Spring is a wonderful time to enjoy Mazama and the greater Methow Valley! Coming to the Methow before (or soon after) the North Cascades highway opens and the summer holidays begin means you will beat the summer crowds, enjoy more solitude on the trails and more room while exploring the towns of Mazama and Winthrop. You will also beat the summer heat, and enjoy the comfortable temperatures of sunny spring days and cool nights.
Wildflowers abound on almost all the hiking and mountain biking trails and can be seen from late April to early June, generally peaking the first two weeks of May. The bright new grasses and sage are a perfect backdrop to the bright and cheerful yellow Arrowleaf Balsamroot and the pretty purple Lupine, among other flower varieties.
Mazama and the surrounding area is blessed with a plethora of outdoor activities to suit every interest, age, and ability level. Some of these activities include acres and acres of hiking and mountain biking trails, world class rock climbing, white water rafting, road cycling the North Cascades highway, horseback riding, and more. Enjoy your comfortable home base at The Inn at Mazama or one of the cabins we manage to take part in what this awesome area has to offer.
The season for these trails begins in April.
Spring is a perfect time to go hiking in the Methow Valley. There is an abundance of wildflowers and lush green hills making it a treat for the eyes, and the weather is generally sunny with comfortable hiking temperatures (although be ready for any weather). And of course these trails are great for trail running too.
For early April we suggest that you bring micro-spikes incase there are still icy conditions on some hikes. Or check with us to see which trails are in hiking condition.
This trail is right in your backyard at The Inn at Mazama, literally. No need to drive anywhere, just walk across the meadow to the beginning of the trail. If others will be joining you that are not staying at The Inn, there is a parking lot near the Mazama Store in the large Mazama Recreation Parking Area. This somewhat steep trail that is 5 miles round trip with 1100 feet of elevation gain, and will reward you with wildflowers along the way and views of the North Cascade mountains at the top as well as the beautiful valley below. Tip: grab a sandwich from the Mazama Store to enjoy at the top, or have a treat there after you return.
Trail Information [↗] and current trip reports
Driving Directions [↗]
Dogs Allowed (on leash)
No Parking Pass Required
A delightful wildflower hike with gentle elevation gain. This trail is a 3.75 mile loop with 403’ elevation gain, and you can start either direction of the loop from the parking area.
Trail Information[↗] and current trip reports
Driving Directions[↗]
Dogs Allowed (on leash)
Discover Pass required for parking (see “Parking Passes” section below for more information).
Enjoy this other hiking option that shares a parking area with the Riser Lake Loop. It is a 5 mile round trip and 900 feet of elevation gain, gently graded trail.
Trail Information[↗] and current trip reports
Driving Directions[↗]
Dogs Allowed (on leash)
Discover Pass required for parking (see “Parking Passes” section below for more information).
This trail has an abundance of wildflowers in the spring and sweeping views of the whole Methow Valley as you walk through the shrub steppe. The trail is a moderate climb of 1070 feet elevation gain and 4 miles round trip. Park at the Patterson Lake Public Access. You can also hike along the west side Patterson Lake by going up and around from the trailhead.
Trail Information[↗] and current trip reports
Driving Directions[↗]
Dogs Allowed (on leash)
Discover Pass required for parking (see “Parking Passes” section below for more information).
About 25 minutes from Mazama and 10 minutes from Winthrop lies the delightful Pearrygin Lake State Park. Take the 3 mile Rex Derr trail, or continue on and make it a loop around the lake for a 6 mile outing. Enjoy the peaceful lake, the blooming flowers, and the wildlife.
Trail Information[↗] and current trip reports
Driving Directions[↗]
Dogs Allowed (on leash)Discover Pass required for parking (see “Parking Passes” section below for more information).
Enjoy this stunning trail through a varied landscape. Start in an enchanting forest, before coming out to green canyons and hillsides where you will see wildflowers and rock lookouts. Wildlife sightings are also common here. The trail is 9 miles round trip and has 1700 feet of elevation gain.
Trail Information[↗] and current trip reports
Driving Directions[↗]
Discover Pass required for parking (see “Parking Passes” section below for more information).
The season for these trails starts in April.
The Methow Trails[↗] is one of the best mountain bike trail systems in the country, and many of the trails start right from Mazama! Spring is the absolute best time to go mountain biking through the rolling hills filled with wildflowers, while it it sunny but not yet too hot.
