14 Activities That Will Convince You to Visit Winthrop, WA

Winthrop, WA is a quaint western-themed mountain town in northern Washington. I did my research before traveling here, and I knew it was western-themed before I arrived. But I was still not fully prepared for the commitment this town put to the theme. I really felt transported to the Wild West as I drove into the city. With so many things to do, Winthrop, WA is the perfect getaway for people who love the great outdoors but also want to be entertained with other charming activities.

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How to Get to Winthrop, WA

Winthrop, WA is located on Highway 20 northeast of Seattle. If you are traveling from Seattle there are three ways to get here, and all are roughly the same distance. However, the amount of time it takes will vary among the three routes depending on current traffic conditions and road closures. Each route should take 4-4.5 hours.

The first option and shortest route by mileage is to drive north on I-5, and then turn east on US-20 through North Cascades National Park. This route is only 204 miles, but it is often the longest route timewise due to traffic. Also, US-20 is closed during the winter months due to snowfall and avalanche threats.

The second option is to take I-90 east through Snoqualmie to US-97 north. Then turn left onto US-2 East and continue on US-97 north along the Columbia River. Next turn left onto WA-153 North until you reach the town of Winthrop.

The third and final route option from Seattle involves toll roads and is the longest option. Unless you are driving this route as part of a longer road trip, I would not recommend this way. However, if you do want to go this route, take I-5 north to WA-522 East. Turn right on US-2 East towards Leavenworth, and then turn left on US-97 North. Turn left at WA-153 North to Winthrop, WA.

When to Visit Winthrop, WA

In my opinion, the best time of year to visit Winthrop, WA is anytime other than the winter. Most of the activities in the area involve being outdoors. While there are some winter activities available in the town, visiting during the spring, summer, and fall months will allow for so many more exciting opportunities. Average spring and fall temperatures involve highs in the 60s and lows in the 30s. Summers can get much warmer with highs in the upper 80s and lows in the 50s. Note that Winthrop is located in a valley where temperatures are warmer than the higher mountain elevations that surround the town.

Where to Stay in Winthrop, WA

Winthrop has several lodging options, most of which are very reasonably priced. If you prefer camping and RVing, Winthrop also has you covered.

RV and Camping in Winthrop, WA

There are several camping options in and around the Winthrop, WA area and also inside North Cascades National Park. However, there are two that are super close to the town of Winthrop. Those two campgrounds are Pine Near RV Park & Campground and Winthrop/North Cascades National Park KOA.

Budget-Friendly Hotels in Winthrop, WA

I stayed in the budget-friendly hotel Abby Creek Inn. This motel-style inn has its doors facing inward to a courtyard that includes a swimming pool and hot tub. The hotel also offers bike and tube rentals. Other nearby budget hotels that looked nice include the Virginian Resort and Mt. Gardner Inn.

Moderately-Priced Hotels in Winthrop, WA

Located outside Winthrop is the rustic-chic Sun Mountain Lodge that includes a spa, bar, wine cellar, and sophisticated restaurant. This lodge also hosts weddings if you are interested in a Washington mountain affair. Another hotel option is Hotel Rio Vista which is located in town and within walking distance of downtown Winthrop.

What to Pack for Winthrop, WA

Bug spray – I usually list water as the first thing to pack. But if you want to keep your sanity, bug spray is an absolute must-have essential!
Water – Whether you use a hydration backpack or carry bottled water, make sure to pack plenty of water when outdoors.
Sunscreen – Protect your skin from the sun, and do not forget to reapply. Many of these North Cascades hikes are completely exposed to the sun.
Hat – More sun protection to block the sun from your face
Hiking shoes/boots – Some of the hikes are on steep, slick rock, and people wearing regular tennis shoes struggled to keep their footing. Here are the men‘s version of the hiking shoes I love.
Hiking socks – The best way to prevent blisters is by keeping your feet dry. Moisture-wicking socks are the best way to do that.
Microfiber Beach Towel – I packed my microfiber beach towel to take for water activities in Lake Diablo.
Water Shoes – The beaches and lake bottoms are rocks, not sand. Protect your feet with water shoes.
Swimsuits – For pool or lake time, you will need a swimsuit. Men’s Women’s
Backpack – A backpack is a necessity when hiking to carry your water, snacks, sunscreen, etc. that you may need on your North Cascades hikes.
Rain jacket – You never know when a storm will pass through so be ready with some men’s or women’s raingear.
Printed Maps/Directions – Cell service is non-existing inside the park, so I recommend you print maps/directions to all North Cascades hikes you plan to visit.

Things to Do in Winthrop, WA

1. Hike in North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park is one of the most beautiful and one of the least visited national parks in America. My trip to Winthrop, WA stemmed from trying to find a hotel close to the park, and Winthrop, WA was the closest location with several lodging options and other things to do. Whether you are an avid hiker or just want to drive through looking at scenery, North Cascades is the best thing to do when in this area.

Lake Diablo is the highlight of this park with its unnatural-looking mint green color, so make sure to check it out at the Lake Diablo Overlook. If you are looking for a more strenuous but absolute incredible hike, the Maple Pass Loop trail is a must do! To find other ways to spend your time in this national park, check out the ultimate 2-day North Cascades hikes itinerary.

