National Trails Day: Celebrating Trails in the Methow

We have several hiking and other outdoor activities for you to enjoy. Peruse the list and click on each title for more details. All activities over the National Trails Day Weekend are open to Mountaineer members, guests, residents of the Methow Valley, and visitors. You do not need to be a Mountaineers member to participate in the weekend or register for any of the hikes, but you will need to register as a Mountaineers guest and sign a waiver to participate. Please contact the Mountaineers Program Center at 1-800-573-8484 for more information on how to do this.

Weekend Activities

Hiking Activities:

Saturday: Join Hike leader Gregg Pilgreen for a hike on a locals' trail ascending from the valley floor towards Goat Wall. Sign up here.

Saturday: Join hike leader Kelly Cleman for a hike to a picturesque waterfall and beyond. