them,” DeSalvo added.

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SUMMER GUIDE 2015 // Methow Valley News

It’s easy to run wild in the Methow. PHOTO BY STEVE MITCHELL Outdoor Store co-owner Brian Sweet advises slowing down, “speed-hiking” up the steep hills, and stopping to look at the views. “Many road runners come

to trail running and try to run too hard and too fast. The faster you go, the shorter you go,” said Sweet, who’s currently training for his next 100-miler in

• May 9: Sunflower Trail Marathon and Relay, 26.7-mile solo or team run from Mazama to Twisp. $85. www. methowtrails.org.

• May 17: Sun Mountain 50-mile, 25K and 50K trail runs and 1K kids’ fun run. $80-$100. www.rainshadowrunning. com.

• Aug. 8: Angels Staircase 35K and 60K high alpine trail runs, part of the 2015 U.S. SkyRunner Series. $75$110. www.rainshadowrunning.com.

• Aug. 22: Cutthroat Classic 11-mile Idaho this fall. “Trail running is about moving through the mountains in the most effıcient manner. That usually involves hiking the longer, steeper hills,” Sweet said.

Recommended trails for runners When asked to list their favorite trail runs in the Methow Valley, our local experts agreed that it’s hard to narrow it down to a few. Here are some of their selections in no particular order: Patterson Lake trail is a 3.75-mile loop, when connected with the Rader Creek and Magpie trails in the Sun Mountain trail system. It’s one of De Salvo’s favorites “because of its flow, access to the water on hot days, and the fact that it makes me appreciate Don Portman, the person who built it and many other trails in the Methow.”

Jack’s and River Run — also winter ski trails — are part of the Arrowleaf/ Cassal Ranch trail network near Mazama. “Great distance, relatively flat,” said DeSalvo. “You can easily add it on to other trails nearby and make a 6-mile run easily turn into a 20-plus miler.”

Spokane Gulch trail in Mazama

trail run from Rainy Pass over Cutthroat Pass to the finish line at Cutthroat Trailhead. $75. www.methowtrails.com.

• Sept. 11-12: Ragnar Trail Cascades trail running relay on Loup Loup trails. $50$185. www.ragnartrail.com/locations/ cascades-wa • Sept. 26: Methow Valley Off-Road Duathlon, combined mountain bike and foot races on Sun Mountain trails.

40K/20K and 20K/5K courses. $35-$75. (206) 940-4507 or www. northcascadesmountainhostel.com. starts across the meadow from the Mazama Store on Chechaquo Ranch Road and zigzags up Goat Wall. “The run is 6 pretty tough miles and a really decent amount of elevation,” said Dewey. “You have to do a bit of searching to fınd the trailhead marker, but once you do you’ll be good to go as you just follow this trail making a big loop ... descend back through the forest passing the Fun Rock climbing area, and fınally end where you began, at the Mazama Store.”

Riser Lake loop, accessed from a Department of Fish and Wildlife parking area on Gunn Ranch Road, is only 3.5 road miles from downtown Winthrop. The 4-mile loop is “often runnable in March, has amazing snowy mountain views, and loads of wildflowers,” said Naney. For extra hill work, she suggests adding a side trip up Lewis Butte, 2.5 miles round trip.

Rendezvous Basin loop above Edelweiss “is a great 11-mile mountain bike loop that is equally fun for running,” said Naney. “Connecting trails to Mazama makes for a varying long run with some good climbs, runnable flats, and super fun downhills.” A map

and route description may be found at rendezvoushuts.com/bikemap.html.

Pipestone Canyon, appreciated for its geologic features, is a favorite of many local runners, including Sweet.

The classic route, he said, is a 9-mile loop that traverses the rim and heads back through the canyon. “This is my favorite place in the spring because of the beauty, its early accessibility (by late March usually) and many many different running options if you link dirt roads, jeep tracks and some cross country travel,” said Sweet.

And Cutthroat Pass — everybody’s all-time favorite. “It’s a short drive from Mazama, is pretty runnable on the way up, and gets you into the alpine quickly,” said Naney. “The entire 6-mile trail up to the PCT [Pacifıc Crest Trail] is beautiful and then you can run as long as your heart desires by either heading south or north (my favorite) on the crest,” she said.

Or, run it one-way on the Pacifıc Crest Trail from Rainy Pass over Cutthroat Pass to the Cutthroat trailhead for 11 miles and about 2,000 feet of elevation gain/loss — DeSalvo’s favorite route. “The way the trail jumps from the west to the east side of the crest, you really get a sense of the division between wet and dry sides of the state with the diverse landscapes and vegetation. Likely the most scenic run you will ever go on,” DeSalvo said. The trail is generally accessible from June to September. “It is one sexy run,” said Sweet.

Knowledgeable staff at Methow Trails, Cascades Outdoor Store and Winthrop Mountain Sports — all located in downtown Winthrop — can help with driving instructions and information about these and many other favorite running trails. Also check out their websites, www.methowtrails.org, www.cascadesoutdoorstore.com, and www.winthropmountainsports.com. R

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2015 Methow Valley trail running events

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A day of hiking, a lifetime of memories

Three local trails will take you to sparkling mountain lakes B Y A N N M C C R E A RY

I

T’S the journey, not the destination.

But when heading out on a day hike, isn’t it nice to have an objective — like a lovely mountain lake — to reward you for your efforts?

Sparkling gems — tucked away in craggy cirques or ringed by emerald meadows — await you at the end of many trails in the mountains surrounding the Methow Valley.

It’s simply a matter of determining how much energy you want to expend to discover these treasures. Do you want a simple stroll with relatively little elevation gain? Or are you willing to dig deep and head further up?

To suit different levels of ambition or fitness, the following are three distinct day hikes, each with a beautiful lake that will invite you to linger when you arrive.

Cutthroat Lake People seeking a non-strenuous stroll, or wanting a hike that younger

children can enjoy, or who don’t have a lot of time to spend on the trail, will find Cutthroat Lake a good choice.

The trailhead is well signed and easily accessible off the North Cascades Scenic Highway, a few miles east of Washington Pass and 26 miles west of Winthrop. A recreation pass is required to park, or a day pass can be purchased at the trailhead.

The trail begins with a crossing over pretty Cutthroat Creek on a big, sturdy bridge, and maintains a gentle grade, with views of distant ridgelines along the 2 miles into the lake, with only 440 feet of elevation gain.

The trail is popular with mountain bikers and horses as well, but easily accommodates different users.

At about 1.7 miles there is a trail junction with the left fork heading to the lake. The right fork heads up 1,900 feet and 3.8 miles to Cutthroat Pass where it meets the Pacific Crest Trail.

Lake-bound hikers will cross Cutthroat Creek again on a foot log, and continue on through trees for

North Lake offers solitude and scenery. PHOTO BY BOB WINCHELL another quarter mile or so until the lake comes into view.

Cutthroat Lake is shallow and the shoreline is grassy and reedy.

Bug repellant might come in handy during some times of year. Some hikers suggest heading to the left (counterclockwise) to find large rocks along the shoreline that provide a nice place to relax and take in the scenery.

The lake sits below dramatic Cutthroat Peak and surrounding ridges, which are bright with gold larches and red huckleberry bushes in autumn.

North Lake For folks who want a longer outing and more exertion, North Lake is a good option that offers solitude and scenery.

The trailhead is located at the Trail’s End Campground on Twisp River Road, about 25 miles from the town of Twisp. A few trails depart from here

and the majority of hikers are bound for Copper Pass, Twisp Pass and Louis Lake.

North Lake seems to have been left out of most guidebooks but that’s good news. It means you may have it to yourself.

Begin the 9.8-mile roundtrip hike on Trail No. 413, gradually climbing through forests until the trail emerges into a valley and traverses open, sunny slopes along North Creek. You’ll enter the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness after about 1.25 miles. Keep an eye on the green hillsides across the creek — you may spot black and blonde bears foraging.

After about 2.5 miles you will come to a crossing of North Creek. Early in the season the stream runs high enough to turn hikers back, but by late summer it’s an easy wade. A pair of water shoes or extra socks can make it more pleasant.

Another mile further the Cedar Creek

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SUMMER GUIDE 2015 // Methow Valley News

trail forks off, climbing about 1,000 feet and 1.2 miles to Abernathy Pass, offering a side trip with dramatic views.

Otherwise, keep following the trail up the valley through forests until you emerge into a pretty meadow with a tarn and wildflowers and sometimes mosquitoes.

History buffs can explore remnants of mining in the area by climbing a trail that takes off to the right just past the meadow before the lake and climbs up to an area known as West Basin.

Remnants of an old miner’s cabin can be found near a spring on the hillside overlooking North Lake.

North Lake is just beyond the meadow, cradled in a rocky cirque below snowcapped Gilbert Mountain, with forests on one side and meadows on the other, fed by a waterfall at the far end.

The pretty lake has some beach areas that provide a place to picnic and an easy way to jump into the inviting water on a hot day.

Scatter Lake If you tend to be the “no pain, no gain” type of hiker, Scatter Lake is your dream. A gorgeous, turquoise alpine lake awaits at the end of 4.5-miles and 4,000 feet of arduous climbing.

This is a hike for reasonably fit people, although don’t be surprised to see local parents with their tough kids bounding up the final pitch to the lake.

From Twisp, drive west on Twisp River Road for 12 miles. The road then becomes Forest Service Road 44. Drive about 4 miles on Forest Service Road

44 to where the road becomes Forest Service Road 4440. Drive about 3.4 miles on road 4440 to the trailhead road on the right (Forest Service Road 4440-395), turn right and drive to trailhead parking. A Northwest Forest Pass is required.

You’ll start with a short stroll heading west on the flat Twisp River Trail No. 440, but within a quarter mile will see the sign for Scatter Creek Trail No. 427 and begin climbing out of the Twisp River valley through open forests.

After the first mile or so the grade increases and the trail crosses Scatter Creek and begins heading up a narrow canyon and enters the Lake ChelanSawtooth Wilderness.

Switchbacks become tighter as the trail gets steeper. After a while even switchbacks disappear and the trail just goes up, entering a meadow and then beginning to climb steeply alongside the cascading Scatter Creek, with magnificent views of distant ridges if you can get your head up enough to look around.

At the top of the dramatic cascade you reach a pretty meadow with a tarn where the trail levels out and passes along one side of the meadow. Just beyond is Scatter Lake, elevation 7,030 feet, serenely nestled in a craggy cirque below Abernathy Peak.

The clear blue waters have plentiful trout. And there are lots of flat areas and large boulders inviting you to relax, have a picnic, enjoy a well-earned rest, and soak in the spectacular surroundings. R

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Scatter Lake is a tough trek, but worth it. PHOTO BY BOB WINCHELL

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13

The friendly skies Summer stargazing is spectacular in the Methow B Y D AV I D WA R D

S

UMMER is the perfect time to kick back on the porch and watch a beautiful sunset slide into a long darkening twilight. If you stay out there long enough, the stars and planets will pop into view one by one.

Now is the time to gaze into the infınite depths of the universe and wonder at the immensity of it all.

If you are looking west, the fırst celestial object appearing in the notquite-dark sky will be the planet Venus.

Like a sequined showgirl from Las Vegas, she will dazzle us with her brilliance this spring and early summer.

Named for the Roman name of the

drop-dead gorgeous goddess of love and beauty, Venus is probably the most inhospitable planet in the solar system.

The thick clouds enveloping the planet, which make it so bright in the sky, create a hell on the surface that even Dante himself could not have envisioned.

Temperatures hover around 800 degrees and those clouds are so heavy they would flatten a car.

Oh, did I mention that those clouds are composed of concentrated battery acid? If you are dreaming of an exotic vacation spot for this summer, you can probably cross the planet Venus off your list.

On the evening of June 30, the goddess of love will flirt with the king of the gods, when the planets Jupiter and Venus make a close pass in the western sky. A conjunction of the two brightest planets happens every few years but this is an unusually close one. They will both fıt in the fıeld of view of a telescope at once. Jupiter and Venus will be near each other for a few days before and after, but on June 30 they will look

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like two jewels sparkling together in the evening twilight.

Venus gets close During July, Venus will exit her stage in the western sky, disappearing into the sunset glare by August. If you have a small telescope, July will be a great time to watch the crescent phase of Venus as the planet swings closer and closer to Earth. Yes, Venus goes through phases just like the moon and you may be able to see that crescent with a good pair of binoculars. In late August, Venus will reappear in the early morning sky.

Look for her low in the east just above where the sun will rise.

After the sky is dark, another bright planet will make its appearance in the southeast.

Saturn was given the Roman name for the ancient Greek god of time because of its slow procession through the stars. You will fınd him near the head of Scorpius, the scorpion. A telescope will reveal Saturn’s spectacular and famous rings which are opened

towards us on full display this year.

Also with a telescope, look for its largest moon Titan nearby, a strange world with rivers and lakes of liquid methane.

Below and to the left of Saturn, a reddish star twinkles almost as bright as Saturn. This is Antares, the heart of the scorpion. A huge star approximately 3,600,000 times further away than Saturn, Antares is a glimpse into what the future has in store for us. It is a red giant star swollen up in old age to millions of times the size of our sun. Antares is struggling to maintain the balance between the tremendous outward pressure of nuclear fusion and the crushing inward force of gravity as it runs out of fuel.

Eventually our sun will share the same fate as Antares, puffıng up in size until it engulfs Mercury, Venus and probably even Earth. I cannot give you a date to put that event on your calendar, but it will be a few billion years from now.

I can give you this date to put on your calendar: Aug.10–12. These are

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SUMMER GUIDE 2015 // Methow Valley News

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the nights to watch for the annual Old Faithful of meteor showers, the Perseids. With warm nights and a reliably spectacular showing of shooting stars, this is the one shower of the year I never miss. Also as a bonus, the moon will not interfere. We will just have to keep our fıngers crossed that forest fıre smoke will give us a break.

Rising in the east in early summer and higher overhead later in the season, three bright white stars form a large triangle in the sky. Known as the Summer Triangle, they will be around well into autumn. The star Vega will be at the top of the triangle with Altair to the lower south and Deneb to the lower north.

Do you ever wish to feel more centered in your life? Follow that glow across the sky to the south, left of Saturn and Antares where it is the brightest. That is truly your center and the center of everything else within 6,000,000,000,000,000,000 miles of you: the center of our galaxy. Our sun makes one journey around it in 250 million years, tugging our little Earth along with it.

Have a great time out there under the stars this summer, and if you see something awesome up there, let me know about it at sagecanyondave@gmail. com. R

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15

METHOW NATURAL HISTORY The beautiful Methow Valley in Okanogan “Country” North Central Washington State, is a place rich in geologic history and natural fish habitat. Surrounded by magnificent 7,000 – 8,000 foot glaciated peaks, frigid waters tumble 4,000 feet to the upper valley floor, racing toward the Columbia River, passing the hamlet of Mazama at 2,150 feet, slowing through Winthrop at 1,765 feet, then Twisp at 1,619 feet, twisting its way in frothing rapids to Pateros at 775 feet, to meet the Columbia River.

CONSERVE METHOW VALLEY TROUT THROUGH SAFE CATCH & RELEASE • Use only artificial lure/fly with single barbless hook.

• DO NOT play fish to exhaustion.

• Use rubberized or knot-less landing net.

• Grasp fish by its back and head, gently but firmly, turn fish belly up while removing hook.

• If fish swallows hook, cut leader.

WHAT METHOW VALLEY FISH EAT Lakes: damsel and dragonfly nymphs and mature adults; chironomid and mayfly nymphs and adults; leaches, scuds, shrimp, snails, small fish and other microorganisms.

Rivers: caddis, stone fly and small mayfly FISHING WITH BAIT nymphs and adults, grasshoppers, ants, When fishing with bait, trout are counted as beetles and other terrestrials. part of the daily limit, whether kept or released.

FISH OF THE METHOW VALLEY Statewide rules apply for lakes — no minimum Lakes: Rainbow Trout, West Slope size, five fish limit.

Cutthroat, Kokanee, Eastern Brook Trout Season: (higher lakes). Some private lakes hold Alta, Pearrygin Lakes: Apr 26 – Sept 30 Brown Trout and Tiger Trout.

Patterson Lake: Open year around Rivers: Rainbow Trout, West Slope Black Pine Lake: Open year around Cutthroat, Bull Trout, Eastern Brook Trout, Winter Lakes: Bait limit 5 fish.

Whitefish, Steelhead, Chinook, Coho & Cougar, Campbell, Davis: Sept 1 – Mar 31 Sockeye Salmon.

Winter Lakes Summer Regulations: CATCH & RELEASE ONLY Cougar, Campbell, Davis: Apr 26 – Aug 31 Selective gear rules apply.

SELECTIVE GEAR RULES Only unscented, artificial flies/lures with single barbless hooks are allowed. No motorized boats, except under special rules for individual waters — Electric motors allowed.

Big Twin and Little Twin: Selective gear rules, trout limit: 1. Open Apr 26 – Oct 31 Black: Upper Chewuch, year round selective gear rules.

See WDFW fishing regs. for definition of terms, additional closures, and whitefish seasons All threatened or endangered species — Summer Steelhead, Spring Chinook Salmon, Bull Trout — must be released unharmed year-round, unless retention is allowed under special state rules.