2. Check out the Shafer Historical Museum

The Shafer Historical Museum is an outdoor museum that boasts original historic buildings and artifacts from life living on the Wild West Frontier. There is no admission fee to tour the grounds, but the museum does ask for a $5/adult donation. In the summer months, the buildings are open but, in the wintertime, the buildings are closed. However, you can still walk around the grounds observing the many household items used by pioneers.

3. Tour the Smokejumping Base

What is smokejumping, you may ask. Well, let me tell you. Smokejumping is a means to fight forest fires in remote locations by allowing firefighters to parachute into otherwise inaccessible mountainous land. Winthrop, WA is the birthplace of smokejumping and houses the North Cascades Smokejumper Base that you can tour from June to the end of September during fire season. Open from 10am to 5pm, 7 days a week, you can visit the base at no cost to you.

4. Enjoy a Glass of Wine at Lost River Winery

The Lost River Winery is a quaint family-owned winery that started in 2002 in Methow Valley. The award-winning winery offers tastings and food pairings with its indoor and outdoor patio seating. Unfortunately, the Lost River Winery was temporarily closed from the pandemic during my visit. It was quite a shame because I could have used a glass of wine to relax after my long hiking days.

5. Drink the Largest Margarita in the World

Have no fear! Even though I could not find the wine, I did find the world’s largest margarita at Carlos 1800. I doubt it is technically the largest margarita in the world, but I was shocked when I ordered a grande margarita, and this giant mug almost the size of a pitcher was delivered to my table. I ordered the Cochinita Pibil, a Yucatecan pork dish, that was amazing for dinner, and I would highly recommend.

6. Grab a Beer at Old Schoolhouse Brewery

Old Schoolhouse Brewery is a small microbrewery that offers year-round and seasonal ales in their riverfront deck and patio. The entrance of the brewery is a small, red schoolhouse that fits the old western town theme of Winthrop, WA. The outdoor patio sits on the Chewuch River and patrons can enjoy regional live music on the Log Jam stage while sipping on their homemade brews.

7. Try Ciders at Methow Valley Ciderhouse

Come for the cider or come for a meal at the Methow Valley Ciderhouse! Either way, you are bound to have a great time. This cider house, which also serves beer and wine, hosts their Apple Amphitheater, a large outdoor area where customers can listen to live music, dance, and play games. Kids are welcome at this family-friendly establishment.

8. Treat Yourself at Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe

Nothing is more refreshing than an ice cream cone on a hot summer day. And lucky for you Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe has you covered! In the heart of downtown Winthrop, you can delight in their 40 flavors of ice cream or load up on their yummy candies, chocolate-covered apples, and other treats. Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe also offers Nugget Gulch, an 18-hole western-themed miniature golf course.

9. Get Breakfast To-Go at Rocking Horse Bakery

If you are like me and want to get to North Cascades National Parks before the crowds, you need to leave Winthrop as early as possible. Eating breakfast presents a problem since most of the Winthrop, WA eateries open later in the morning. For me, Rocking Horse Bakery was a perfect solution to grab breakfast on the go since it opens at 7am. You can choose a cinnamon roll, sticky buns, or other pastries to go with your morning coffee. If you want something with a little more protein, try their breakfast sandwich or breakfast taco.

10. Have a Hearty Breakfast at Three Fingered Jack’s Saloon

If you prefer a more substantial breakfast option, try Three Fingered Jack’s Saloon which also opens at 7am. With several hearty breakfast options, such as omelets, biscuits and gravy, and other traditional breakfast items, this meal will definitely give you the energy you need to start your day. Three Fingered Jack’s Saloon is also opened all day with lunch and dinner menus.

11. Cross Spring Creek Bridge

Located just down river from downtown Winthrop, WA is a pedestrian bridge, Spring Creek Bridge. This bridge fits with the Western theme of the town and connects the two banks so walkers and bikers can cross the river safely.

12. Mosey Down Riverside Avenue

Spend some time during your visit wandering the shops along Riverside Avenue in downtown Winthrop, WA. Visit the Winthrop Emporium gift shop, Cascades Outdoor stores, Trail’s End Bookstore, and other boutique stores in town. Another unique store is Glassworks of Winthrop which sells handblown glass décor. If you time your visit right, you may be able to catch the owner blowing glass in his studio.

This area is also a great spot to catch lunch or dinner. Another eatery option not previously mentioned in this blog is Copper Glance, which is great for dinner and cocktails.

13. Ride the River

Whether you want a leisurely ride down the Methow River in an inner tube or you want an adventure with kayaking or rafting, Methow Rafting has you covered. Generally open mid-July to Labor Day weekend, Methow Rafting will take care of you from transportation from their office in Winthrop to giving you detailed instructions. Methow Rafting will ensure you have a great time on the water. They have several rafting and kayaking options depending on your experience level and preferred length of excursion.

14. Skate the Winthrop Rink

If you visit Winthrop, WA in the wintertime, check out the Winthrop Rink, named one of the top 10 ice rinks in the West by Sunset Magazine. In the summertime, you can roller skate in the rink on Friday and Saturday nights. This open-air skating rink has incredible views of Mt. Gardner in the background.

No matter if you are looking for a place to rest your head when visiting North Cascade National Park or you are looking for a small-town destination, Winthrop, WA is the perfect place for your next getaway.