Winthrop Hikes
Winthrop Hikes
Winthrop is a premier hiking destination in Washington State, with a trail network that extends from the valley floor up into the surrounding mountains and beyond into the North Cascades. From gentle wildflower walks in spring to dramatic alpine ridgelines in summer, the Methow Valley offers something for every hiker.Highway 20, the North Cascades Highway, runs west from Winthrop toward Washington and Rainy Passes, opening up access to some of the finest hiking in the state. Trails like Maple Pass Loop, Blue Lake, and Cutthroat Lake are accessible within an hour of town and reward hikers with stunning views of glaciated peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and — in fall — the legendary larch trees turning gold across the high country.
Closer to town, the hills surrounding Winthrop offer trails like Patterson Mountain and Pipestone Canyon, accessible without the long drive toward the passes and featuring exceptional views of the Methow Valley below. Use the trail map to explore trails in the area, or scroll down to find the perfect hike.
hikes
Below is a list of hikes in the Winthrop and Methow Valley area.
Cutthroat Lake
Cutthroat Lake is one of the most accessible and rewarding alpine hikes in the North Cascades, sitting just off Highway 20 about 35 miles west of Winthrop. The trail follows a gentle route along Cutthroat Creek through a forested valley before opening up to the stunning cirque basin that holds the lake. At just 4 miles roundtrip with only 500 feet of elevation gain, it's a great option for families and hikers of all ability levels. The lake itself is a brilliant turquoise set beneath dramatic rocky peaks, making it one of the most photogenic destinations in the area. In fall, the surrounding larch trees erupt in gold, drawing crowds of photographers and hikers from across the Pacific Northwest. A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the Cutthroat Pass Trailhead.
Twisp Pass
Twisp Pass is a challenging but spectacular day hike that climbs out of the Twisp River Valley to a high alpine pass on the boundary of the Pasayten Wilderness. The 8.6-mile roundtrip trail gains 2,400 feet through a mix of forest, open meadows, and talus fields before cresting the 6,064-foot pass with sweeping views into the wild country beyond. The route passes through dramatic terrain shaped by glaciers and high winds, with wildflowers carpeting the upper meadows in midsummer. The pass sits on the divide between the Twisp River drainage and the remote upper reaches of Bridge Creek, offering a real sense of backcountry solitude even on a day hike. Strong hikers can extend the trip by continuing down into the Bridge Creek drainage or exploring side ridges near the pass. A Northwest Forest Pass is required at the Gilbert Trailhead.
Twisp River
The Twisp River Trail is a long, low-gradient route that follows the scenic Twisp River Valley deep into the heart of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Stretching 14 miles one way with a relatively gentle 2,000 feet of elevation gain, it's one of the more accessible multi-day or point-to-point options in the area and is a favorite among backpackers, horseback riders, and hikers looking to escape the crowds. The trail winds through a mix of old-growth forest, open meadows, and burned hillsides, with the river providing a constant presence and backdrop along the route. Wildlife sightings are common, including deer, black bears, and a variety of bird species that inhabit the riparian corridor. In spring and early summer, wildflowers line the trail and the river runs full and fast with snowmelt. Multiple trailheads along the valley provide access for shorter out-and-back options, making it easy to customize the length of your hike.