Report violations to WDFW Enforcement (509) 322-4356 This map was created by Ben Dennis and maintained by the Flyfishers Pro Shop.

Questions — contact Greg Knab at (509) 996-2832 or info@flyfishersproshop.com.

All rights reserved ©2013 For permission to copy, contact Greg Knab. Content reviewed by WDFW.

16

SUMMER GUIDE 2015 // Methow Valley News

Cast your lot in a Methow stream. PHOTO

BY STEVE MITCHELL

Fishing resources Globetrouters: Fly fıshing guide service; (509) 429-2974; info@theglobetrouters.com; methowflyfıshing.com.

CATCH & RELEASE, SELECTIVE GEAR RULES, APPLY ON ALL METHOW RIVERS & STREAMS METHOW STEELHEAD REGULATIONS: Opening and closure determined by WDFW During open season: 2 adipose fin-clipped steelhead can be taken per day.

ALL WILD MUST BE RELEASED. Gold Creek to Lower Burma Bridge: May 25 – Sept 15 (unless opened by WDFW special regulations)

North Cascades Fly Fishing: Fly fıshing guide service; (509) 846-4939; guides@fıshandfloat.com; www.fıshandfloat.com.

The Outdoorsman: Outfıtting store; 170 Riverside Ave., Winthrop; 996-2649; lance@theoutdoorsmanstore.net; www.theoutdoorsmanstore.net.

Flyfıshers Pro Shop: Guide service; Carlton Store, 2256 Highway 153; 9979022; www.flyfısherproshop.com.

Methow Fishing Adventures: Guide service; (509) 429-7298; 996-2832; www. methowfıshing.com.

The water is always fine. PHOTO BY STEVE MITCHELL

High rollers Bicyclists will find great routes from the valley floor to upper elevations B y D o n N e lso n

T

rail or road? The true Methow Valley bicycling enthusiast would quickly say “both,” and possibly add “cross.”

That would be fun but not necessary — the Methow boasts an expansive network of trails and miles of scenic roads for cyclists who want everything from pleasant ride to a challenging bump-andjump adventure down a gnarly track.

For the BYOB crowd, there are plenty of resources to get you going as fast as you can un-rack your wheels. There are also several places where you can rent a bike and gear, and get knowledgeable insider information at no charge.

Popular routes and rentals Click on “Summer Trails” at the Methow Trails website, www. methowtrails.com, and you’ll find detailed descriptions of road rides such as the ever-popular Chewuch Loop (from 14 to 80 miles depending on side trips), or the 105-mile road loop of the Tour de Okanogan.

Methow Trails’ suggested mountain bike rides range from the kid-friendly Community Trail, to the “spectacular” Pipestone Canyon, to “the Methow Valley’s signature mountain bike ride”: the Buck Mountain loop. You can also find them on the Methow Trails website.

Detailed hiking/biking maps that divide the valley into West, East and Golden Lakes areas, are published

by Amazing Maps and available for purchase at Winthrop Mountain Sports and Methow Cycle and Sport.

Bike rentals and gear are available at five valley locations: Sun Mountain Lodge, Winthrop Mountain Sports, Methow Cycle and Sport, Jack’s Hut at Freestone Inn and Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies in Mazama. You can also find gear at Cascades Outdoor Store in Winthrop.

Accommodations Cyclists from around the world who pass through the valley on longdistance bike tours know about Barn Bicycle Camping at the home of Jim and Jan Gregg between Winthrop and Mazama. Photos and stories from their touring guests can be found at their blog barnbicyclecamping.blogspot. com, or call 996-3163.

North Cascades Mountain Hostel in Winthrop provides “inexpensive communal lodging for travelers and adventure seekers,” according to www.northcascadesmountainhostel. com. With a communal kitchen, laundry facilities, and $25 bunks, a sojourn at the hostel may be just what the weary cyclist ordered. Carrying a tent? See page 37 for a list of camping

Bicyclists can find company or solitude. Photo by Steve Mitchell possibilities.

Finally, for mountain bikers, Outside magazine listed the Rendezvous Huts as one of the “Top 10 Hut-to-Hut Mountain Bike Trips.” Staying overnight at one of the five huts provides

a rustic home base from which to explore the double- and single-track trail networks high above the valley, including the 11-mile Rendezvous Basin Loop. Details may be found at www.rendezvoushuts.com. 

Classics: one of each Following are three “classic” rides for road, mountain and cross bikes suggested

by Joe Brown, owner of Methow Cycle and Sport in Winthrop.

Road ride: Washington Pass Best time to Ride: Late spring through fall Distance/time: 65 miles / 3-4.5 hours The route: Starting in Winthrop, ride 7 miles west on Highway 20 to Goat Creek Road. Take a right and follow to Mazama.

Take a left at stop sign, proceeding a short distance before revisiting Highway 20 again. Take a right at the stop sign and get ready for the climbing to begin just beyond Early Winters Campground. The route stair-steps for several miles until you reach Lone Fir Campground. From here it’s a steady grade, climbing several more miles until you reach the summit. On the final approach there are many views to enjoy. Complete the ride by following the directions in reverse.

Mountain bike ride: Buck Mountain Upper Best time to Ride: spring (May-June) or fall (September) Distance/time: 13.2 miles / 2-2.5 hours The route: Starting 1.7 miles up Cub Creek Road, the ride, which is traditionally done clockwise, begins with a gentle climb up a gravel road for several miles

before transitioning to single track at “Deer Country” interpretive sign, not to be confused with the “Cow Country” sign which you pass two miles prior.

Once on single track, the trail twists and turns gradually upward for a little more than a mile when you reach the intersection of the upper and lower loops. For the upper loop stay left and continue to climb, ultimately earning expansive views into the valley and a series of fun yet interesting short climbs and descents, sure to make you giggle! Ultimately the trail will drop into a double track descent before a right turn puts you back onto single-track bliss and the final descent before the last road section.

Maps: Amazing Maps West (MV-1), Okanogan National Forest Cross bike ride: Rendezvous/Wolf Creek Loop Best time to ride: spring through fall (April-October) Distance/time: 30 miles / 2.5 - 4 hours The route: Leaving Winthrop, ride up West Chewuch Road heading north.

Take a left on Rendezvous Road, which turns to gravel and begins to gently climb.

Take soft left on Gunn Ranch Road heading west and continue to gently climb. Descend into Gunn Ranch proper and follow the road around in a horseshoe shape where it begins to climb again.

Continue to follow Gunn Ranch Road as it ascends towards the Rendezvous.

Eventually the road heads northward towards Rendezvous Basin. At the intersection of Rendezvous Road, take a left heading west towards Mazama. After a couple of miles of mostly descending the road descends sharply with a tight right turn at the bottom and Road 100 to the left. Take Road 100 and continue descending past the upper entrance to Edelweiss. Continue as the road turns to East Fawn Creek and passes through the lower portion of Edelweiss and meets Goat Creek road at the bottom.

Finally, enjoy a couple miles of pavement by turning left on Goat Creek road and riding to the stop sign where it meets Highway 20. Turn right heading west towards Mazama, cross the Methow River and then take a left on Wolf Creek Road. Ride past Brown’s Farm as pavement gives way to gravel and gradually begins to climb Wolf Ridge. Continue following Wolf Creek Road over the crest of Wolf Ridge and finally descend back onto the valley floor and pass by Wolf Ridge Resort. Wolf Creek Road turns to pavement and weaves its way over several miles to Twin Lakes Road.

Take a left on Twin Lakes and roll into the south end of Winthrop.

Maps: Amazing Maps West (MV-1), Okanogan National Forest

Methow Valley News // Summer Guide 2015

17

Winter makes the Methow a year-round destination Enjoy a full range of activities — and the valley’s snow-clad beauty

S

pring, summer and fall are fantastic seasons in the Methow Valley with no shortage of things to do, but winter is often the favorite season for many visitors. Wintertime has incredibly compelling and unique experiences that will keep people returning year after year.

A visit to the Methow Valley during the winter offers a new perspective on the beauty and opportunities of our area. The valley is a winter wonderland, receiving 60-120 inches of snowfall each season. Last winter, when so many places throughout the west struggled through the winter without snow, the Methow Valley had a great season with consistent snowfall and coverage from Thanksgiving into March.

Here are a few of the popular wintertime experiences in the Methow.

The nation’s largest cross country ski area The Methow Valley is home to the nation’s largest Nordic ski area with over 120 miles of perfectly groomed trails. The ski trails wind through much of the scenic land between Mazama and Winthrop, extending along the valley floor and up into the mountains. Unique experiences on the

Ice fishing and skiing can sometimes be combined on Patterson Lake. Photo by Darla Hussey cross country ski trail system include: • Kids 17 (yes 17, not 7, not 10) and under ski free everyday in the Methow.

For children, trails with illustrated story panels are a fun way to do a winter story-telling journey on skis.

• Ski over a magnificent suspension bridge, view wildlife from the trails, or even ski from bakery to bakery.

• Try fat biking. This rapidly growing activity involves riding an extremely

wide-tired bicycle on top of the snow.

A variety of ski trails are open to both Nordic skiers and fat bikers. Floating over the snow by bicycle is a unique feeling that will have you grinning from ear to ear.

• Try a free, guided snowshoe tour with a local natural history expert. Tours run Saturdays in January and February.

• Methow Trails groomed 106 days this past winter and is looking forward

to another great winter ahead. More information on the trails can be found at methowtrails.com.

Outdoor ice skating and hockey The big news for the Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink is that for 2015, the rink will be refrigerated. This globalwarming capital improvement will ensure a full winter of ice skating and

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Summer Guide 2015 // Methow Valley News

ice hockey for visitors all winter. This gorgeous, uncovered, full-size outdoor ice rink allows skaters to experience the thrill of ice skating under the stars and in the shadow of Mt. Gardner. Open skate sessions, pick-up hockey and Friday theme nights provide everyone the opportunity to enjoy this winter pastime. More information on the award-winning rink can be found at winthropicerink.com.

Helicopter and backcountry skiing The Methow Valley lies at the base of the “American Alps” of the North Cascades. North Cascades Heli-ski can provide the experience of a lifetime as they fly skiers in for the best turns. Also popular in the Methow is ski-touring and backcountry skiing, accessing run after run by your own initiative. Find out more at heli-ski.com.

Alpine skiing There are a dozen ski resorts in Washington state, but we challenge you to find one as cool as Loup Loup Ski Bowl. The Loup’s best assets might be what it doesn’t have. The Loup doesn’t have lift lines, heavy, wet snow, an attitude, or exorbitant pass prices.

What is does have is big mountain views, close proximity to Winthrop and Twisp, and days where all the powder may not even get skied. The Loup even has a tubing hill and 15 miles of cross country ski trails. Learn more about this gem at skitheloup.com.

A HISTORIC RANGER STATION

TRANSFORMED INTO A HUB OF CREATIVE ENTERPRISE

Snowmobiling If you like exploring the scenery near and far, then snowmobiling might be the best way to cover the snow-covered terrain. The Methow Valley has over 300 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and endless backcountry opportunities.

Information on snowmobile locations and rentals at winthropwashington.com.

River and lake ice fishing Avid anglers, rejoice — ice fishing in winter on the Methow Valley’s frozen lakes is one of those experiences you can’t find everywhere. Surprisingly, it’s not just hardy lake fisherman, winter steelhead fishing in Methow Valley rivers also provides a unique challenge to those not afraid of a little cold weather.

Whether you cross country ski, fat bike, alpine ski, snowboard, sled, snowshoe, ice skate or snowmobile, gliding in a Methow Valley winter will be an experience that you will not forget. R

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Methow Valley News // SUMMER GUIDE 2015

19

Wherever the current takes you The Methow’s rivers and lakes are ideal for a wide range of watercraft activities B Y B OB S PI WA K

W

HILE its reputation justifıably portrays the Methow Valley as a summer destination point for hikers, bikers, climbers, campers, backpackers and horse riders, any casual look around will suggest that there is much to do in and on the valley’s lakes and rivers.

Water-based activities are often unencumbered by required passes, and expenses range from non-existent to small, other than equipment such as boats from kayaks to cruisers.

There is a certain freedom to doing one’s thing without having to pay for the privilege, but what goes along with the fun is responsibility and good sense.

The Methow River begins its journey to the Columbia River in the North Cascades mountains. The water is pretty much the result of snow melt and is very cold, although it may not be apparent on a hot summer day.

But unknowing boaters have gone

Twisp Valley Grange

overboard and in some cases drowned, or suffered from hypothermia.

All this sounds pretty grim, but in all the accident cases — not many in the valley — a bit of good sense could have prevented a possible tragedy.

If you are in a boat, wear a life preserver or personal flotation device (PFD). If you take a dunk it will keep you warmer for a while and certainly keep you afloat. You and any person trying to rescue you will be less endangered if you are wearing a PFD, which gives the rescuer something to hold on to or to tie on a rescue line.

This applies to any water transportation, including floating tubes and other devices: a low spot in the river could puncture an airfilled device via an errant sharp rock.

Granted, most floaters travel in groups and are usually together. Still, falling off or suddenly becoming airless could dump you head-first into a rock at the bottom.

Object lesson There was an incident a few years ago in which a father and three children in their teens brought a canoe to paddle the Methow River. They asked somebody in Winthrop if the river was safe to paddle from the Weeman Bridge (on the way to Mazama) downstream to Winthrop. They were told it was fine.

None aboard had PFDs, none were experienced and none were aware of the shoals, eddies, 90-degree turns and debris that were in the water.

Going around one of the bends in a

A Methow River Raft & Kayak excursion reaches the confluence of the Methow and Chewuch rivers. PHOTO BY LAURELLE WALSH side channel they took to be the river, they dumped the canoe. It was runoff time and as the tale goes, the two boys

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SUMMER GUIDE 2015 // Methow Valley News

and their dad were able to scramble to shore. The 12-year-old girl was not so fortunate and was catapulted

Boating Safety Guidelines

Know Before You Go! Ø Scout river conditions before putting in Ø Wear a properly fitted life jacket Ø Be a competent swimmer Ø Know how to handle your watercraft Ø Never boat beyond your skill level Ø Stay alert for unexpected hazards Ø Never use alcohol or drugs while boating or floating on the river Ø Children should never boat or float a river without close adult supervision Ø Know and practice river rescue techniques

into the muddy water and propelled downstream, out of sight of her family.

The story has a happy ending. A resident with a home near the channel was working in her garden when she heard screaming. She ran to the water and saw the girl holding onto an overhanging branch, the water over her waist. With the help of her husband, the rescuer got the girl out of the water and into a tub of warm water in their home.

The girl was already turning blue. But she survived.

There are many morals here, but the primary one is, don’t go into unexplored waters without the proper gear. In fact, don’t go into them without several sources of knowledgeable advice.

Having been a paddler for 70 years, I felt it necessary to give a sermon.

The bright aspects of the water features in the Methow are the many places for recreation, including paddling, rowing, floating, fishing or mere contemplation of the water. There are many lakes here and in peripheral areas adjacent to this valley.

Pearrygin Lake gives its name to a state park not far from Winthrop. It’s a warm lake in midsummer as mountain lakes go, and a favorite place to camp

and fish for trout — lots of trout and some very large holdovers. There is a roped-off swimming beach with a gentle grade into the water so even little tykes can be taken to water’s edge with no parental fear of falling in.

It is also a lake where skiing and boarding are allowed, and this at times creates not only loud motor noises but also near-misses by moving craft that may not aware of lower-slung ones (like my canoe), or those anchored for fishing. This is most common after sundown.

Other options For a quiet experience, try Patterson Lake on the road to Sun Mountain Lodge. There are boats to rent, and a put-in if you bring your own watercraft.

There is a wake-speed rule on the lake for motorized boats. For people of the fishing persuasion there are trout, bass and perch. The lake is very scenic, and while it is more heavily shaded than Pearrygin (giving it cooler water), it is still warmer in summer than the Methow River. To access the parking/ put it area you’ll need a fishing license or game department pass.

The river from Winthrop south to below Carlton is quite docile for the

most part. In the immediate vicinity of Winthrop, it’s not unusual to see many groups of floaters just kicking back and letting the current take them to their take-out place. About halfway to Twisp there is a small dam that can be run by the experienced, or portaged around. It is easier at river left, but there is some poison oak there. There’s an informal takeout at the Twisp park which you’ll see, and then you’ll need to ferry across and do a tiny bit of upstream paddling.

To learn about group trips on the river, contact Methow River Raft & Kayak at (509) 341-4661 or visit methowrafting.com; or Blue Sky Outfitters, (800) 228-7238, blueskyoutfitters.com.

Other fishing and paddling lakes are Big and Little Twin Lakes, also on the way to Sun Mountain. Davis Lake is much larger but pretty devoid of trees around it. Check the fishing regulations to see if fishing is open on these lakes.

Lake Pateros is the name of the wide estuary where the Methow River meets the Columbia. It is where Highway 153 meets Highway 97 at Pateros. There are take-out spots along the highway side, and paddling upstream in the calming river you might see beaver and muskrat. If you take your craft into the

Columbia, watch for eddies. It would be wise, if you are not motorized, to turn upstream along the shoreline first and determine the speed of the mighty river before letting the current take you.

The greater threat to enjoyment on the Columbia is the winds that come whistling, usually from the south, and can make returning to your starting place a real chore. Or worse. And beware of eddies at the bridges.