Mountain Biking Trail Maps[↗]
These trails[↗] are right outside your door from The Inn at Mazama.
Get great suggestions for even more bike route suggestions here[↗] and here[↗].
You can rent mountain bikes either from Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies[↗] in Mazama, or from Methow Cycle & Sport[↗] in Winthrop. Pricing starts at $40-$50 for a half day.
Downloading the Trailforks[↗] app or using their website is also a helpful resource. Learn about the difficulty/technical rating, elevation gain/loss, etc. Their app is enabled with GPS so you can see where you are in real time while out on the trails.
A delightful wildflower hike with gentle elevation gain. This trail is a 3.75 mile loop with 403’ elevation gain, and you can start either direction of the loop from the parking area.
Trail Information[↗] and current trip reports
Driving Directions[↗]
Dogs Allowed (on leash)
Discover Pass required for parking (see “Parking Passes” section below for more information).
Enjoy this other mountain biking option that shares a parking area with the Riser Lake Loop. It is a 5 mile round trip and 900 feet of elevation gain, gently graded trail.
Trail Information[↗] and current trip reports
Driving Directions[↗]
Dogs Allowed (on leash)
Discover Pass required for parking (see “Parking Passes” section below for more information).
Enjoy this stunning trail through a varied landscape. Start in an enchanting forest, before coming out to green canyons and hillsides where you will see wildflowers and rock lookouts. Wildlife sightings are also common here. The trail is 9 miles round trip and has 1700 feet of elevation gain. Be aware that this trail includes some difficult "hike-a-bike" sections.
Trail Information[↗] and current trip reports
Driving Directions[↗]
Discover Pass required for parking (see “Parking Passes” section below for more information).
About 25 minutes from Mazama and 10 minutes from Winthrop lies the delightful Pearrygin Lake State Park. Take the 3 mile relatively flat Rex Derr trail, or continue on and make it a loop around the lake for a 6 mile outing. Enjoy the peaceful lake, the blooming flowers, and the wildlife.
Trail Information[↗]
Driving Directions[↗]
Discover Pass required for parking (see “Parking Passes” section below for more information).
The extensive trail network near the Sun Mountain Lodge has many miles and options for every skill level. Park at the Chickadee Trailhead and choose a trail based on this map[↗].
Driving Directions[↗]
NW Forest Pass required for parking (see “Parking Passes” section below for more information).
The town of Mazama is an adorable and quaint mountain town. There are just a few businesses, but it has everything you could need. Take a walk around and check out the two local shops, enjoy some treats from the Mazama Store bakery, and take in the peaceful meadow and mountain views. This is the jumping off point for pretty much any outdoor adventure you could ever wish to do.
This shop is legendary in the outdoor community. They have a little bit of everything from quality grocery items to fine gifts and everything in between. Make sure to visit the attached bakery and espresso stand and get yourself a homemade breakfast or lunch sandwich, baked treat, or their famous salted baguettes to take on your adventures. The store even has a reasonably priced gas pump.
Located right next to the Mazama Store, go here for all your outdoor gear needs. They sell a variety for every season, and they also have mountain bike rentals available.
Winthrop is about a 20 minute drive from Mazama, and you will pass through here on your way to The Inn at Mazama if you are coming from the eastern direction. Explore this fun Old West town by walking its authentic wooden boardwalks, stopping in the shops, and getting a treat at the Rocking Horse Bakery or Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe. Enjoy a meal and some beer at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, which has riverside dining on a nice day. (See the “Food and Beverage” section below for more information on restaurant options.)
Continue exploring by taking a scenic walk across the suspension bridge over the river and continuing on the Susie Stephen’s trail. Go here for a trail map.
Learn about the history of the early Methow Valley at the local Shafer Historial Museum. Find out more on their website here[↗].
Eastern Washington is known for its great wines. Enjoy tasting of some local varietals at the Winthrop based tasting room of the Lost River Winery. Find out hours and more information on their website[↗].
The season starts in early April.
Go on a River Rafting adventure down through Black Canyon on the Methow River! We recommend the very well reviewed Methow Rafting[↗] company based out of Winthrop. They have half day and full day trip options for all levels from mellow and scenic to exciting class 4 rapids.
