The North Cascades have always been a place that I have dreamed of visiting. My first time was in the summer of 2020, when I scored last minute backpacking permits with my friend Crystal. After seeing so many photos of these mountains online getting to experience it face to face was mind blowing to me. Mountains in Oregon aren’t nearly as big as they are in Washington. But why Winthrop?
I was here hosting my first group trip! I joined the Adventure Tripr team earlier this year, and we chose the North Cascades as my first destination. From there, Adventure Tripr did all of the planning for us, specially curated to what my group wanted to do.
Where Is Winthrop?
I picked up 3 girls from Portland and we headed 5 hours north to Leavenworth for the night to break up the driving. Winthrop is two hours further from Leavenworth, quite the drive!
Sun Mountain Lodge
We rented one of the cabins that are a part of Sun Mountain Lodge, which is tucked up into the mountains about 15 minutes away from Winthrop. I was shocked to see a place like this in the base of the mountains. It was nice to be away from the lodge to get a bit more privacy but we quickly learned we didn’t have to go back to town once getting here.
The lodge was built in 1965-and although since restored and updated it holds the character of a mountain lodge. It is popular in the winter due to having the largest cross country ski groomed terrain in the United States-over 200 kilometers.
We stayed at the Patterson Lake Cabins, which made it feel like we had more privacy, had direct access to trails and had more space to cook and be loud.
Let’s get into what we did there and what I would recommend when you visit.
Horse Drawn Sleigh Ride
This was such a unique part of the group trip! All of us said, “we probably wouldn’t have done this with our partners,” which is why I can’t recommend traveling with like-minded people more. Taking the sleigh up into the mountains gave us a vantage point that we wouldn’t have gotten from the lodge. Once your at the top, there is warming hut and hot chocolate is served. The kiddos would love it too.
We loved our guide, Debbie as she grew up in the Methow valley and provided great insight into the history of the lodge. Plus we got to hang out with beautiful horses.
Cost – $20/person over age 13 years, $15/child 5-12 years. Under 4 years old free.
Be sure to pre-book this with the lodge when you book your stay.
Cross Country Skiing
I had never cross country skied before this trip-another great reason to travel with a group who never had either. This was the perfect place to learn. We had an hour long lesson with Alex-who we loved. The lesson takes place right outside of the lodge, making it suitable for all ages.
It was accessible to do the lesson from the lodge as they have equipment available to rent as well. You will want to call the lodge ahead of time to book your lesson.
It was much harder than I thought it would be! Having been a snowboarder and downhill skier, I was able to pick it up somewhat fast, but we never left the training area and that is perfectly fine. We had a blast!
LESSON COST, PER PERSON:
| 1/2 Hr. Lesson | 1 Hr. Lesson | |
| 1 Person | $45 | $65 |
| 2 Person | $30 | $45 |
| 3 or More People | $30 | $40 |
Snowshoeing
Women in the trip had never snowshoed before and Sun Mountain Lodge was a great place to learn. Snowshoeing in the backcountry can be a bit intimidating-getting lost, fresh snowpack, harder terrain. Sun Mountain grooms many of the trails making it much more accessible and comfortable for beginners.
Plus, they rent snowshoes! We took our snowshoes right outside our front door of the cabin onto frozen Patterson Lake, and even saw a bald eagle. We knew it was safe as we saw others doing the same and people ice fishing.
We wanted more views of the North Cascades so we drove up to the lodge and took the “Horse Trail” to the top of the ridge for sunset. We were greeted with some cloud clearings and gorgeous views of the Methow Valley below us.
Be sure to purchase passes for the Methow Trail system to cross country ski and snowshoe in the area.
1 DAY TRAIL PASS – $25
MULTI-DAY TRAIL PASS – 3 or more consecutive days. $63. $21/additional day.
CHILDREN’S PRICES – ages 17 & under free!
The Gear
What do I wear on winter excursions like this?
Baselayers-Karitaa
Snowshoes-MSR
Hiking Boots-Salomon
Snowpants- Mountain Hardwear
Backpack-Gregory womens
Patagonia Puffy-I suggest you size up for layering!
Downtown Winthrop
Make sure you take time to explore old town Winthrop. Native Americans first inhabited Wintrop living along the valley digging camas root, fishing and hunting. Fur trappers came into the valley in the 19th century, which eventually led to the finding of Gold.
Although it seems “old western” themed. The town was rebuilt this way in 1972 when the historic HWY 20 into the North Cascades was completed.
We enjoyed dinner at Old Schoolhouse Brewery in their outdoor heated bio-domes. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time!
We also stopped at Methow Valley Ciderhouse-and enjoyed some of the best cider I have had (that is a lot coming from a cider snob). We didn’t stay for dinner but heard great reviews!
Lodge Activities
If I haven’t convinced you to visit Sun Mountain Lodge yet-I just might. Not only would it be a great place to visit in summertime, there was something quite magical about it in the wintertime.
As we drove from Leavenworth into the Methow Valley, the first thing we noticed was the abundant amount of farm and wine country. Be sure to make a reservation at The Dining Room and Wolf Creek Grill while you are there.
The Dining Room is fancier for dinner. But don’t worry, you can still wear your ski clothes, not that fancy. I had the best local Waygu Steak of my life with local wine to boot.
We had Wolf Creek Grill for lunch and enjoyed mimosas. The view from up here is devine-at least worth checking out.
The Spa. I enjoyed a massage after the long drive in. I have to say it was one of the better massages I have received! Be sure to book your spa activities in advance as they seem to book out quickly.
Hot tubs and pool. Yes you heard me right! If you’re staying at the lodge you can access the hot tub and pool. The pool closes in the wintertime. The views of the mountains from the hot tub are divine.
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