Enjoy yourself while you’re here, and be careful. R

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21

Clearing the trails Volunteer groups help the Forest Service keep the valley’s trails passable B y A n n M c C r e a ry

A

fter years of dwindling federal funding for trail maintenance, the Methow Ranger District has come to rely on groups that use the trails on U.S. Forest Service lands to help keep them passable.

The Methow Valley Back Country Horsemen, the Methow chapter of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, the Coulee Riders and the Washington Trails Association, along with other state and national trail user groups, contribute thousands of hours each summer to maintain trails in the mountains around the Methow Valley.

“The trail maintenance budget has been cut substantially over the last 20 years. It’s reduced to very little now,” said Jennifer Zbyszewski, recreation program manager for the Methow Ranger District.

This year, budget cutbacks have hit especially hard. During the past few years the seasonal trail crew has had six to 10 members. This season the district is only able to employ four members, in addition to a trail crew supervisor, Zbyszewski said.

“We used to have quite a bit of money allocated for trail maintenance.

We’re down considerably and that’s tough for people to understand — especially people who’ve been around here for a long time and remember what we used to be able to do,” she said.

In recent years, Forest Service trail crews have typically opened up about 400 miles of trails each season, focusing primarily on cutting out trees that are blocking trails, and doing “spot maintenance” as time and the budget permits, Zbyszewski said.

To maintain a portion of the 1,200 22

Bill and Keith Zielke take a second shot at clearing this log off the Scatter Trail. Bill had already cut a path through it in the spring, but by summer it had slid further down the hillside. Photo courtesy the Backcountry Horsemen miles of trails in the Methow District, the Forest Service welcomes the labor and expertise donated by volunteers.

“Now it’s just the way we get business done. We’re really fortunate that we have all the volunteers. They’ve really stepped up to the plate,” Zbyszewski said.

“A lot of what we do is filling a void,” said Dave Acheson, president of the Methow chapter of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance.

“Brushing, cutting out down trees — all those things the Forest Service would have done in the past,” Acheson said.

The local chapter, formed in 2012, has 40 members who donated about 400 hours of labor on trails last year, many of them on Forest Service lands.

The group holds monthly trail work parties.

Adopted trails The Methow Valley Back Country Horsemen have taken an active role in keeping trails open for many years and have “adopted” the 15-mile long Twisp River Trail to maintain each year.

In some years that has meant clearing as many as 115 trees knocked down by storms.

The group is “small but dedicated,” said member Bill Ford. In addition to

Summer Guide 2015 // Methow Valley News

maintaining the Twisp River Trail, the members work on opening up trails in the Twisp River drainage from the trailheads to the wilderness boundaries.

Many of the Back Country Horsemen and members of other trail user groups have received sawyer and crosscut certifications, which are required by the Forest Service for people using chain saws or crosscut saws to clear trails.

In addition to clearing trails, the Back Country Horsemen have also built bridges and turnpikes (elevated sections of trail crossing muddy or boggy areas) in various locations including War Creek, South Creek and Robinson Creek trails.

Work on the trails, including bridge and turnpike construction, must conform to Forest Service standards and is supervised by the Forest Service trail crew.

Donated labor by the volunteer groups is often used to support grant applications by the Forest Service for trail upkeep, as in the case of the South Creek Bridge near the horse camp on Twisp River, which was rebuilt with grant funding.

“We gave a promise of 300-400 hours of volunteer labor. It turned out to be 520 hours,” said Ford. “We’re pretty proud of that. We were told if it weren’t for us it would never have gotten done.”

With dwindling federal allocations, the Forest Service “funds trail maintenance almost exclusively with outside grants, and some through the sale of Northwest Forest Passes,” said Zbyszewski. Many of the grants come from the state’s Recreation and Conservation Office.

“For the grants we get, we have to provide a match, and that can be in volunteer hours,” Zbyszewski said. “These groups are vital not only because of the work they do, but because they make us more competitive for the grants.”

This year the Methow chapter of the Mountain Bike Alliance received its own grant from the Community Foundation of North Central Washington’s Methow Valley Fund to improve signage on many popular multi-use trails on the national forest’s Methow Ranger District. The new signage on selected trails will be in place later this year.

Not only do the volunteer groups obtain grants and help increase the Forest Service’s ability to get grant funding, but in recent years the Back Country Horsemen have paid the Forest Service to work on specific trails.

Two years ago the group paid $2,500 to the Forest Service to brush out three trails; last year it paid the same amount for full maintenance on War Creek Trail; and this year the horsemen plan

to pay $2,500 for full maintenance on Williams Creek Trail, Ford said.

The Forest Service crews focus maintenance work fırst on major access trails, such as the Pacifıc Crest Trail, Middle Fork of the Pasayten, Andrews Creek, Thirty Mile, War Creek, Oval Lakes, North Lake and South Creek, Zbyszewski said. Clearing logs and debris to open trails up is the fırst priority; cutting back brush is done if there is time and money.

Some trails have become so overgrown, Ford said, that the brush has pushed horses and riders off the trail.

Hard to keep up It’s been diffıcult to keep up with clearing overgrown trails, Zbyszewski said. “It’s diffıcult to fınd volunteer groups to cut brush. It’s an incredibly tedious, labor-intensive task. It’s a lot more rewarding to cut logs out of the trail. But brushing is really needed on a lot of our trails.”

Regional, state and national trail user organizations join local groups to maintain trails in and around the Methow Valley. Among them are the Coulee Riders, a motorcycle club based in Grand Coulee, whose members have been helping maintain a network of

trails in the Sawtooth Back Country for 20 years, Zbyszewski said.

The system includes about 30 miles of trails open to motorcycles in the Foggy Dew, Crater Creek and North Summit areas of the Sawtooth backcountry.

“It’s unique because it’s beautiful and there’s not much Back Country area open to motorcycles. It’s also really popular with mountain bikers, hikers, trail runners and horsemen,” Zbyszewski said.

“Over the years the Coulee Riders have been invaluable in helping keep those trails open and in good shape.”

Washington Trails Association also has a long history of bringing work parties to the mountains around the Methow Valley to maintain trails.

“The work parties they do around here fıll up really fast, because people want to come here. They are usually here about four weeks a year,” Zbyszewski said.

“They do it all — log out, brushing, drainage structure repair and maintenance, and they have members with the skills to build bridges and turnpikes.”

The Pacifıc Northwest Trail Association and Pacifıc Crest Trail Association also contribute to maintaining local trails.

The Back Country Horsemen

The Back Country Horsemen worked to clear the Williams Creek Trail last September.

PHOTO COURTESY THE BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN

provide support for other groups doing trail work by hauling gear up on horseback and coordinating with them, Ford said.

“The Washington Trails Association comes over in early June with 10 to 12 people, and work on a number of trails on Twisp River. We devised a scheme because they’re using crosscuts [within the wilderness], and we cut the areas outside of wilderness with chain saws,” Ford said.

Members of different user groups frequently collaborate and assist each other. Acheson said he showed up last year to help at a work party held by the

Back Country Horsemen, whose members are mostly in their 60s and 70s.

“I think they were very excited to see someone young and able show up,” Acheson said.

While each organization has a particular recreational focus, Acheson said, the collaboration among the volunteer groups and the Forest Service plays an increasingly important role in preserving trails for all users.

“Even if you’re not a horseman or a biker, you should consider coming to one of our work parties,” Acheson said.

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Methow Valley News // SUMMER GUIDE 2015

23

In the swim The Methow’s lakes, ponds, pools and streams offer cooling relaxation B Y M A RC Y S TA M PE R

I

MAGINE this. You’ve just ascended 4,000 feet on an exposed ridge that’s baked by the sun, or you’ve fınished the day’s work on the patio you’re building. Or maybe you’ve just been entertaining the kids on a hot afternoon.

Then imagine this. You’re wet.

Completely submerged. But, most of all — cool and revitalized.

During the hot, arid days of the Methow summer, there is nothing quite like the restorative charms of plunging into cool, clear water. Whether it’s a quenching swim in an alpine lake, a bracing splash in the river, or slipping in and out of the water from your float, the refreshment is unmatched.

Since the Methow Valley offers swimmers and lovers of water sports everything but saltwater, there are choices for all tastes.

Want to drift lazily on a raft, play water games, or take a long swim? Head to one of the local lakes. Pearrygin Lake, just outside Winthrop, offers a ropedoff swimming area at the east and west campgrounds with a grassy beach for sunbathing, reading or catching up with friends. There are picnic facilities and many places to fınd ample shade.

Patterson Lake, nestled among the

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undulating hills on the way to Sun Mountain Lodge, provides more-informal options for a swim. You can start from the boat launch on Patterson Lake Road, or take a short walk down to the lake from one of several pullouts along the road. If you prefer a more secluded spot, hike or bike the Patterson Lake Trail (accessed from the parking lot for the Patterson Lake cabins). You’ll fınd open rocky bluffs and small gravel beaches when you head through the trees to the lakeshore.

Davis Lake, off Bear Creek Road between Twisp and Winthrop, has a public-access area popular with anglers that makes a good place to cool off.

If you seek the charms of a mountain lake — without the hike — check out Blackpine Lake. The easiest route is from East Buttermilk Creek Road off Twisp River Road. The lake boasts clear, cold water and dramatic mountain scenery, and offers a day-use area as well as camping. A short trail along the shore gives you a choice of floating docks.

Alta Lake, just northwest of Pateros, offers a sandy beach and an area reserved for swimming and water play, where no boats or other watercraft are allowed. There is also a shaded picnic area.

The Wagner Memorial Pool in Twisp, which has been providing aquatic refreshment for almost 50 years, is the place to go for lap swimming, water aerobics, and swim lessons. With a slide, a diving board, plus a separate shallow wading area — with its own fountains and a mini-slide — the pool attracts families and serious swimmers. It’s also the only place in the

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The perfect swimming hole may be on the river. PHOTO BY MARCY STAMPER area with a lifeguard on duty. There is plenty of shaded seating.

The pool schedule offers dedicated slots for lap swimming and for open swims, including some evening hours.

A few days each season are reserved for regional swim meets, where you can watch the high-energy competition of the local Killer Whales swim team.

There will be several Friday-night ice cream and pizza parties for kids and teens during the summer, compliments

The

of Friends of the Pool.

Local rivers and creeks deliver a tantalizing variety of experiences, from pools deep enough for floating to protected coves for wading. Most rivers — the Methow, the Twisp and the Chewuch — are usually running too fast (and are too cold for all but the hardiest souls) until late July or August, but some areas do become accessible earlier.

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SUMMER GUIDE 2015 // Methow Valley News

808 Hwy 20 • 1/2 mile from Downtown Winthrop

hole. There are too many to list, but ask around or keep your eye peeled for roadside pullouts with lots of parked cars. A sure bet is the confluence of the Methow and Twisp rivers at the Twisp Town Park, where you can wade or let the water gently flow over you as you sit or lie on the rocks.

The Carlton beach — across from the store — is a deservedly well-loved spot, with a generous, deep pool as well as shallow areas along the shore where young children can wade and poke around the pebbles. The small beach has both an open sandy area and shady trees.

Further south on the Methow River, you’ll fınd two more beaches, both offering a deep swimming hole plus shallow, rocky areas ideal for wading.

Heading south from Carlton, turn off the highway at the south end of the Gold Creek Loop Road to a small parking area and follow a steep footpath down to the rocky beach and a sandy swimming hole. Big boulders provide the ideal spot for jumping into the water or lounging in the sun. Small side streams afford good wading spots.

Even further south, where the Methow River meets McFarland Creek, is another parking area with a boat ramp and a wide, sandy beach. There’s

an ample swimming hole, good for practicing your stroke or lazing in an inner tube. In fact, at this bend in the river, there is a gentle eddy which — if you catch it right — will carry you in circles around the pool. The shoreline nearby offers shallow, slow-moving water.

Most trails that lead to high-mountain lakes provide a chance for a truly invigorating dip. Even at lakes with a lot of shoreline vegetation, a little exploration will reward you with a nice spot for a refreshing plunge (at the higher elevation, these lakes can stay fairly frigid all season). Blue Lake is reached by a moderate, two-and-a-halfmile hike near Washington Pass on the North Cascades Highway, where the alluring aqua water is as close to a visual expression of refreshment as you’ll fınd anywhere.

Or try Scatter Lake in the Twisp River drainage (see hiking story on page 12). You’ll savor the exhilarating splash of the water after the steep climb.

Many lakes and river-access spots require recreation passes or a day-use fee. The Twisp pool sells season and day passes. Blackpine Lake is free for day use, and most casual river spots, including the Twisp Town Park, are free. R

Carlton beach is a popular swimming site. PHOTO BY MARCY STAMPER

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25

FS 1 00

26

Summer Guide 2015 // Methow Valley News

Visitor Center

North Suspension Footbridge

MILEAGES

Methow Valley Sport Trails Association 509-996-3287

zzly Gri

l Hil

Twisp to Winthrop Twisp Information Center 9 509-997-2926 Winthrop to: U.S. Forest Service 10 Sun Mountain Trails 509-996-4000 Pearrygin Lake State Park 4 Mazama 14 Winthrop Chamber of Commerce Washington Pass 34 509-996-2125 WinthropWashington.com Rainy Pass 40 Hart's Pass 33 Goat Peak Trail 18 Sweetgrass Butte 19 Copper Glance Lake Trail 22 Tiffany Lake Trail 28

Spring Creek Footbridge

Ice Rink

Fish Hatchery

Twisp to: End of Twisp River Road W A S H I N G T26O N SouthTheCreek Horse Camp 23 Winthrop Chamber of Commerce is honored to have you visit our Loup old Loup Pass western town. In addition to our wooden 13 boardwalks, Winthrop, Blackpine Lakeis best know for its highly acclaimed 20 year-round Washington pursuits, its strong agricultural ties Foggyrecreational Dew Campground 20and its vibrant arts community. visiting we hope you will have Winthrop via While Elbow Coulee 15 the opportunity to stay and enjoy the Methow Valley's many coffee roasters, brew pubs, Columbia River 32 art galleries, specialty shops, eateries and accommodations.

Okanogan 30

To Smokejumper Base, Golf Course & Twisp

Gro ce ry

Winthrop Washington 1-888-4Methow | WinthropWashington.com Winthrop Washington on Facebook

Saturday Farmers Market

The Methow Valley Sport Trails Association (MVSTA) is the nation's largest cross-country ski resort with over 120 miles of perfectly groomed trails. In partnership with the US Forest Service, other government agencies and private landowners, MVSTA is dedicated to developing and promoting non-motorized, trail-based recreation in the Methow Valley. The Methow Valley Sport Trails system is recognized as one of the finest trail systems in North America for hiking, biking, trail running and cross-country skiing.

Come ski with us this winter!

Methow Valley Sport Trails Association 509-996-3287 | mvsta.com | SkiTheMethow.com Methow Valley Sport Trails Association on Facebook

Visitor Center

This map is not intended for backcountry navigation. Detailed Okanogan National Forest and Methow Valley area maps are available for purchase at ranger stations, visitor centers and many local businesses.

North Suspension Footbridge

Spring Creek Footbridge

Ice Rink

Fish Hatchery

To Smokejumper Base, Golf Course & Twisp

ry

ce

Gro

The Winthr old western Washingto recreationa community stay and en art gallerie

Ski Area

Saturday Farmers Market

The Metho largest cro groomed t governme developing the Metho recognize hiking, bik

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Methow Valley News // SUMMER GUIDE 2015

27

Visitor Center

North Suspension Footbridge

MILEAGES

Methow Valley Sport Trails Association 509-996-3287

zzly Gri

l Hil

Twisp to Winthrop Twisp Information Center 9 509-997-2926 Winthrop to: U.S. Forest Service 10 Sun Mountain Trails 509-996-4000 Pearrygin Lake State Park 4 Mazama 14 Winthrop Chamber of Commerce Washington Pass 34 509-996-2125 WinthropWashington.com Rainy Pass 40 Hart's Pass 33 Goat Peak Trail 18 Sweetgrass Butte 19 Copper Glance Lake Trail 22 Tiffany Lake Trail 28

Spring Creek Footbridge

Ice Rink

Fish Hatchery

Twisp to: End of Twisp River Road W A S H I N G T26O N SouthTheCreek Horse Camp 23 Winthrop Chamber of Commerce is honored to have you visit our Loup old Loup Pass western town. In addition to our wooden 13 boardwalks, Winthrop, Blackpine Lakeis best know for its highly acclaimed 20 year-round Washington pursuits, its strong agricultural ties Foggyrecreational Dew Campground 20and its vibrant arts community. visiting we hope you will have Winthrop via While Elbow Coulee 15 the opportunity to stay and enjoy the Methow Valley's many coffee roasters, brew pubs, Columbia River 32 art galleries, specialty shops, eateries and accommodations.

Okanogan 30

To Smokejumper Base, Golf Course & Twisp

Gro ce ry

Winthrop Washington 1-888-4Methow | WinthropWashington.com Winthrop Washington on Facebook

Saturday Farmers Market

The Methow Valley Sport Trails Association (MVSTA) is the nation's largest cross-country ski resort with over 120 miles of perfectly groomed trails. In partnership with the US Forest Service, other government agencies and private landowners, MVSTA is dedicated to developing and promoting non-motorized, trail-based recreation in the Methow Valley. The Methow Valley Sport Trails system is recognized as one of the finest trail systems in North America for hiking, biking, trail running and cross-country skiing.

Come ski with us this winter!

Methow Valley Sport Trails Association 509-996-3287 | mvsta.com | SkiTheMethow.com Methow Valley Sport Trails Association on Facebook

Visitor Center

This map is not intended for backcountry navigation. Detailed Okanogan National Forest and Methow Valley area maps are available for purchase at ranger stations, visitor centers and many local businesses.

North Suspension Footbridge

Spring Creek Footbridge

Ice Rink

Fish Hatchery

To Smokejumper Base, Golf Course & Twisp

ry

ce

Gro

The Winthr old western Washingto recreationa community stay and en art gallerie

Ski Area

Saturday Farmers Market

The Metho largest cro groomed t governme developing the Metho recognize hiking, bik

M

Methow Valley News // SUMMER GUIDE 2015

27

‘Granny Winthrop’ heading down the trail B y L au r e ll e Wa lsh

G

eorgia Sanders, one of Winthrop’s most familiar faces and a tireless booster of the little Old-West town, will soon be retiring from public life and leaving the Methow Valley.

Sanders manages the Winthrop Visitor Information Center (VIC) — also called the Information Station — where she has worked, greeting visitors and distributing useful information about our area, for the last 15 years.

She is also known as “Granny Winthrop,” a title she picked up a few years back while helping the ’49er Days committee promote Winthrop’s annual festival. Since then, she’s been a recognizable figure at ‘49ers weekend events and at Christmas at the End of the Road, dressed in her pale blue pioneer dress and bonnet, riding on a parade float or reading Christmas stories to kids.

“It’s been such a joy,” Sanders said.

“I used to wear my Granny Winthrop dress and bonnet when I came to work.

I can be walking down the street and somebody will yell, ‘Hi Granny Winthrop.’ I’m going to miss those things.”

But all good things must come to an end. Sanders will be at the Information Station until July 1, sharing duties with Marlene Temple. Kathy Neupert will be in training until Sanders’ departure, after which she and Temple will staff the Winthrop chamber’s facility together.

Running the Information Station Representing Winthrop — and the whole Methow Valley — at the VIC involves more than just saying “hi” to people who stop by. Anyone working at the VIC needs to study and understand all of the maps and familiarize themselves with the vast network of trails in the area, Sanders said. Information Station workers should also walk through each store in town and know what it sells.

“And it’s important to know the whole valley, not just Winthrop,” she said.

On a recent Saturday in April, a young couple came into the VIC and told Sanders they wanted to go for a hike in the area. Sanders suggested Sun Mountain, reasoning all the trails around there would be open, she said.

28

But the couple said they really wanted to go up to Harts Pass, Sanders recalls. “I told them there’s 8 to 9 feet of snow up there. They had no idea. That’s an example of why you need a person in here [the VIC],” she said.

“In summertime you can get 200 questions like that in a day,” said Sanders, noting that, on average, 125-150 people come into the VIC every day, as soon school is out.

The Information Station is stocked with maps and literature on North Cascades National Park, Lake Chelan, Leavenworth and the whole Cascade Loop. It also carries ferry schedules for people heading west across Puget Sound or to ride the Lady of the Lake from Chelan to Stehekin.

The VIC promotes all of Okanogan County as well, Sanders said. For people wanting to take a day drive, Sanders often recommends driving to Molson or Bonaparte and touring the Okanogan highlands, she said. She also keeps up-to-date on road conditions throughout the area.

Sanders can tell many stories of visitors who have come in to the Information Station over the years, and it makes her feel good to know that she has helped so many, she said.

The year after the Tripod Fire consumed the national forest east of Winthrop, one couple came in “just about closing time,” Sanders said. “They came in so relieved,” she remembers. They came from Canada, and the route they were directed to come from Nighthawk took them on forest roads through the burned area and over Freezeout Pass.

“They had been driving for hours,” she said.

“They wanted to know if I had a map of their route, so I sold them the Okanogan National Forest map. They had me mark on the map where they had gone on all those back roads,” Sanders recalls, still shaking her head in disbelief.

The biggest change since she started 15 years ago, is the statistics they gather at the VIC, Sanders said. To help Okanogan County calculate how much tourism contributes to the economy, VIC staff ask visitors where they come from, how long they’ll be staying in the valley and where they are staying — at a hotel or cabin or campground. The numbers help determine how lodging

Summer Guide 2015 // Methow Valley News

Georgia Sanders (“Granny Winthrop”) will be leaving Winthrop’s Visitor Information Center after 15 years. Photo by Laurelle Walsh tax revenues are distributed throughout the county.

Kirsten Ostlie, manager of the Methow Valley Community Center in Twisp, considers Sanders a fun, dependable colleague, “who is always there for you.” Over the years, the two facilities managers have helped each other keep tourist literature stocked and have swapped “war stories” of helping wayward tourists in their towns.

“She has been a delight to work with, and will be sorely missed,” Ostlie said.

Time to go Sanders and her husband, Udel, will be moving across the Cascade Mountains to Concrete, Washington, later this summer.

“We’ve lived here 32 years; it’s home,” Sanders said. “There are a lot of things we’re going to miss about this place but

Visitors’ information The Winthrop Visitor Information Center is located at the four-way stop in downtown Winthrop. It is open 7 days a week from May 1-Sept. 30, 10 a.m.5 p.m. Call 996-2125 or go to www.winthropwashington.com.

The Twisp Visitor Information Center, in the Methow Valley Communi-

ty Center in Twisp is open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 997-2020 or visit www. twispinfo.com

The North Cascades Visitor Center is across the Skagit River from Highway 20 in Newhalem. It is open May 16-Nov. 2. Call (206) 386-4495, ext. 11

The Methow Valley Ranger Station at 24 West Chewuch Rd. in Winthrop is open Mon.Fri. 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Call 996-4003

The Wilderness Information Center at 7280 Ranger Station Rd. in Marblemount is open May 9-Oct. 12. Call (360) 854-7245

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And another thing: Three greatgrandchildren were born last summer, for a total of 15 now, expanding the Sanderses’ already large clan on the west side of the mountains — most of them living in Skagit County. Moving closer to the family just makes sense at this time, Sanders said.

In the mean time, Sanders hopes folks will stop by the little red Information Station and say, “hello.” And we wish her “happy trails” from all of us at the Methow Valley News. R Curtis Edwards

it’s time we moved closer to medical facilities and family.”

The big scare came last fall when Udel — now almost 80 — had a heart attack which required an extended hospital stay. He has made a good recovery, but last winter “was hard,” Sanders said. “He had always done all the snow removal, and for the fırst time I had to hire somebody to help.” They both realize that living in the Methow will become more diffıcult as time goes on, she said.

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The view from the saddle Horse-packers bring the high country close B Y M A RC Y S TA M PE R

S

OME people take a pack trip because they love horses, but many join these trips because they love fıshing, butterflies or hiking along high, open ridges. Some just want to relax and experience alpine scenery. And that’s part of the charm — horse-packing trips can be tailored to individual interests.

“It’s just a wonderful way to get into the backcountry, to see country it’s hard to backpack into,” said Kay MacCready, who has been getting to the mountains via pack trips for 20 years.

Don and Ginger Reddington are experienced packers who have made excursions to the Sawtooths and the Pasayten Wilderness an annual event for decades. When they started out, the Reddingtons invested in solid pack animals and learned the ropes, riding their own horses and packing about 140 pounds on each mule. “It’s like having your own personal RV,” said Ginger.

This summer they plan to join friends on an organized trip with a local outfıtter. Don and Ginger will ride their own horses and meet up with the outfıtters at the high camp.

MacCready also started out packing in her own animals and relished handling everything herself. And while she still enjoys riding her horse and contracting with an outfıtter to drop off her gear, she has come to prize the carefree experience of a deluxe pack

trip. “The nice thing is going with the packers and having them take care of you. It’s a lot more fun if you don’t take your own horses,” she said.

Camping in the mountains might seem like roughing it, but Reddington said they bring enough gear to be comfortable — a roll-up table, chairs and a good-sized tent. They cook on campfıres and fınd the experience utterly peaceful.

Pack trips give people a chance to spend their time in the midst of spectacular mountain scenery, rather than taking two or three days just to get there.

Whether they go in on their own or with an outfıtter, most people tend to set up a base camp and explore from there each day. They can meander through open meadows and ridges from the high camp and look for bear, moose and mountain goats.

There are fıve lakes within 5 to 7 miles of their camps in the Pasayten, making for a variety of outings once they’ve settled in, said Steve Darwood, who runs Cascade Wilderness Outfıtters.

These trips take you breathtakingly close to alpine meadows, where wildflowers bloom throughout much of the summer. Photographers and artists fınd inspiration in the pristine waters of the high-mountain lakes. The serrated, snow-capped peaks appear incredibly vivid from this vantage point.

“You just don’t think about anything else — it gives your mind a rest,” said Reddington.

Sharing the experience A unique appeal of pack trips is that they make it possible to share the mountains with people who would never otherwise get to see the high country.

“I really was reluctant to do a packer

trip, because I love the whole camping experience,” said MacCready. “But it’s a way to bring your family and friends who don’t want to work that hard.”

A few years ago MacCready took her teenage granddaughter on a guided trip. “It was such a wonderful way to have somebody in my family see the love of my life — the wilderness here,” said MacCready. This year her daughter is coming from Chicago to join her in the mountains.

On deluxe trips, people are treated to surprisingly gourmet meals, with hearty stews and luscious desserts cooked out in the open. After the day’s ride, hike or fıshing, people relax with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while the camp cook makes dinner.

Being in the mountains is also a culinary treat for the horses, said Reddington. “When they get to graze in the meadows, it’s like a special salad. They come out as fat as when they went in.”

The majority of Cascade Wilderness’ trips are six-day, deluxe outings, where the outfıtters set up camp and do all the cooking — even the dishes. “You just bring your sleeping bag and fıshing pole,” said Darwood, who also runs North Cascade Outfıtters with his son Jess.

About one-fourth of their customers are beginners, people who’ve only ridden two or three times, said Darwood.

Experienced packers recommend taking a few lessons to become comfortable on a horse — and to get used to time in the saddle, which requires more stamina than you might imagine.

“Those horses are so seasoned about the trails — you basically just need to stop to give your butt a rest,” said Reddington.

People typically ride between 6 and

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SUMMER GUIDE 2015 // Methow Valley News

15 miles a day. They can even arrange a supported all-hiking trip, where an outfıtter transports their guests’ gear by mule to a new campsite each day.

In addition to deluxe trips where the outfıtters handle everything, most companies also offer a drop camp, where clients ride or hike into the mountains and the outfıtters leave all your gear and food at a prearranged spot — and then come and get it at the end of the trip.

On standard trips, you have the benefıt of the outfıtter’s equipment and a guide, but you bring your own food and do your own cooking.

A group can request a certain destination, although outfıtters have permits for specifıc places and there are limits on the number of people and livestock they can take on the trail, said Darwood.

People can join an existing trip if they don’t have a large-enough group. “Those are the trips that are really fun — people have a lot in common,” said Darwood.

Other local outfıtters include Early Winters Outfıtting, based in Mazama.

Aaron Lee and Judy Burkhart offer deluxe and drop-camp trips for beginners and experienced riders. They also guide special trips for photographers, and offer single- or multi-day trips to escort anglers to alpine lakes.

“It’s our other home — it’s quiet you’ve never seen, beauty you’ve never seen,” said Reddington.

More information about opportunities to get into the high country by horseback is available from the Methow Valley Back Country Horsemen at www. mvbch.com. Washington Outfıtters and Guides Association has information about local outfıtters at 997-1080, (877) ASK-WOGA or www.woga.org. R

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Vertically challenged From bouldering to 5.11 and beyond, the Methow will keep rock climbers busy B Y D O N N E LSO N

M

AYBE you are hiking near Blue Lake and you hear, through the clear mountain air, rock climbers making their way up the west side of Liberty Bell Mountain or Early Winters Spires.

Or maybe, out of curiosity, you pull off into the rock climbing parking area on Lost River Road west of Mazama, and follow the trail around to a rampart of east-facing cliffs to fınd top-roped climbers working their way up the sheer walls.

If you are a climber, you’ll fınd

plenty of company on a sunny Methow Valley day at well-known climbing spots such as Mazama’s Fun Rocks, the Goat Wall, and Prospector Crags.

Together they offer dozens of defıned routes ranging up to 5.11 diffıculty and beyond — something for every class of climber including neophytes.

Liberty Bell Mountain and Early Winters Spires are near Washington Pass on the North Cascades Highway.

For information about rock climbing lessons and guided climbs in the valley and beyond, contact North Cascades Mountain Guides at 48 Lost River Road, Mazama: 996-3194, www.ncmountainguides.com. The Outward Bound base camp at 226 Lost River Road also offers climbing programs: 996-3170, www. outwardbound.org.

Goats Beard Mountain Supplies, behind the Mazama Store at 50 Lost River Road, offers an array of climbing gear: 996-2515, www.goatsbeardmountainsupplies.com.

Goats Beard also carries copies of the Methow’s authoritative, incredibly detailed climbing guide: Mazama Rock,

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Mazama’s Fun Rocks area offers routes for every climber. PHOTO BY DON NELSON a Vertical Paradise, by Bryan Burdo.

What’s more, the store provides excerpts from Burdo’s book on its website at goatsbeardmountainsupplies.com/ climbingbeta.html.

For outdoor wear and gear, try Winthrop Mountain Sports, 257 Riverside Ave. in Winthrop, 996-2886, www. winthropmountainsports.com; the Outdoorsman, 170 Riverside Ave. in

Winthrop, 996-2649, www.theoutdoorsmanstore.net; Cascades Outdoor Store in Winthrop, 222 Riverside Ave., 996-3480, www.cascadesoutdoorstore.com; and Jack’s Hut at the Freestone Inn, 31 Early Winters Drive, Mazama, 996-3906, www. freestoneinn.com.

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31

Camp it up Tents, trailers and RVs will all find great spots in the Methow Valley B y J oa n n a B a st i a n

C

amping is one of the greatest pleasures of summer. And in the Methow Valley, there are plenty of options for summertime and year-round camping.

Everyone has a different idea of what camping entails. For some, it is a secluded spot far from civilization. For others, camping is a home away from home, with all the same comforts, but with a different view. The Methow Valley has every type of camping covered for every taste and style.

There are two state parks in the Methow Valley, Pearrygin Lake State Park near Winthrop, and Alta Lake State Park near Pateros. The Discover Pass is required for day use, but not required for visitors who stay overnight and pay the cost of a camp site. For fishing, a license is required. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/ fishing/washington/index.html to view regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license.

Camping reservations for either state park can be made online at https:// washington.goingtocamp.com or by calling (888) 226-7688.

Pearrygin Lake State Park offers swimming, fishing, boating and hiking.

Lush green lawns and old shade trees

Pine Near RV Park hosts the travel trailer portion of Winthrop’s annual Vintage Wheels show. Photo by Laurelle Walsh provide a cool respite to the warm sun of a summer day.

The day-use area has picnic tables, a boat launch, a bathhouse, a sandy beach, barbecue stands, and a volleyball court. A 60-foot dock extends into the lake, perfect for practicing cannonball dives. The lake is open to freshwater fishing and water skiing. A daily watercraft launching permit costs $7.

The park has a full range of overnight accommodations, including standard tent sites, full RV hook-up sites, furnished cabins with kitchenettes, and a vacation house. There is a dump station, restrooms and showers.

Campfire programs are offered in the amphitheater every Tuesday and

Thursday night from June 15 through Labor Day. A volunteer-facilitated Junior Ranger program is available for children. Information on these programs is available at the contact station located at the entrance of the park.

The communities of Winthrop and Twisp are located within a few miles and offer museums, golf courses, restaurants, shopping, farmers markets and art galleries.

Alta perserveres Alta Lake State Park was at the heart of the Carlton Complex Fire during the summer of 2014. Although the park sustained damage, park personnel worked through the winter months

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to repair camping sites. Some sites remain closed, but other areas are open and operational this season. While the scenery has changed, it is still visually stunning and an interesting study in fire ecology and recovery.

Alta Lake is two miles long and a half-mile wide. The park offers good trout fishing during summer months, along with windsurfing and sailboarding. Numerous picnic tables and a picnic shelter rest on the grassy lawn beneath large shade trees. A sandy beach and dock frame the swimming area of the cool lake waters.

The scenic 18-hole Alta Lake Golf Course is nearby, and the Columbia River is just four miles away with

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Summer Guide 2015 // Methow Valley News

opportunities for waterskiing, jet skiing, and more boating and fıshing. Alta Lake State Park has a dock, park store, tent spaces, RV utility spaces, trailer dump, restrooms and 12 showers. Wi-fı is also available at the park.

For campers looking for a more rustic and private camping experience, the Methow Valley Ranger District maintains 24 U.S. Forest Service campgrounds in the surrounding mountain areas.

The Methow Valley Ranger District and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest comprise a wide geographic range with every imaginable ecosystem. The high, glaciated alpine peaks along the Cascade Crest frame deep, lush valleys of old growth forest. Meadows and grasslands give way to rugged shrub-steppe.