The season for rafting is mid April through mid July. Pricing starts at $79 for children (10-16), $89 for adults. The scenic float pricing starts at $59 (children) and $74 (adults). Ages 10+.
The season starts in May.
Rock climbing is a very popular activity in the Methow Valley, particularly in the Mazama area. It is also one of the closest activity options to your accommodations at The Inn at Mazama with two of the most popular routes just 1.5 and 3 miles up the road.
Fun Rock
Only 1.5 miles NW up Lost River Road from The Inn at Mazama. Varied type of rock face, with technical route ratings ranging from 5.6-5.12. Check here[↗] for more information, and here for directions[↗] to the parking area.
Goat Rock
This area is just a bit further up the Lost River Road, only 3 miles from The Inn at Mazama. You will have great views, and bouldering is popular here too. Enjoy the pleasant breezes that make this a great place to spend the day even if it is a hot day down on the valley floor. This is a good option to go to while popular nearby Washington Pass is still inaccessible due to snow. Technical route ratings of 5.7-5.9 means it is approachable for newbies, and fun for more seasoned climbers. Here are directions[↗] to the parking pullout. For more information about this route, check here[↗].
Guided Climbs
North Cascades Mountain Guides is a local company based in Mazama and has some great guided full day sessions at either Fun Rock or Goat Wall. Pricing starts at $200 per person for adults. They offer sessions starting at the beginning of May and going through the end of September. Go to their website[↗] to learn more or book a guided session.
The season for the North Cascades highway option starts late April or early May, other road cycling is open earlier in spring.
A very unique spring activity is to road cycle from up to Washington Pass without any car traffic. Imagine taking in the grandeur of the North Cascades highway in the peace and quiet, without worrying about cars whizzing past you. It is 17.5 miles one way from Mazama to Washington Pass, and 3350 feet of elevation gain. Yes that is quite a climb up, but think of the fun ride down!
The best time to do this route without car traffic is to thread the needle of time between when the road is mostly cleared from snow (or a wide enough route for a bicycle at least) and when the road opens to traffic again. This exact time frame will vary every year, but the clearing of the road usually starts late March to early April and takes 4 to 6 weeks to complete. So in general late April or early May is most likely your best bet for this timing. You can also bike this route when it is open to traffic if you miss this time frame and still want to take in the scenery of the North Cascades highway by bike. Check the average opening and closing dates here[↗], and the current status here[↗]. You can either leave your car at The Inn at Mazama or park at the Mazama Recreation Parking Lot adjacent to the meadow and next to the Mazama Store and Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies.
If you are interested in other road cycling options in the area, check here[↗] for a great resource to fun backroad cycling routes.
Season starts early April.
If golfing is your thing, Bear Creek Golf Course is a lovely location with very reasonable rates. Get more information here on their website[↗].
Season starts in May.
Travel through the wildflower filled hills on horseback with a guided tour at Sun Mountain Lodge. The season is May though mid October. There are options for 1.5 hours, half day, and private rides. Children must be at least 8 years old, prices start at $70 per person, $55 for children. Call (509) 996-4735 for reservations, and check here[↗] for more information.
Open starting May 7th.
About 50 minutes south of Mazama past the towns of Winthrop and Twisp is a small downhill ski area in the winter. HOWEVER, starting in May they will be open for some fun spring activities!
These activities will include:
Scenic chair lift rides
Biking and bike rentals (no mountain bike lift assist, yet)
Disc golf
Hiking
A scenic lodge with food, beer, and wine.
Check on their website[↗] for more information.
The season begins in May.
While the boating season isn’t in full swing until summer, there are a couple nice options if you would like to get out on the water.
Patterson Lake on the Sun Mountain Lodge property has row boat rentals that start at $15 per hour (with options for half and full day rates). See their website[↗] for more information.
Pearrygin Lake State Park[↗] is another lovely spot for boating where you can either bring your own, or rent a Stand Up Paddleboard from Methow Cycle & Sport[↗] starting at $50 for a half day. Their paddle boards are inflatable, so you have options for transporting to the lake. You will need a Discover Pass to park here, and if you are launching a boat from the boat ramp you will need a day use launch pass as well. See “Parking Passes” section below for more information about the Discover Pass. See here for driving directions[↗].
There are two ways to get to Mazama from the greater Seattle area. The first option is to to drive east on I-90, then north on highway 97 towards Chelan, this option is open year round (however you may need chains going over Snoqualmie and/or Blewett Pass if there are any late season snow storms).
