North Cascades Highway Closed for the Season

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Winter in Okanogan Country

When the North Cascades Highway (SR20) closes for the season, typically some time in November, our Loop turns into the Cascade Crescent. Winter at the end of the road in the Methow Valley provides amazing snowy scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities! Book a flight to Seattle-Tacoma International in Seattle, jump in your rental, and hit the open road!

(click here to see historic open and close dates) https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/roads-bridges/mountain-pass-closure-and-opening-dates

Hikers, skiers, snowmobilers and other recreationists can access the closed portion of the North Cascades Highway (SR 20) during the winter season. Users should park in designated parking areas to allow plow drivers the space they need to clear snow around the closed stretch’s access gates. Even though the Loop is not passable over SR 20 travelers should still be prepared for winter driving conditions. Since WSDOT closes this stretch of the highway due to avalanche risk, anyone using this area should check forecasts and be aware of quickly changing conditions in the mountains. Northwest Avalanche Center website is https://nwac.us/.

Travelers can also check conditions with North Cascades National Park before traveling to this area.

Nordic Skiing

There are several places you can find groomed cross-country trails in this region, but did you know the Methow Valley boasts the largest trail system in North America for Nordic Skiing? Over 200k – 120 miles of trails for Nordic skiing in the winter, and mountain biking, trail running and hiking the rest of the year.

Methow Trails - From Twisp to Winthrop

Loup Loup Ski Bowl - Between Twisp and Okanogan

Sun Mountain Lodge - get on the trails right from your door!

Skiing and Snowboarding

You will find great opportunities for downhill skiing and snowboarding in Okanogan Country. Experience dry powder and perfectly groomed runs — with little or no wait time!

Loup Loup Ski Bowl - Between Twisp and Okanogan

Sitzmark Ski Hill - Tonasket

Luge

Experience the Bear Mountain Luge run at Loup Loup Ski Bowl. 5 km run with more than 1200’ of elevation gain

Ice Skating

Winthrop Rink, named one of the top 10 ice rinks in the West by Sunset Magazine, is one of the few NHL-sized, refrigerated, open air ice skating rinks in the country. With Mt. Gardner standing mightily in the background, skating at Winthrop Rink is a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Be sure to check out their schedule in advance so you don't miss out on an open-skating opportunity!

https://winthroprink.org/

Fishing and Ice Fishing

Enjoy a winter angling vacation in Washington by catching species like walleye, steelhead, crappie and more. The state’s winter fisheries are generally open November through March (and some year-round) providing you plenty of opportunities to catch your favorite winter game fish. Open waters available on the Coumbia, Methow and Okanogan Rivers. Always go to the State Dept. of Fish and Wildlife for current regulations and restrictions.

Patterson Lake (Withrop-Sun Mountain Lodge)

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Juvenile Bald Eagle in the Methow Valley

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife can be more easily spotted when the landscape is covered in snow! Often seen in the Methow Valley are bald eagles, deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and many bird species.

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