For a list of campground locations and descriptions, visit the Methow Valley Ranger district page at www.fs.usda.gov/ recarea/okawen/recarea/?recid=59073.

The Methow Valley Ranger Station is located in Winthrop on West Chewuch Road, above the softball fıeld. The phone number is 996-4000.

A Northwest Forest Pass is required for some trailheads. The ranger station can help plan your camping trip and suggest which pass is needed for trail access and overnight camping.

Private parks The Methow Valley is also home to a number of privately operated RV parks and campgrounds.

Located on the shoreline of Pearrygin Lake, Silverline Resort is a full-service RV park and campground. Weekend pancake breakfasts, ice cream socials and miniature golf round out all the lakeside activities. Visit http:// silverlineresort.com.

Winthrop KOA Campground is within walking distance of Winthrop, and located along the banks of the Methow River. A heated pool, playground, laundry, camping cabins, game room and a store make camping enjoyable, and kids can pan for minerals and gems at the Silver Queen Mine. Showers and wifı make roughing it not so rough. Visit www.methownet.com/koa.

Big Twin Lake Campground offers tent sites and RV hookups. The lake is open for trout fıshing, and the campground provides rowboat and paddleboat rentals. Visit www.methownet. com/bigtwin.

Pine Near RV Park in Winthrop — across from the Shafer Museum and mere footsteps from the downtown area — offers tent sites with electricity and water available, in

addition to RV and trailer sites. Pine Near also offers laundry, showers and free wi-fı. Call (509) 341-4062 or visit www.pinenearpark.com.

Near Mazama, Methow Tents is a luxurious safari-style canvas retreat.

A fully enclosed canvas safari tent is furnished with two camping cots, picnic table and benches, water and electricity. Kelly’s restaurant is nearby with wi-fı, gourmet burgers and ice cream shakes. Methow Tents is near world class rock climbing, river rafting, horseback riding, and hiking trails.

Visit methowtents.com.

River Bend RV park is close to Twisp, along the Methow River. A popular spot, River Bend RV park features full RV hookups, riverfront tent sites, a dump station, laundry and convenience store, propane, showers, and wi-fı. Visit www.riverbendrv.com.

Lightning Pine RV is a beautiful grassy retreat park along the Methow River. Full hook-up RV sites have 30-amp electric, septic and water and room for tents. Riverfront tent campsites have picnic tables and fıre pits.

The park offers bathrooms, showers, and laundry. Bring the horses, Lightning Pine offers horse boarding.

This section of the Methow River is

popular for rainbow, cutthroat and bull trout fıshing during summer months, with excellent steelhead fıshing in the fall. It is also a great spot for rafting.

Shuttle services are available. Visit www.lightningpine.com.

Whistlin’ Pine Ranch on the shore of Alta Lake offers accommodations for different levels of “roughing it.” The tent sites have picnic tables and fıre pits.

The deluxe cabins have running water, electricity, showers and kitchenettes.

Rustic cabins with no running water or electricity are another alternative for peaceful retreat. For people who like to bring everything with them, including the kitchen sink, there are 10 RV sites.

Whistlin’ Pine Ranch and Sawtooth Outfıtters offer guided trail rides by horseback in the scenic Alta Coulee, and the Sawtooth and Pasayten wilderness areas.

Seventy horses and a team of experienced guides are available for day trips around the scenic ranch and multi-day pack trips in surrounding wilderness areas. Trail rides are scheduled for as little as one hour, a few hours, a full day, or even multi-day pack trips.

For more information about Whistlin’ Pine Ranch and trail rides, call (509) 923-2548, or visit www.Altalake. com. R

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www.methowevergreenmtb.org Methow Valley News // SUMMER GUIDE 2015

33

Fairways to heaven The region’s varied golf courses all come with distracting views B y B ob S pi wa k

B

y the time you read this, the Masters Tournament in Georgia will be history and its competition will induce many golfers, beginners and regulars, to courses around the country. Along with the Methow Valley’s reputation as the largest cross country ski area in the nation, there is also a growing number of golf courses in this part of North Central Washington.

We’ll offer a brief summary of what is available to visitors and locals alike.

Our survey reveals many changes in established courses and a newcomer since last year’s report.

Here in the Methow Valley, a few miles from Winthrop and Twisp, is Bear Creek Golf Course. After 60 years of operation the nine-hole, 18-tee venue faced a permanent shutdown after age and health issues confronted the owners. However, Debbie and Terry Evans leased the course and they have some plans that surpass golf alone, as it has been for decades.

As it stands, Bear Creek has what may be the best turf-to-mountain views in North Central Washington, especially from the sixth tee, high on a hill looking across the valley to 8,000-foot Gardner Mountain (if snowcapped in season, a bonus), flanked by the

At Gamble Sands Golf Course, Bob Cram hits a drive as Rick LeDuc admires his form. Photo by Bob Spiwak Sawtooth range to the south and Eight Mile Ridge northward.

The fairways are wide and the greens are challenging, being on the small side compared to modern greens.

There are nine holes, and at the turn a different series of tees await for the back nine. The only water of consequence is the par 3 second hole, over a moderate pond to a long narrow green.

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Summer Guide 2015 // Methow Valley News

Trees line some fairways, but are not a hazard for most golfers.

Additionally, the owners are planning to add a driving range and possibly courses for Frisbee golf and foot golf. These may happen by summer.

Forty miles to the south is Alta Lake Golf Resort. This course was ravaged last summer by the worst forest fire in

Washington state history, but is up and running already.

Head PGA pro Parker Barth said that there will be a fleet of new carts replacing those that were decimated in the fire, and the replacements will be equipped with GPS devices. “Playability” has been improved around the course and fairways widened, and for those who stray from the

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short grass, errant balls will be easier to find. This is especially true for course veterans who have been flummoxed by the opening holes of the back nine.

The greens are quite large and mostly contoured on all 18. Working around after the turn, there are views of the Columbia River well below.

The pro shop is brand new as is the motel at the resort, and will be available for the normal groups and any who come to stay and play, says Barth.

The course is adjacent to the state park of the same name.

These two courses are probably the easiest on the wallet. All the courses we cover have websites and/or phone numbers to check for costs and directions.

Add another 20 or so miles to the drive and go east on Highway 97 to the new kid on the block, Gamble Sands.

This is a true “links” course in the manner of landmarks in Scotland and Ireland. The architect is Scotsman David Mclay Kidd, whose fırst U.S. course was Oregon’s Bandon Dunes.

There is no water in play on the entire 18 holes, and the only tree is in a gully. The entire course, including greens, is of fescue grass, not the usual

bent. The fairways in general are more like freeways in width and even if the ball strays, one will have to work to lose it.

There are caddies and carts for hire, and for most it is an easy walking course. There’s not much deviation in elevation, but surrounded by sand hills it gives that illusion. There’s no “turn”, but refreshment carts continually ply the course.

The course has gotten rave reviews from golf magazines, despite having only opened for play late last summer. Below the opening holes is a gorgeous view of a big bend of the Columbia River. General Manager David Christenson said the course is in perfect shape. You’ll enjoy putting that 16,000-square-foot green. The putting green and range are just outside the lounge.

In the other direction at Chelan are two more courses with driving ranges attached. Just a mite west of town is the Chelan Municipal course, a fıne 18-hole expanse with smallish, slick greens.

The holes are challenging, especially on the back nine, which opens with a drive across a chasm to an uphill landing area, and the twelfth hole, a very short par 4 that encourages going for it

on the drive.

The elevated green is devilishly canted down from the back and if you’re above the hole it requires the ultimate in a delicate putt, with gravity as your adversary. An unusual fınishing hole is a par 3, uphill all the way.

Food and beverages are available overlooking the course, and one can watch the fınishers over a libation of choice. The driving range is open to the public. This is an easy walking course and carts are available.

Going through Chelan and following the lakeside on Highway 97A a short distance will take you through vineyards and wineries that extend right into Bear Mountain Golf Course.

This course offers the most outstanding of views throughout its 18 holes, with the juxtaposition of brilliant green fairways and greens beneath you, the deep blue of Lake Chelan, and the mountains beyond.

The driving range has an uphill landing area. Head pro Von Smith can take you there for a lesson.

Below, at the veranda-fronted restaurant, his wife, Cindi, bakes what might be the best chocolate chip cookies in the state. Munch and watch the finishers.

The Bear Creek carts are ready. PHOTO

BY DON NELSON

Across the Columbia River from all these courses, not far from Wenatchee, is Desert Canyon Golf Resort. There is a lodge and condos on the property.

The course will debut new golf carts with GPS, says head pro Mark Rhodes.

Distances from green to tee can be extreme here, thus the cart requirement.

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Bear Creek offers a scenic setting. PHOTO BY DON NELSON The ride is enjoyable and when you get to what was the longest par-5 in the state, you can look at the dazzling Columbia River below.

This course lives up to its name with a lot of sand at the margins. Water comes into play on several holes, notably the pool that separates the fırst and tenth greens. These are being reclaimed and fountains will be a feature.

The greens here average 10,000 square feet allowing for some fun contours.

The course farthest east of the Methow is Lake Woods, adjacent to Bridgeport State Park. It is located

about 8 miles from Gamble Sands, you can view Chief Joseph Dam and follow the Columbia three miles to the course.

This is a casual 9/18-hole, tree-lined venue overlooking the river, with twice-around play from different tees on each nine. It is flat most of the way around, has low greens fees and offers a few carts, but is an easy walker. It also has a do-it-yourself driving range.

Bring your own balls and fetch them too. The park is next door and getting there is a stroll though the greenery itself. We’ve never seen it crowded except during tournaments. R

Discover summer in the North Cascades. Enrich your days with adventure and nights with relaxation.

Climb the mountains, bike the valleys, swim the rivers and at the end of the day, relax in utter bliss at our pool, spa, and lakeside dining room.

Offering inspired Northwest gourmet cuisine, a generous wine selection and a full service bar

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SUMMER GUIDE 2015 // Methow Valley News

Saturday Fish Market The Freshest Seafood Anywhere!

Your source for Local & Dry-Aged Beef

Fresh Produce Deli Bakery Hwy 20, Twisp • 997-7711 Open Mon - Sat, 7am - 9pm & Sunday, 8am - 8pm

Navigating the rec-pass landscape Before you park, make sure you have the correct pass

Where to buy rec passes FEDERAL Northwest Forest Pass (annual, $30) In person:

Methow Valley Ranger District, 24 West Chewuch Road, Winthrop, 996-4003

B Y M A RC Y S TA M PE R

W

HEN we think about hiking or fıshing, most of us restrict our research to identifying the most scenic trail or fınding out where the fısh are biting. But as state and federal agencies grapple with budget cuts to their recreational programs, they have been requiring people to buy passes to visit many natural areas.

This guide will explain the basics, give you lists of the most popular sites and whether you’ll need a pass to visit them, and provide links to other resources that help break it down even further. We also tell you where you can buy passes in the Methow Valley, by phone, or online.

Local vendors (annual and day passes):

Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies, Mazama, 996-2515 Methow Cycle & Sport, Winthrop, 996-3645 Valley Hardware Do it Center, Twisp, 997-3355 Winthrop Mountain Sports, Winthrop, 996-2886

Online or by phone:

U.S. Forest Service: www.fs.usda. gov/main/r6/ passes-permits/ recreation U.S. Geological Survey store at store.usgs.gov, (888) 275-8747 (You can also get these annual passes from both places: America the Beautiful/National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass ($80) and Interagency Senior Pass, $10)

National Forest Recreation Pass (day, $5) In person: at trailheads; requires exact amount or check

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Local vendors (annual and day passes):

Local vendors (day passes only):

STATE Discover Pass (annual, $30; day, $5) In person:

The Outdoorsman, Winthrop, 996-2649 Pardners Mini Market, Winthrop, 996-2005 Valley Hardware Do it Center, Twisp, 997-3355 Winthrop Ace Hardware, Winthrop, 996-2150 Yancey’s Pateros Hardware, Pateros, (509) 923-2622 (local vendors include transaction fees: $5, annual; $1.50, day)

State Park ranger at: - Pearrygin Lake State Park, Winthrop - Alta Lake State Park, Pateros (no transaction fees)

www.discoverpass. wa.gov or (866) 320-9933 (includes transaction fees: $5, annual; $1.50, day)

Mazama Country Inn, Mazama, 996-2681 The Outdoorsman, Winthrop, 996-2649

Online: www.discovernw.org, (877) 874-6775

1

Online or by phone:

General pass and permit information:

U.S. Forest Service: www.fs.usda.gov/ okawen/ (follow the link to “Passes & Permits” and then “Recreation Passes & Permits”) Washington Trails Association: www. wta.org/hiking-info/ passes/passes-andpermit-info Discover Pass: www. discoverpass.wa.gov; frequently asked questions, exemptions, etc.

Ranger Station at REI, (800) 270-7504

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Fortunately, many popular areas are still free, and most passes are for parking a vehicle, so — if you arrive on foot, bicycle or horse, you can generally do so without a pass.

The U.S. Forest Service has been requiring passes (Northwest Forest Pass, $30, annual; National Forest Recreation Day Pass, $5, day) for most trails since 2005. In most cases, passes are required where they provide certain amenities at the trailhead.

The Forest Service maintains several free local trailheads — including the popular trail to Goat Peak in Mazama, the West Fork Methow trail in Lost River, and Copper Glance on the Chewuch. Three years ago the agency eliminated fees for hiking, picnicking and sightseeing in the entire Harts Pass area. (Only the campgrounds there still charge a fee.)

Washington state began imposing its own fees for most of its recreation lands — state parks, wildlife areas and forests — four years ago.

The Discover Pass ($30, annual; $10, day; plus transaction fees — $5 for an annual pass and $1.50 for a day pass if not bought from a state park ranger) is now required at lands managed by Washington State Parks, the

Trails and recreation sites (a selection of popular places) Lewis Butte, DP Twin Lakes, free Alta Lake State Park, DP, NIP Patterson Mountain, DP to park at boat launch on PatFoggy Dew Trail, NW, IA terson Lake. (There is a small Eagle Lakes, NW, IA Carlton swimming hole, DP, free public-parking area along Patterson Lake Road.)

VA Golden Doe Wildlife Area, DP Patterson Lake, boat launch: DP, VA Twisp and Twisp River Sun Mountain trails, free Lookout Mountain, NW, IA Methow Wildlife Area (Bear Blackpine Lake, day use free Creek), DP Deadhorse Lake, DP Falls Creek Falls, NW, IA Twisp River Trail, NW, IA Copper Glance, free War Creek, NW, IA Slate Creek, free Mazama, Harts Pass Twisp Pass, NW, IA Big Valley, free Winthrop, West Chewuch, Goat Peak, free West Fork Methow, free Rendezvous Harts Pass–area trails Pearrygin Lake State Park, DP, NIP (including Grasshopper Pass

Lower Valley (Pateros to Carlton)

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) — but not necessarily in all situations.

In the Methow, anyone parking on state land needs a Discover Pass, but if you can park safely on a state or county road, you do not need a pass. Also, if

and Windy Pass), free

North Cascades Highway (east of the crest)

Loup Loup State Forest, DP

KEY:

DP: Discover Pass IA: Federal Interagency Passes (including America the Beautiful and senior pass) NIP: Natural Investment Permit (for those with boatlaunch permits) NW: Northwest Forest Pass VA: vehicle-access permit Boulder Creek (for those with hunting and Tiffany Mountain/Freezeout fıshing licenses) Ridge, NW, IA Cedar Creek, NW, IA Cutthroat Lake/Pass, NW, IA Washington Pass overlook, free Blue Lake, NW, IA Rainy Lake, NW, IA Lake Ann/Maple Pass, NW, IA

Bear Creek, East Valley, Loup Loup Cougar Lake, DP Campbell Lake, DP Pipestone Canyon, DP

you arrive on foot, bicycle, horse or boat, you do not need a Discover Pass (although there may be other fees associated with boating).

The campsite fee at a state park covers your daytime activities there, but camping on other state lands generally requires a Discover Pass.

All areas requiring a Northwest Forest Pass or Federal Interagency Pass can also be accessed with the National Forest Recreation Day Pass.

In Okanogan County, DNR requires the Discover Pass at trails and lakes in the Loup Loup State Forest and Loomis State Forest. Most of the shrub-steppe areas in the lower Methow Valley and those east of the Loup Loup summit — good for walking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing (and, this

Winthrop KOA Campground ON THE METHOW RIVER

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Love this Valley www.methowconservancy.org ~ 996-2870 Inspiring people to care for the land of the Methow Valley

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SUMMER GUIDE 2015 // Methow Valley News

Playground & Heated Pool Tents RVs Cabins

• Large, grassy pull-through sites • Store • Showers • Laundromat • Free WiFi Courtesy Shuttle Service to Downtown Winthrop 509-996-2258 • 1-800-KOA-2158 www.koa.com

summer, seeing how the area is recovering after last year’s wildfıre) — are managed by DNR and also requires the pass.

Park — still has no entrance fee.

The federal Northwest Forest Pass can be transferred between an unlimited number of vehicles.

Picking the right pass

State passes

In addition to the main passes — day or annual versions of the Northwest Forest Pass and the Discover Pass — a variety of other passes are available, depending on your interests, age, and how much you use public lands.