The second option is to go north on I-5 or I-405 and then go east on highway 20 through the North Cascades National Park. However, BE AWARE that highway 20 closes for the winter, and the closures dates vary a lot depending on snow conditions that year. The closure usually starts around mid November and doesn’t open again until sometime in May, so make sure to check before planning to drive that direction. You can check the average opening and closing dates here, and the current status here.
Click here for directions to your accommodations at The Inn at Mazama.
Stop at Lone Pine Fruit & Espresso
On your way to The Inn at Mazama, stop at this roadside stand that is near the town of Chelan on Highway 97. They have fresh local produce, natural products and gifts, ice cream, local Blue Star Coffee, and homemade sandwiches to order as well as pre-made grab and go lunch items. Make sure to also get some house made pie. Sit in their charming garden courtyard to enjoy your treats while taking a break from the drive. Note: they are closed on Sundays. For more information see their website.
Vehicle chains - you are required to carry chains to drive over mountain passes between November 1 and April 30. It is unlikely they will be needed in April, but it can happen so it is best to be prepared.
Groceries
Mazama Store: 50 Lost River Rd, Mazama, WA 98833(509) 996-2855
Methow Valley Thriftway, 920 WA-20, Winthrop, WA 98862(509) 996-2525
Gas Stations
Mazama Store: 50 Lost River Rd, Mazama, WA 98833(509) 996-2855
Texaco Winthrop: 900 WA-20, Winthrop, WA 98862(509) 996-2005
Ranger station
Methow Valley Ranger Station, 24 W Chewuch Rd, Winthrop, WA 98862509) 996-4000
Gear Rental
Goat's Beard Mountain Supplies: bike rentals in Mazama, 44 Lost River Rd, Mazama, WA 98833(509) 996-2515
Methow Cycle & Sport: bike, SUP, and river tube rentals, 29 WA-20, Winthrop, WA 98862(509) 996-3645
Mazama Store: delicious house baked breakfast treats, coffee, and house made to-go sandwiches50 Lost River Rd, Mazama, WA 98833(509) 996-2855
Jack’s Hut: pizzas and cold beer at the Freestone Inn31 Early Winters Dr, Mazama, WA 98833(509) 996-3212
Sandy Butte Bistro: delicious food in a cabin ambiance complete with river rock fireplace, with adjacent cozy bar as well at the Freestone Inn31 Early Winters Dr, Mazama, WA 98833(509) 996-3212
Woodstone Pizzeria: delicious pizza and a wide variety of unique European beersState Route 20, Winthrop WA, 98862(509) 996-9804
Old Schoolhouse Brewery: local family friendly brewery with a fantastic riverside patio155 Riverside Ave, Winthrop, WA 98862(509) 996-3183
East 20: great pizzas to eat in or take out720 WA-20, Winthrop, WA 98862(509) 996-3996
Methow Valley Cider House: local made ciders and a nice outdoor seating area28 WA-20, Winthrop, WA 98862(509) 312-1790
Sheri's Sweet Shop: fun stop for house made ice cream and other sweet treats, nice outdoor patio207 Riverside Ave, Winthrop, WA 98862(509) 996-3834
Rocking Horse Bakery: delicious home baked treats and espresso265 Riverside Avenue Winthrop, WA(509) 996-4241
Discover Pass
Many of the trails and activities on this itinerary require a Discover Pass. These cost $10 for one day, $30 for a year. They can be bought at many outdoor retail locations, at some trailheads, or online. For more info check here.
Northwest Forest Pass
The Northwest Forest Pass is required at some hiking trailheads suggested in this itinerary. The fees for these is: $5 for 1 day, $30 for an annual pass. The NW Forest Passes are available at most ranger stations, day passes at some trailheads, outdoor retailers, by calling the USGS Store at 1-888-275-8747, or online.
The weather of the Mazama area in spring is generally still chilly in April with highs around 50/55 degrees (F) and lows around 35. The month of May can vary a lot, but is generally a little warmer with highs around 65/70 degrees (F) but still chilly at night with lows around 40. June it starts to really warm up with highs into the mid 70’s, but night time can still be chilly around 45/50. The snow lingers in the mountains until well into July, but is generally gone from the Methow Valley by late April/early May. If you are heading out on the trails be prepared for any weather.
