My North Cascades Story - Escape to Sunny Methow Valley

Escape to Sunny Methow Valley

By Gregg Bafundo, Trout Unlimited

Well it’s been raining in Seattle for something like four months now and while all that water is what makes our Northwest so amazing, sometimes a person just needs to get away from it all. You might ask, “Where can I go for a long weekend to enjoy the sun and snow?” How about the Methow Valley?

Tucked into the north central part of our state is a sportsman’s paradise. Big valleys, open wild spaces, high ridges and beautiful rivers are what await you here.

Over the Presidents’ Day weekend we rented a house outside the small town of Twisp. The truck was loaded with skies, snowshoes, fly fishing gear, our two crazy huskies and enough food to feed a small army. The drive was quick and easy with a stop at the Orondo Cider Works to pick up some of the best apple cider in Washington. A few hours later, we found ourselves nestled into “our” house.

The next day began with a frittata for ten and spicy red potatoes. With our bellies full, we were off to the Methow Wildlife Area for a ski with the dogs.  This valley has an amazing network of ski trails. A person can ski from one end of the valley to the other on publicly maintained trails. Some of the trails require a pass, while others do not, so before you go make sure you have done your homework. Also make sure that your trail is dog friendly if you’re bringing your best friend. We headed to a trail where we could bring our huskies.

Our ski was great. We did about a seven mile loop along the Methow River and the dogs pulled us all the way. The sun was out, the temperature in the teens and the snow was really fast. We stopped for lunch at a sunny spot along the banks of the river. Soon enough the skis were sliding along the snow again as we skied through the aspens and back to our truck.

The next day was more of the same, but this time we headed into a higher area in the Methow Wildlife Area. Much to our surprise the snow was a little thinner here so we just hiked it. As we hiked along, I noticed the south facing slopes were packed with deer. Next September you can bet I’ll be back up here with my longbow chasing the mulies and whitetail that call this place home. The Methow is also known to have a pretty healthy black bear population. So if hunting is your thing, it’s worth the trip.

After the hike the river was calling my name. A quick change at the house and into my waders and I was off to fish. Winter is a great time to fish for whitefish and steelhead. The steelhead is one of the most amazing fish in the Northwest. They strike really soft and fight their hearts out. You can’t keep any wild steelies so know what you are looking at and the limit is two a day. I let them all go; they are happier in the river anyway.

We were heading home in the morning and I was still itching to get in a snowshoe. The moon was full and the night beckoned. So off I went up the small hill behind the house. The coyotes were yipping and owls hooted as I moved along. If you have never wandered around on a winter night under a full moon you should put it on your list of things to do before you die. It was just beautiful and the rawness of a cold winter night gives a person an appreciation of all the critters that live their lives outside.

So, next time you’re sitting around and wondering where in Washington you can go to really get out there, think about the North Cascades’ Methow Valley. Pack all your toys and hit the road. It’s worth the trip.