The state doesn’t provide a break for older recreationists (except those who qualify for a low-income exemption), but there are a few package deals for those with special interests.

If you’re a boater and have the annual watercraft-launch permit (Natural Investment Permit, $80), you don’t need a Discover Pass — for state parks.

But you would still need one to visit a WDFW or DNR area.

If you have a hunting or fıshing license, you won’t need the Discover Pass to visit WDFW lands — you just have to get the WDFW vehicle-access pass, which is free when you get your license. Still, that pass won’t get you entrée to state parks or DNR lands.

People with disabilities (and offıcial license plates) can visit state parks without a Discover Pass, but they will need the pass for WDFW or DNR lands.

When you get an annual Discover Pass from the state, you can use it for two vehicles, which you need to specify on the pass.

Federal passes If you’re over 62, you can get a good deal on a lifetime pass (the Interagency Senior Pass) that will provide access to virtually all federal lands — national parks, Forest Service properties, Bureau of Land Management sites and more — for just $10. A pass providing lifetime entry to all federal lands (the Interagency Access Pass) is available for free to those with a disability and to certain volunteers.

For people under 62, the interagency annual pass, called the America the Beautiful/National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass ($80, annual) provides access to all those lands, and is a good option if you plan to visit a lot of national parks. Note that our closest park — North Cascades National

Resources and cheat sheets Because there are so many options, several agencies and organizations have created handy question-andanswer guides and fact sheets to help you determine which pass is most appropriate.

• Try the Forest Service guide at www.fs.usda.gov/okawen/ (follow the link to the “Passes & Permits” and then “Recreation Passes & Permits”).

• Also useful are the “Which Pass Do I Need Q&A” link on the Washington Trails Association website at www. wta.org/hiking-info/passes/passes-andpermit-info and the summary on their Recreation Pass info page.

• Discover your Northwest offers a Recreation Pass Quick Guide at www. discovernw.org (under “Store,” and then “Recreation Passes”), which explains the details of various passes to help you determine the best option. You can also follow a link to their Pass & Fee Guide, which lists different recreation sites, the federal or state agency that operates them, and the type of pass you’ll need to visit (plus links to purchase the appropriate pass).

• The Ranger Station at REI, at (800) 270-7504, can walk you through the various options. R

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Learning is fun at summer camps Indoor and outdoor experiences abound in the Methow B Y L AU R E L L E WA LSH

A

LL around the Methow Valley this summer, youngsters and the “young at heart” will be exploring interests, expanding horizons and meeting new friends at summer camps.

Local camp offerings seem to expand every year, as more families embrace the value of learning-as-fun, and more of the Methow Valley’s talented teachers, artists, musicians, athletes and naturalists offer up their knowledge and enthusiasm in the “off season.”

“Summer camps give children the chance to learn new skills, collaborate with others, dream, play and explore in our beautiful Methow Valley,” says Little Star Montessori School director Dani Reynaud.

Little Star’s camps for toddlers, preschoolers and elementary-age children “also provide families with the much needed childcare to be able to work,” she added.

“Summer camps are a wonderful place to feel free to express yourself without the pressure of the school environment,” says teaching artist and ceramicist Jim Neupert. “It also is a place to make friends outside of their usual circle of friends.”

Botanist and naturalist Dana Visalli offers two new overnight fıeld camps , one for teens and one for adults wanting to dig deeper into topics of ecology and evolution. “This fıeld camp helps

Young riders paint the ponies at Moccasin Lake Ranch on the final day of camp. PHOTO BY LAURELLE WALSH people develop a more scientifıcally informed and emotionally meaningful relationship with the natural world,” Visalli says.

And for teens “ready to dig deeper into the arts,” printmaker Laura Gunnip and potter Matt Armbrust have teamed up to offer a week of art immersion culminating in an exhibition of their work on the fınal evening.

Explore further the valley’s diverse summer camp offerings in the listings that follow:

Primitive skills

Professional Wilderbabe Katie Russell leads two day camps for kids interested in learning wilderness skills such as gathering wild foods; friction fıre, tool and shelter building; and making crafts from buckskin and rawhide. Games, songs, storytelling, healthy snacks and nature awareness are woven into each session at Russell’s home camp near Twisp. Session one, June 15-18, is for ages 7-9. Session two offers more advanced skills for 10- to

12-year-olds from June 22-25.

Contact Russell at (509) 449-1290 or fıghtswithmilk@gmail.com to register.

More information can be found at www.wilderbabe.com.

Youth soccer Methow Valley Youth Soccer brings Challenger Sports’ British Soccer and TetraBrazil Soccer camps to the MV School District fıelds from June 15–19. The half-day skills camps run for three hours daily in the mornings

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SUMMER GUIDE 2015 // Methow Valley News

for prescriptions and over the counter medications Housewares, Cards, Gifts and more!

Store Hours: 9-6 m-Sat. Pharmacy Hours: 9-6 m-F • 9-1 Sat.

423 e. methow Hwy. • Twisp 509-997-2191

from 9 a.m.–noon or afternoons from 1–4 p.m., depending on age category.

British Soccer Camps are held at MV Elementary, with 6- to 9-year-olds in the morning session and 9- to 12-yearolds in the afternoon. TetraBrazil Soccer Camps are held at Liberty Bell Junior/Senior High School, with 10- to 13-year olds in the morning session and 13- to 18-year-olds in the afternoon.

Register at www.challengersports. com or contact Daneen Balcirak at (509) 341-4290 or drdaneen@juno.com.

Young adult art intensive Teaching artists Laura Gunnip of Door No. 3 and Matt Armbrust of Methow Valley Clay Art Center lead a threeday camp designed for teens ready to “dig deeper into the arts,” held on the TwispWorks campus. Camp wraps up on Friday with a potluck and student art exhibition and sale. June 24-26.

Register by calling 997-1022 or emailing doorno.3twisp@gmail.com.

Youth drama camps The Merc Playhouse in Twisp offers two summer drama camps for kids ages 8 and up, focusing on theater performance with training in acting, singing and dancing. Led by actor and

teacher Megan Fox Hicks, campers also learn backstage fundamentals such as set building and costuming. Each session culminates with a performance for family and friends on The Merc stage.

Sessions are July 6-10 and Aug. 17-21.

Register at 997-7529 or missi@mercplayhouse.org.

Little Star Little Star Montessori School in Winthrop offers a variety of camp programs for toddlers, preschoolers, and kids up to 11 years old.

Toddler and preschool/kindergarten day camps are Tuesday-Thursday from July 7-Aug. 13. Each week is unique, with themes such as “Under the Sea,” “Naturalists,” and “Fairies and Gnomes.”

Archery & Animal Tracking day camp for 6- and 7-year-olds runs July 14-16 at the Little Star campus and at Big Valley Ranch. Archery Camp is an overnight camp for 8- to 11-year-olds at Big Valley Ranch from July 7-9.

Little Star partners with Methow Valley Riding Unlimited to offer two horse camp sessions at Moccasin Lake Ranch: June 23-25, and July 21-23. Another local camp partner — Twisp Strength and Gymnastics — offers four three-day fitness and gymnastics camps in June and

Campers perform scenes from musical theater at the Merc’s drama camp. Photo BY LAURELLE WALSH

July at its new gym on Glover Street.

Scholarships are available. To register for any of these programs, check out Little Star’s 2015 Summer Camp brochure on its website: www. littlestarschool.org/summer/. Or call the school at 996-2801.

Confluence Gallery & Art Center Art camps for 7- to 11-year olds and 12- to 15-year-olds start July 7 and run through Aug. 6. Themes change weekly.

Children may enroll for one week, or

all weeks in their age range.

• July 7-9 “Carny Circus Cabaret” with Danbert Nobacon for ages 12-15.

• July 14-16 “Sun-o-Rama” with Laura Gunnip for ages 7-11.

• July 21-23 “Felt and things” with Bo Thrasher for ages 7-11.

• July 28-30 “Paint, paint, paint” with Margaret Kingston for ages 7-11.

• Aug. 4-6 “Selfies and beyond” with Jody Olson for ages 12-15.

Classes are held at TwispWorks’ Education Station, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Register at

Shafer Historical Museum & Village A Window into the Past...

Shafer Museum features a New Barn and Farm Exhibit Across from “THE CASTLE”, a log home standing on its original site, built in 1896 for entrepreneur Guy Waring.

• Open air museum with 17 buildings which includes authentic homestead structures • World class mining exhibit featuring equipment used in historic local mines, including a Stamp Mill replica • 1914 Model T and 1924 Rickenbacker Coupe • Interpretive signs and 4,000 historic photos

Shafer Historical Museum & Village

Open Mid May through September 7 days a week – 10am to 5pm 285 Castle Avenue • Winthrop WA

www.shafermuseum.com Methow Valley News // Summer Guide 2015

41

info@confluencegallery.com or call 997-2787.

River camp and field camp In its 25th year, Methow River Camp offers fıve days and four nights of adventure and ecology education for 10- to 14-yearolds. Activities include camping out, learning about the natural world, canoeing on the Chewuch River, and hiking to a high mountain lake. From July 13-17.

The new Ecology & Evolution Field Camp offers two sessions — one for teens and one for adults — of sleeping under the stars and studying the geology, plants and animals of the Copper Glance Lake basin. Aug. 3-7 for adults; August 17-21 for teens, 13-19 years old.

To register for either of these overnight camps, call or email Dana Visalli at 997-9011 or dana@methownet.com.

Mazama outdoor camp Vertical World climbing gym in Seattle offers two overnight camps for kids based out of North Cascades Basecamp in Mazama. For new and experienced rock climbers ages 10–16.

Two sessions run July 13–17 and Aug. 17–21. Contact Vertical World for more information: (206) 283-4497 or seattle@verticalworld.com.

Pipestone summer music camp Pipestone, the educational arm of Cascadia the Methow Music Association, offers a fıve-day music camp for strings, piano and guitar students ages 8 and up, who can read music and have played their instrument for at least one year. Adults are welcome.

Camp runs from July 27-31. Morning sessions for beginner strings and guitar run from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Afternoon chamber music sessions for more advanced players run from 12:15-5 p.m.

Some fınancial assistance is available. Call Pam Hunt to register at 997-9344.

Kids’ summer pottery workshops Teaching artist and professional potter Jim Neupert encourages children ages 7-12 to experiment and explore with clay in two camp sessions at his home studio near Twisp. Campers have the opportunity to work on hand-built projects as well as learning to throw vessels on a pottery wheel.

Sessions are Aug. 11-13 and Aug. 18-20.

Register at (509) 429-9475 or jimneupert@gmail.com.

A camper tries paddling a boat made out of tule reeds at last summer’s River Camp on the Chewuch River. PHOTO BY LAURELLE WALSH

Hoop 5 Camp

Liberty Bell High School grads Connor Walsh and Regan (Walsh) Putnam coach two four-day basketball camps for 2nd- to 4th-graders (mornings) and 5th- to 8th-graders (afternoons) at Liberty Bell High School gym.

The sessions are June 22-25 and Aug. 3-6; 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 2:305:30 p.m. Pick up a registration form at Methow Valley Lumber or register by email at hoop5camp@yahoo.com. Call Connor Walsh for more information (509) 429-1095. R

Ballooning... the peaceful thrill .

Morning Glory 509-997-1700

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SUMMER GUIDE 2015 // Methow Valley News

The Methow at your fingertips:

Basic info for visitors NEED A PLACE TO STAY?

Central Reservations: 996-2148 or (800) 422-3048; www.centralreservations.net; info@centralreservations.net

INFORMATION CENTERS

Twisp: 997-2926; 201 Methow Valley Highway (Methow Valley Community Center) Winthrop: 996-2125 or (888) 4638469; 202 Riverside Ave.

OPEN LATE

Hank’s Mini Market: 410 E. Methow Valley Highway, Twisp; 997-4332; until 10 p.m. every day; 24-hour fueling Mazama Store: 50 Lost River Road, Mazama; 996-2855; 24-hour fueling Pardners Mini Market: 900 Highway 20, Winthrop; 996-2005; until midnight every day; 24-hour fueling Twisp Chevron: 126 N. Methow Valley Highway; 997-3181; until 10 p.m. weekdays and Sunday, 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 24-hour fueling

POLICE/EMERGENCY

Emergency: 911 Twisp Police Department: 9976112; 118 S. Glover St.; townoftwisp. com/index.php/departments/ police-department/ Winthrop Marshal’s Offıce: 996-2160; 206 Riverside Ave.; www. winthropmarshals.com Okanogan County Sheriff ’s Offıce: (509) 422-7232; www.okanogansheriff.org Washington State Patrol: (509) 422-3800 Okanogan County Fire District 6: 997-2981 Aero Methow Rescue Service: 9974013; www.aeromethow.org

CAR WASH

Cascade King’s: 1421 Methow Valley Hwy S. Twisp; 997-2513; www.kingstire. biz

Rolling Huts & Methow Tents The Ultimate Camping Experience Whether you’re a hiker, mountain biker or cross-country skier, the Rolling Huts, located in Washington’s Methow Valley, are the perfect accommodation.

Designed as a modern alternative to camping by Tom Kundig of Olson Kundig Architects

Comfortable Safari-Style Canvas Tents

Only 300 feet from the pristine Methow River, and at the edge of the forest, a group of safari-style canvas tents are waiting for you and your friends. Explore the surrounding wilderness and enjoy the myriad of options, outdoor www.rollinghuts.com and indoor, that this unique www.methowtents.com valley has to offer.

NEED A TOW?

Classic Towing, Twisp: 997-2333 Winthrop Motors: 996-2277

AIRPORTS

Classic Mountain Cabby: 9962894; classicmountaincabby@gmail. com

NEED TO CHARGE YOUR ELECTRIC VEHICLE?

Methow Valley Veterinary Hospital: 910 Highway 20, Winthrop: 996-3231 Valley Veterinary Clinic: 20335 Highway 20, Twisp; 997-8452 Winthrop Veterinary Services: 19100 Highway 20; 996-2793

Twisp Municipal Airport: 40 Wagner Road, Twisp; 997-2311.

Methow Valley State Airport: Twisp-Winthrop Eastside Road; (360) 618-2477

Pine Near RV Park: 316 Castle Ave., Winthrop; (509) 341-4062, www. pinenearpark.com Mazama Country Inn: 15 Country Road, Mazama; 996-2681; www. mazamacountryinn.com Twisp River Pub: 201 N. Highway 20, Twisp; 997-6822; www.twispriverpub. com Sun Mountain Lodge, Winthrop: 996-2211; www.sunmountainlodge. com

Celebrating 30 Years as

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HIGHWAY INFORMATION

Washington State Department of Transportation: Dial 511 for pass and road information; www.wsdot. wa.gov

NEED TO CLEAN UP?

Laundromat, showers and free wifı at Washworks: 325 E. Highway 20, Twisp; 997-0336; www.hwy20washworks.com

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Methow Valley News // SUMMER GUIDE 2015

43

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

Twisp: 997-2020; www.twispinfo.com Winthrop: 996-2125; www.winthropwashington.com Omak: (509) 826-1880 or (800) 2256625; www.omakchamber.com Okanogan: (509) 422-4034; www. okanogachamber.com Brewster: (509) 689-3464; www. brewsterchamber.org Pateros: (509) 923-9636; www.pateros. com

BANKS

North Cascades Bank: 101 Methow Valley Highway N., Twisp; 997-2411; www.northcascadesbank.com Farmers State Bank: 159 Riverside Ave., Winthrop; 996-2244; www.farmersstatebankwa.com

POST OFFICES

Carlton: 997-6091; 2274 Highway 153 Methow: (509) 923-2759; 34 Main St. Twisp: 997-3777; 205 Glover St. Winthrop: 996-2282; 1110 Highway 20

LIBRARIES

Twisp: 997-4681; 201 Methow Valley Highway (Methow Valley Community Center); wireless hot spot Winthrop: 996-2685; 49 Highway 20; wireless hot spot

HEALTH CARE

Three Rivers Hospital, Brewster: 689-2086; www. threerivershospital. net Mid-Valley Hospital, Omak: 8261760; www.mvhealth.org The Country Clinic, Winthrop: 996-8180 Methow Valley Family Practice, Twisp: 997-2011 Brewster Clinic: (509) 826-1800 Steven C. Harrop DDS, Winthrop: 996-2164 Sawtooth Dental Care, Twisp: 997-7533 Family Health Centers Dental Clinic, Twisp: 997-0922 Ulrich’s Pharmacy, Twisp: 997-2191

GOVERNMENT

City of Pateros: (509) 923-2571; www. pateros.com Town of Twisp: 997-4081; 118 S. Glover St.; www.townoftwisp.com Town of Winthrop: 996-2320, 206 Riverside Ave., www.townofwinthrop. com

Methow Trails: 996-2387; 309 Riverside Ave., Winthrop; www.methowtrails.com; info@ methowtrails.com Wagner Memorial Pool, Twisp: 997-5441 Pearrygin Lake State Park, Winthrop: 996-2370; www.parks. wa.gov/563/Pearrygin-Lake Cascade Loop Scenic Highway: www.cascadeloop.com North Cascades National Park: Newhalem visitor center, (206) 386-4495 ext.11; www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife: (360) 902-2200; www. wdfw.wa.gov

INFORMATION & MEDIA

Methow Valley News: 997-7701; 101 N. Glover St., Twisp; www.methowvalleynews.com; frontdesk@methowvalleynews.com www.methownet.com www.methow.com KTRT, 97.5 FM KCSY, 106.3FM KOZI, 93.5FM KTWP (public radio), 91.1FM

RECREATION INFORMATION

U.S. Forest Service: 996-4000; 24 West Chewuch Rd., Winthrop

All 996 and 997 prefıxes are in the 509 area code. R

Open Memorial Day through Labor Day

60 Person Hot Tub Float the Lazy River!

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SUMMER GUIDE 2015 // Methow Valley News

Summer calendar 2015

MAY

8:

WEDNESDAYS: Sip & Spin at MV Clay Art Center, TwispWorks. $10.

997-1022. 6-8pm FRIDAYS: Farmers Market in downtown Pateros. 686-1022. 3-7pm SATURDAYS: Farmers Market at MV Community Center, Twisp.

996-2747. 9am-noon SATURDAYS: Classes and open studios at TwispWorks. Free. 997-3300.

10am-3pm 1: First Friday Open Mic hosted by RT Junior at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm 1: Copper Mountain Band plays benefit concert for Carlton Complex survivors at Pateros Memorial Park.

Free; donations accepted. (509) 6898045. 8pm-midnight 2: Nathaniel Talbot at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm 4-8: Ride to Rendezvous, four-night pack trip around Methow Valley with Washington Outfitters and Guides. $400-$600. 997-1080.

5: “Amazing Snakes!” First Tuesday presentation by John Rohrer and Scott Fitkin with live reptiles at the Twisp River Pub. Free. 996-2870. 7-8:30pm 7: “Wine by the River” features Spanish wines and tapas at Twisp River Suites. $20. 997-0100. 6-8pm 7: Fix-your-gear night at eqpd on the TwispWorks campus, where the eqpd team will fix your sleeping bags, jackets, tents and more. Free. (603) 996-1104. 4-7pm

“Early Bird” birding stroll with Mary Kiesau of the Methow Conservancy.

Location TBD. Free with registration.

996-2870. 8-9:30am 8: Kurt Linsey duo at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free.

996-3183. 7pm 8-10: Winthrop ’49er Days with parade, games, outfitter camps, music, Mother’s Day breakfast and packers’ competition. Free. www.winthropwashington.com 9: Sunflower Trail Marathon and Relay, 26.7-mile solo or team run from Mazama to Twisp. $85. www. methowtrails.org. 8:30am 9: Redwood Son and Revelry at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free.

996-3183. 7pm 11: After work wildflower ramble to see what’s blooming in the Methow Valley with Mary Kiesau of the Methow Conservancy. Location TBD. Free with registration. 996-2780. 4-6pm 12-14: Introduction to wet felting class with fiber artist Jae Cremin in the Bernard Hosey Founders Building at TwispWorks. $150. (509) 341-4149.

6-9pm 12: Open Merc! Step up to the microphone or listen to others perform at The Merc Playhouse. Admission by donation. 997-7529. 7pm 13: “Hot time in Kuwait” slide show and talk by Jon Hawley, the final presenter of the 2015 Armchair Traveler series at the MV Community Center.

Free. 997-2926. 7pm 14-17: Methow Conservancy’s Spring Naturalists’ Retreat with orni-

thologist Libby Mills and botanist Dana Visalli. $170. 996-2780.

15: Larry Murante at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm 16-17: Experiential painting and drawing workshop with Diana Sanford at TwispWorks’ Education Station. $225.

997-2787. 9:30am-5pm 16: Macbeth, performed by Seattle Shakespeare Company at The Merc Playhouse. $5-$15. 997-7529. 7pm 16: The Blackberry Bushes at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free.

996-3183. 7pm 17: Sun Mountain 50-mile, 25K and 50K trail runs and 1K kids’ fun run. $80-$100. www.rainshadowrunning.com. 7am 19: “Early Bird” birding stroll with Mary Kiesau of the Methow Conservancy. Location TBD. Free with registration. 996-2870. 8-9:30am 22–23: Picnic, performed by Seattle University Performing Arts Department at The Merc Playhouse. $5-$15. 997-7529. 7pm 22: Intuitive Compass and Hot Damn Scandal at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm 23-24: Methow Valley Rodeo at rodeo grounds on Twin Lakes Road between Twisp and Winthrop. $5-$10.

996-2439. 1pm 23: Mazama World Famous Pancake Breakfast and Flea Market at the Mazama Community Club. $6.

996-8080. 8am-noon 23: Twisp Art Walk on Glover Street with open studios, kids’ activities and local food. Free. 997-3300. Noon-4pm

23: Interactive Art Walk with Dan Brown at Confluence Gallery in Twisp.

Free. 997-2787. Noon-4pm 23: Artist reception for “Poetry in Wood and Paint” featuring new artwork

by Laura Karcher, Carol McMillan and Patty Yates at Winthrop Gallery. Free.

996-3925. 5-7pm 23: Pipestone Music Days orchestra and youth orchestra concert at the MV Community Center. Free. 997-0222. 7pm 23: Dirk Quinn Band at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free.

996-3183. 7pm 24: Pipestone Music Days student recitals at the MV Community Center.

Free. 997-0222. 1pm 25: After work wildflower ramble to see what’s blooming in the Methow Valley with Mary Kiesau of the Methow Conservancy. Location TBD. Free with registration. 996-2780. 4-6pm 29: Matthew Szlachetka at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free.

996-3183. 7pm 30: Deception Past at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 9963183. 7pm 31: Last Sunday program at MV Interpretive Center, TwispWorks. Free.

997-4904. 5pm

JUNE

WEDNESDAYS:

Sip & Spin at MV Clay Art Center, TwispWorks. $10.

997-1022. 6-8pm FRIDAYS: Farmers Market in downtown Pateros. 686-1022. 3-7pm

You deserve an alpine adventure.

See what we have to offer.

Visit www.ncmountainguides.com or call 509-996-3194 In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, North Cascades Mountain Guides is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. North Cascades Mountain Guides is operated under a special use permit with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Methow Valley News // SUMMER GUIDE 2015

45

Summer calendar 2015

MAY

8:

WEDNESDAYS: Sip & Spin at MV Clay Art Center, TwispWorks. $10.

997-1022. 6-8pm FRIDAYS: Farmers Market in downtown Pateros. 686-1022. 3-7pm SATURDAYS: Farmers Market at MV Community Center, Twisp.

996-2747. 9am-noon SATURDAYS: Classes and open studios at TwispWorks. Free. 997-3300.

10am-3pm 1: First Friday Open Mic hosted by RT Junior at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm 1: Copper Mountain Band plays benefit concert for Carlton Complex survivors at Pateros Memorial Park.

Free; donations accepted. (509) 6898045. 8pm-midnight 2: Nathaniel Talbot at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm 4-8: Ride to Rendezvous, four-night pack trip around Methow Valley with Washington Outfitters and Guides. $400-$600. 997-1080.

5: “Amazing Snakes!” First Tuesday presentation by John Rohrer and Scott Fitkin with live reptiles at the Twisp River Pub. Free. 996-2870. 7-8:30pm 7: “Wine by the River” features Spanish wines and tapas at Twisp River Suites. $20. 997-0100. 6-8pm 7: Fix-your-gear night at eqpd on the TwispWorks campus, where the eqpd team will fix your sleeping bags, jackets, tents and more. Free. (603) 996-1104. 4-7pm

“Early Bird” birding stroll with Mary Kiesau of the Methow Conservancy.

Location TBD. Free with registration.

996-2870. 8-9:30am 8: Kurt Linsey duo at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free.

996-3183. 7pm 8-10: Winthrop ’49er Days with parade, games, outfitter camps, music, Mother’s Day breakfast and packers’ competition. Free. www.winthropwashington.com 9: Sunflower Trail Marathon and Relay, 26.7-mile solo or team run from Mazama to Twisp. $85. www. methowtrails.org. 8:30am 9: Redwood Son and Revelry at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free.

996-3183. 7pm 11: After work wildflower ramble to see what’s blooming in the Methow Valley with Mary Kiesau of the Methow Conservancy. Location TBD. Free with registration. 996-2780. 4-6pm 12-14: Introduction to wet felting class with fiber artist Jae Cremin in the Bernard Hosey Founders Building at TwispWorks. $150. (509) 341-4149.

6-9pm 12: Open Merc! Step up to the microphone or listen to others perform at The Merc Playhouse. Admission by donation. 997-7529. 7pm 13: “Hot time in Kuwait” slide show and talk by Jon Hawley, the final presenter of the 2015 Armchair Traveler series at the MV Community Center.

Free. 997-2926. 7pm 14-17: Methow Conservancy’s Spring Naturalists’ Retreat with orni-

thologist Libby Mills and botanist Dana Visalli. $170. 996-2780.

15: Larry Murante at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm 16-17: Experiential painting and drawing workshop with Diana Sanford at TwispWorks’ Education Station. $225.

997-2787. 9:30am-5pm 16: Macbeth, performed by Seattle Shakespeare Company at The Merc Playhouse. $5-$15. 997-7529. 7pm 16: The Blackberry Bushes at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free.

996-3183. 7pm 17: Sun Mountain 50-mile, 25K and 50K trail runs and 1K kids’ fun run. $80-$100. www.rainshadowrunning.com. 7am 19: “Early Bird” birding stroll with Mary Kiesau of the Methow Conservancy. Location TBD. Free with registration. 996-2870. 8-9:30am 22–23: Picnic, performed by Seattle University Performing Arts Department at The Merc Playhouse. $5-$15. 997-7529. 7pm 22: Intuitive Compass and Hot Damn Scandal at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm 23-24: Methow Valley Rodeo at rodeo grounds on Twin Lakes Road between Twisp and Winthrop. $5-$10.

996-2439. 1pm 23: Mazama World Famous Pancake Breakfast and Flea Market at the Mazama Community Club. $6.

996-8080. 8am-noon 23: Twisp Art Walk on Glover Street with open studios, kids’ activities and local food. Free. 997-3300. Noon-4pm

23: Interactive Art Walk with Dan Brown at Confluence Gallery in Twisp.

Free. 997-2787. Noon-4pm 23: Artist reception for “Poetry in Wood and Paint” featuring new artwork

by Laura Karcher, Carol McMillan and Patty Yates at Winthrop Gallery. Free.

996-3925. 5-7pm 23: Pipestone Music Days orchestra and youth orchestra concert at the MV Community Center. Free. 997-0222. 7pm 23: Dirk Quinn Band at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free.

996-3183. 7pm 24: Pipestone Music Days student recitals at the MV Community Center.

Free. 997-0222. 1pm 25: After work wildflower ramble to see what’s blooming in the Methow Valley with Mary Kiesau of the Methow Conservancy. Location TBD. Free with registration. 996-2780. 4-6pm 29: Matthew Szlachetka at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free.

996-3183. 7pm 30: Deception Past at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 9963183. 7pm 31: Last Sunday program at MV Interpretive Center, TwispWorks. Free.

997-4904. 5pm

JUNE

WEDNESDAYS:

Sip & Spin at MV Clay Art Center, TwispWorks. $10.

997-1022. 6-8pm FRIDAYS: Farmers Market in downtown Pateros. 686-1022. 3-7pm

You deserve an alpine adventure.

See what we have to offer.

Visit www.ncmountainguides.com or call 509-996-3194 In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, North Cascades Mountain Guides is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. North Cascades Mountain Guides is operated under a special use permit with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Methow Valley News // SUMMER GUIDE 2015

45

SATURDAYS:

Farmers Market at MV Community Center, Twisp. 9amnoon SATURDAYS: Classes and open studios at TwispWorks. Free. 997-3300.

10am-3pm SUNDAYS: Winthrop Market at the Winthrop park. 10am-2pm 2: “Look Up! Birds and Other Natural Wonders” First Tuesday presentation with naturalist Woody Wheeler at The Merc Playhouse in Twisp. Free.

996-2780. 7-8:30pm 4: Fix-your-gear night at eqpd on the TwispWorks campus, where the eqpd team will fix your sleeping bags, jackets, tents and more. Free. (603) 996-1104.

4-7pm 5-7: National Trails Day, sign up with the Seattle Mountaineers for a weekend of outings on trails in and around Mazama. www.mountaineers.org 5: Kara Hesse Band at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free.

996-3183. 7pm 6: Thalia Brass Quintet plays Bach, Gershwin, Ewald and Bernstein at the

Shafer Museum in Winthrop. Free.

996-3419. 3pm 6: Opening reception for exhibit “Fireworks,” featuring artists that work with fire in creating their artwork, at Confluence Gallery in Twisp. Free. 997-2787. 4-8pm 6: Norman Baker and the Backroads at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop.

Free. 996-3183. 7pm 6: “It’s Complex: The 2014 Methow Fires, Ecological Effects and Recovery” presentation by the Methow Conservancy and Seattle Mountaineers at the Mazama Community Club. Free.

996-2780. 7:30pm 9: “Early Bird” birding stroll with Mary Kiesau of the Methow Conservancy.

Location TBD. Free with registration.

996-2870. 8-9:30am 12: Tim Snider Band at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free.

996-3183. 7pm 13-14: Wildlife track and sign certification class with wildlife tracker, naturalist and educator David Moskowitz. $185.

996-2780.

13: Kids’ Fishing Day at Winthrop National Fish Hatchery. Free.

996-2424. 10am-2pm

Handmade Chocolates Homemade Ice Cream Homemade Waffle Cones 40 flavors of ice cream & 30+ flavors of yogurt Espresso • Breakfast Sandwiches Cinnamon Rolls • Hot Dogs Fresh Made Sandwiches On Artisan Bread

Over 100 varieties of bulk candy

18 Hole Mini Golf Fun for the whole family!

Main Corner in Winthrop

996-3834 46

SUMMER GUIDE 2015 // Methow Valley News

13:

Advanced beginners Nuno felting class with fiber artist Jae Cremin at the Bernard Hosey Founders Building at TwispWorks. $90. (509) 341-4149. 10am-4pm 13: Reading by North Cascades Institute founder Saul Weisberg, author of Headwaters: Poems & Field Notes, at Trail’s End Bookstore in Winthrop. Free. rose_oliver@ncascades.org. 6pm 13: Whiskey Syndicate at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free.

996-3183. 7pm 15-18: Primitive and wilderness skills day camp for ages 7-9 with Katie Russell at Wilderbabe Homestead near Twisp. $125. 449-1290. 9am-1pm 15-19: British soccer camps for ages 6-12 at Methow Valley Elementary. $148.

341-4290. Morning or afternoon sessions.

15-19: Brazilian soccer camps for ages 10-18 at Liberty Bell High School. $153. 341-4290. Morning or afternoon sessions.

16: Open Merc! Step up to the microphone or listen to others perform at The Merc Playhouse. Admission by donation. 997-7529. 7pm

19: Daniel Kirkpatrick and the Bayonets at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm 20: The Shed Boys at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free.

996-3183. 7pm 22-25: Primitive and wilderness skills day camp for ages 10-12 with Katie Russell at Wilderbabe Homestead near Twisp. $125. 449-1290. 9am-1pm 24-26: Methow Valley Young Adult Art Intensive day camp for teens at Door No. 3 and MV Clay Art Center. $90.

997-1022. 11am-3:30pm; student art exhibition Friday at 6pm 26-28: Methow Singletrack Solstice mountain bike festival. Self-guided and shuttle-supported group rides from easy to advanced. Various locations. www. methowevergreenmtb.org 26: Michele D’Amour and The Love Dealers at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm 27-28: “Painting the Produce Section” workshop in botanical drawing and painting with Kathleen McKeehan at Methow Valley Inn in Twisp. $225 for workshop, $540 includes lodging package. 997-2787.

27:

Artist reception for “ARTiculated

by Hand” featuring new artworks by Paula Christen, Linda Harvey, Kathy Meyers and Linda Wick at Winthrop Gallery. Free. 996-3925. 5-7pm

27: Spoonshine at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183.

7pm 28: Orchestra conducting workshop with Nikolas Caoile at Pipestone School of Music. $15-$50. 997-9344. 10am-5pm 28:

Last Sunday program at MV Interpretive Center, TwispWorks. Free.

997-4904. 5pm

JULY

WEDNESDAYS:

Sip & Spin at MV Clay Art Center, TwispWorks. $10.

997-1022. 6-8pm

FRIDAYS:

Farmers Market in downtown Pateros. 686-1022. 3-7pm

SATURDAYS:

Farmers Market at MV Community Center, Twisp. 9am-noon

SATURDAYS:

Classes and open studios at TwispWorks. Free. 997-3300.

10am-3pm SUNDAYS: Winthrop Market at the Winthrop park. 10am-2pm 1: “Adventures in Entomophagy” presentation by David Gordon, author of The Eat-a-Bug Cookbook, includes samples of edible insect snacks.

Location TBD. Free. 996-2870.

7-8:30pm 2: Fix-your-gear night at eqpd on the TwispWorks campus, where the eqpd team will fix your sleeping bags, jackets, tents and more. Free. (603) 996-1104.

4-7pm 2: First Thursday Open Mic hosted by Danbert Nobacon at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183.

7pm 3: Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free.

996-3183. 7pm 4: Independence Day parade down Glover Street in Twisp. Staging at TwispWorks 9am; parade 11am

4:

Methow Arts Festival - “Take Flight” - features NANDA Acrobaticalist Ninja Theatre, hands-on art booths, trashion fashion show, food and beer garden at the Twisp park. $5-$25.

997-4004 or www.methowarts.org.

11:30am-3pm 6-10: Youth drama camp for ages 8 and up at The Merc Playhouse. $200.

997-7529. 10am-4pm 7-9: Confluence art camp “Carny Circus Cabaret” with Danbert Nobacon at TwispWorks. $150. 997-2787.

10am-2pm 9: Vinyl Night at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm 13-17: Methow River Camp, residential ecology camp for kids ages 10-14 on the Chewuch River. $350. 997-9011.

14-16: Confluence art camp “Suno-Rama” with Laura Gunnip at TwispWorks. $150. 997-2787. 10am-2pm 17-19: Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival with all-star lineup of blues artists and bands at the Winthrop Blues Ranch. www.winthropbluesfestival.com

17:

Alyse Black Band at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free.

996-3183. 7pm

18:

Opening reception for exhibit “Hardscapes” at Confluence Gallery in Twisp. Free. 997-2787. 4-8pm

18:

Roma Ransom at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free.

996-3183. 7pm

21-23:

Confluence art camp “Felt and things” with Bo Thrasher at TwispWorks. $150. 997-2787. 10am-2pm

23-AUG. 1: Methow Valley Cham-

ber Music Festival — concerts nightly at Signal Hill Ranch between Twisp and Winthrop, and special free performances at venues around the valley. $25. www. methowmusicfestival.org

23:

pH Factor jazz quartet with Bob Hougham at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm

24-26: Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest performed at The Merc Playhouse. $5-$15. 997-7529.

Fri/Sat at 7pm, Sun at 2pm

Methow Valley’s

PiPestone canyon ranch

weDDinGs MeetinGs

reUnions BirthDays

2 Spacious Dining Areas Large Kitchen Plenty of Parking Private Dressing Rooms Large Doors to Exterior All Inclusive with Tables, Chairs & Place Settings

Methow Valley News // SUMMER GUIDE 2015

47

24:

Tawny Cash at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183.

7pm

25:

Red Heart Alarm at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free.

996-3183. 7pm

26:

Last Sunday program at MV Interpretive Center, TwispWorks. Free.

997-4904. 5pm

27-31:

Pipestone Music Camp for strings, piano and guitar; ages 8 and up (adults welcome). $225-$325.

997-9344. 9am-5pm

28-30:

Confluence art camp “Paint, paint, paint” with Margaret Kingston at TwispWorks. $150. 997-2787. 10am2pm

30-31:

Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest performed at The Merc Playhouse. $5-$15. 997-7529.

7pm 30: Nate Vernon and Carly Fetzer of Wartime Blues at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183.

7pm

31:

Dedric Clark and the Social Animals at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183.

7pm

AUGUST

Wednesdays: Sip & Spin at MV Clay Art Center, TwispWorks. $10.

997-1022. 6-8pm Fridays: Farmers Market in downtown Pateros. 686-1022. 3-7pm Saturdays: Farmers Market at MV Community Center, Twisp. 9amnoon Saturdays: Classes and open studios at TwispWorks. Free. 997-3300.

10am-3pm Sundays: Winthrop Market at the Winthrop park. 10am-2pm 1-2: Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest performed at The Merc Playhouse. $5-$15. 997-7529. Sat at 7pm, Sun at 2pm 3-6: Hoop 5 Camp summer basketball camp for grades 2-4 (mornings) and grades 5-8 (afternoons) at Liberty Bell

High School gym. $65. (509) 429-1095.

10:30am–1:30pm & 2:30–5:30pm 3-7: Ecology and Evolution Field Camp, residential camp for adults at Copper Glance Lake. $300. 997-9011.

4-6: Confluence art camp “Selfies and beyond” with Jody Olson at TwispWorks. $150. 997-2787. 10am-2pm 6-9: Clay Arts Fest with displays and demonstrations by nationally and locally renowned ceramists at the MV Clay Art Center at TwispWorks. By donation.

997-1022. 5:30-8pm Thurs., 10am-4pm Fri.&Sat., 10am-2pm Sun. 6-9: Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest performed at The Merc Playhouse. $5-$15. 997-7529.

Thurs/Fri/Sat at 7pm, Sun at 2pm 6: Fix-your-gear night at eqpd on the TwispWorks campus, where the eqpd team will fix your sleeping bags, jackets, tents and more. Free. (603) 996-1104.

4-7pm 6: First Thursday Open Mic at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free.

996-3183. 7pm 7: Bosco at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm

8:

Angels Staircase 35K and 60K high alpine trail runs, part of the 2015 U.S. SkyRunner Series. $75-$110. www. rainshadowrunning.com. 7am 8: Methow Valley Home Tour, “A River Runs Through It,” tour of eight unique homes and cabins along the Chewuch River. $20-$25. 997-2787.

10am-5pm 8: Artist reception for “Serendipity” featuring new artworks by Pearl Cherrington, Jim Neupert and Susannah Young at Winthrop Gallery. Free.

996-3925. 5-7pm 8: “The Art Bucket List: 10 European art masterworks that everyone should see before they die,” presentation by Gary Faigin at Confluence Gallery in Twisp. $15. 997-2787. 7-9pm 8: The Foghorns at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183.

7pm 11-13: Kids’ Pottery Workshop for ages 7-12 with Jim Neupert at his studio near Twisp. $120. 429-9475. 9:30am2pm 13-15: Celestial Cinema outdoor film experience at Spring Creek Ranch in Winthrop. $5-$10. 996-2495. 6:30pm

North CasCades BaseCamp Family-Style lodging • Bed and BreakFaSt trailS out your Back door • WeddingS reunionS • conFerenceS retreatS • ecology center Come visit our beautiful Home Farm bordering the North Cascades National Park in the Upper Skagit Valley! Enjoy our spacious picnic area, self-guided farm tour, organic berries & more!

harvest CALENDAR MAY flowers

JUNE strawberries JULY raspberries

AUG blueberries SEPT sweet corn OCT pumpkins

• organic berries • homemade ice cream • espresso & wholesome snacks

OPEN DAILY MA MAY- OCTOBER HWY 20, 3 MILES EAST OF ROCKPORT, WASHINGTON (360) 853-8173 48

Summer Guide 2015 // Methow Valley News

See our website for upcoming Artisan and Naturalist Programs & Workshops Lodge and cabin for up to 24+ guests

255 Lost River Rd. Mazama, WA 509.996.2334 • info@northcascadesbasecamp.com www.northcascadesbasecamp.com/upcoming-events

13-16:

Omak Stampede with carnival, rodeo, art show, Indian encampment and the world famous Suicide Race. www.omakstampede.org 13: Vinyl Night at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm 15: The Front at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183.

7pm 17-21: Ecology and Evolution Field Camp, residential camp for teens ages 13-19 at Copper Glance Lake. $300.

997-9011.

17-21: Youth drama camp for ages 8 and up at The Merc Playhouse. $200.

997-7529. 10am-4pm 18-20: Kids’ Pottery Workshop for ages 7-12 with Jim Neupert at his studio near Twisp. $120. 429-9475. 9:30am-2pm 19-20: Methow Valley Artists’ Studio Tour at locations around the valley.

Free. 997-2787. 9am-5pm 20: Gregg Hardy at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm 21: Ian McFerron Band at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free.

996-3183. 7pm

22:

Cutthroat Classic 11-mile trail run from Rainy Pass over Cutthroat Pass to the finish line at Cutthroat Trailhead. $75. www.methowtrails.com. 8am 22: Heart of the Methow Powwow with ceremonies, crafts, drumming, dancing and potluck on the TwispWorks campus. Free. 997-4904. Noon 22: MountainFilm on Tour, the Telluride MountainFilm Festival comes to the Winthrop park. $10-$15. 699-0568 or www.northcascadesmountainhostel. com. 8pm 28: Jackalope at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm 30: Last Sunday program at MV Interpretive Center, TwispWorks. Free.

997-4904. 5pm

SEPTEMBER WEDNESDAYS:

Sip & Spin at MV Clay Art Center, TwispWorks. $10.

997-1022. 6-8pm FRIDAYS: Farmers Market in downtown Pateros. 686-1022. 3-7pm

SATURDAYS: Farmers Market at MV Community Center, Twisp. 9amnoon SATURDAYS: Classes and open studios at TwispWorks. Free. 997-3300.

10am-3pm 3-6: Logjam Festival on the outdoor stage at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. 996-3183. 7-10pm nightly 3: Fix-your-gear night at eqpd on the TwispWorks campus, where the eqpd team will fix your sleeping bags, jackets, tents and more. Free. (603) 996-1104. 4-7pm 5-6: Methow Valley Rodeo at rodeo grounds on Twin Lakes Road between Twisp and Winthrop. $5-$10.

996-2439. 1pm 6: Final Winthrop Market at the Winthrop park. 10am-2pm 11-12: Ragnar Trail Cascades trail running relay on Loup Loup trails. $50$185. www.ragnartrail.com/locations/ cascades-wa 12: Winthrop Vintage Wheels Show featuring vintage cars, motorcycles, tractors, travel trailers and bicycles at locations around Winthrop. Free. www. winthropwashington.com. 11am-3pm

12:

The Back Porch Band at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. 9963183. 7pm 18: The Olsen Brothers Band at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop.

996-3183. 7pm 19: Hilary Scott Trio at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. 996-3183. 7pm 26-27: Ekphrastic poetry workshop with Daemond Arrindell at Confluence Gallery in Twisp. Cost TBD. 997-2787.

26: Methow Valley Off-Road Duathlon, combined mountain bike and foot races on Sun Mountain trails. 40K/20K and 20K/5K courses. $35-$75. (206) 940-4507 or www.northcascadesmountainhostel.com. 9am 26: Methow Conservancy’s annual Cider Squeeze at the home of Dave and Marilyn Sabold near Winthrop. Free.

996-2780. 2-4pm 27: Winthrop Marathon and Half Marathon, a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. $70-$90. Register at winthropmarathon.com. 8am 27: Last Sunday program at MV Interpretive Center, TwispWorks. Free.

997-4904. 5pm

ethow RED HEN VMalley ’s TRADING hidden

COMPANY

509.689.2517 24 Hour Trauma Care & Emergency Services

secret

You’ll find Men, WoMen & Kid’s Top QualiTY ConsignMenT and MuCh, MuCh More!

Up Behind 3 Fingered Jack’s

hours: M-F 10aM-5pM sun 11aM-3pM phone: 996-4367

The

threerivershospital.net 507 Hospital Way Brewster, WA 98812

Farm Shed

antiques & Gifts

Furniture • Man cave items Yard art • Old fashioned toys Candles • Jewelry • Notepads Soup & candies • Dish towels Greeting cards • Nostalgic tin signs & thermometers Birdhouses & more!

509-422-9722 521 S. 2nd Ave, Okanogan WA thefarmshed@ncidata.com

Wed-Fri 10 am-5:30 pm Sat 10 am-5 pm • Sun 11 am-4 pm Methow Valley News // SUMMER GUIDE 2015

49

Directory of Advertisers Architects Johnston Architects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Antiques/Collectables Poppie Jo Galleria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The Farm Shed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Trick Pony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 White Buck Antiques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Automotive/Gasoline King’s Pacific Pride & Car Wash . . . . . . . 14 Mazama Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 The Winthrop Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Banquet Halls/Event Facilities North Cascades Basecamp . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Merc Playhouse Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Pipestone Canyon Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Sun Mountain Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Twisp Valley Grange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Winthrop Barn Auditorium . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Bicycle Dealers/Repair

Lodging, Cont.

Recreation/Activities, Cont.

Bluebird Grain Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Lone Pine Fruit & Espresso . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Merc Playhouse Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 NC Mountain Hostel/ Mountain Film Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 NC Mountain Hostel/ Off-Road Duathlon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Omak Stampede . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Spring Creek Ranch/Celestial Cinema . 49 Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

River Run Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Rolling Huts & Methow Tents . . . . . . . . . . 43 Silverline Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Sun Mountain Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Timberline Meadows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Twisp River Suites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The Virginian Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Winthrop KOA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Winthrop Mountain View Chalets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Wolf Creek Cabins & Lodging . . . . . . . . 46

Galleries

Jason Rumohr, LMP, CHP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Nectar Skin Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Sun Mountain Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies . . . . . . 37 Jack’s Hut at Freestone Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Methow Cycle & Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Methow River Raft & Kayak . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Methow Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Methow Valley Ciderhouse . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Morning Glory Balloon Tours . . . . . . . . 42 North Cascades Basecamp . . . . . . . . . . . 48 North Cascades Mountain Guides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Ohme Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Slidewaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Sun Mountain Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 TwispWorks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,19 Winthrop Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Events/Festivals

Confluence Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Groceries/Hardware Hank’s Harvest Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Mazama Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Valley Hardware Do-it Center . . . . . . . . 23

Methow Cycle & Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Cafés/Dining/Espresso Blue Star Coffee Roasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Carlos1800 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Cascadian Home Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Cinnamon Twisp Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Freestone Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Hometown Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Jack’s Hut at Freestone Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 LaFonda Lopez Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Lariat Coffee Roasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Logan’s Steakhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Lone Pine Fruit & Espresso . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Mazama Country Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Mazama Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Old Schoolhouse Brewery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Rocking Horse Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Smallwood Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Sun Mountain Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Trail’s End Bookstore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Twisp River Pub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 The Winthrop Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Campgrounds/RV Parks Pine Near RV Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30,49 Silverline Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Winthrop KOA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Car Wash King’s Pacific Pride & Car Wash . . . . . . . 14 50

Health/Medical Confluence Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Three Rivers Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Ulrich’s Valley Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Local Goods & Produce Aspen Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Bluebird Grain Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Blue Star Coffee Roasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Cascadian Home Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 eqpd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Hank’s Harvest Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Lariat Coffee Roasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Lone Pine Fruit & Espresso . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Mazama Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Methow Masala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Methow Valley Ciderhouse . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Smallwood Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Thomson’s Custom Meats . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Winthrop Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Lodging Bunk House Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Central Reservations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Freestone Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Mazama Country Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Mazama Ranch House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Methow River Lodge & Cabins . . . . . . . 30 Mt Gardner Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 North Cascades Basecamp . . . . . . . . . . . 48 North Cascades Mountain Hostel . . . . . 12

Summer Guide 2015 // Methow Valley News

Massage Practitioners, Spa Services

Museums Shafer Historical Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Organizations Cascade Foothills Farmland Assoc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Cascadia Music Association . . . . . . . . . . 29 City of Pateros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Merc Playhouse Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Methow Conservancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Methow Salmon Recovery Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20,25 Methow Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Methow Valley Chamber Music Assoc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Shafer Historical Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 TwispWorks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,19 Twisp Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . 23 Winthrop Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,9

Photographers Ms. Kitty’s Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Radio KTRT 97.5 FM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Real Estate Blue Sky Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Coldwell Banker Winthrop Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Recreation/Activities Bear Creek Golf Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Retail

Aspen Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Cascadian Home Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 The Farm Shed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies . . . . . . 37 Hank’s Harvest Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Jack’s Hut at Freestone Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Lariat Coffee Roasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Lone Pine Fruit & Espresso . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Mazama Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Methow Cycle & Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Methow Masala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Nectar Skin Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 The Outdoorsman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Poppie Jo Galleria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Red Hen Trading Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Sun Mountain Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Trail’s End Bookstore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Trick Pony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Ulrich’s Valley Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Valley Hardware Do-it Center . . . . . . . . 23 White Buck Antiques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Winthrop Mountain Sports . . . . . . . . . . . 29 The Winthrop Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Sporting Goods

Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies . . . . . . 37 Methow Cycle & Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 The Outdoorsman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Sun Mountain Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Valley Hardware Do-it Center . . . . . . . . 23 Winthrop Mountain Sports . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Theaters

Merc Playhouse Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Wineries

Lost River Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Winthrop, Washington

Double Filtered

Cold Brewed r

Coffee

Pateros

At the confluence of the Methow & Columbia Rivers

City Of Pateros www.pateros.com

509.923.2571

RElax & Enjoy

June 12-14 Spring City Wide Yard Sale July 17-19 68th Annual Apple Pie Jamboree August 29-30 Pateros Hydroplane Races September Chelan Ridge Hawk Festival

Served at Rocking Horse Bakery Cinnamon Twisp Bakery • Pony Expresso

(Check website for dates)

Coming Soon Bottled Lariat Black Colt Cold Brew

www.lariatcoffee.com Natura l GrowN ly Fru & Prod it uce

Stop by our fruit Stand in okanogan ~ Open 7 days a week from 7:30am-6pm ~ Serving breakfast & lunch daily on the deck

fruit & produce available at the Methow Valley farmer’s Market every Saturday & at our Winthrop fruit stand

Smokehouse BBQ dinners Fri & Sat nights 5-9 pm ESprESSo & free Wi-fi

ee our Come siCk (509) 422-2444 • 23090 Hwy. 20, OkanOgan u-p patCh On tHe rigHt 1.8 mi. befOre dOwntOwn OkanOgan in k p M pu ! this fall

www.smallwoodfarms.net

Pateros Museum Open year-round Mon.- Fri. 8am to 4:30pm, same entrance as City Hall at 113 Lakeshore Drive, Pateros, WA

December Christmas in the City (Check website for dates)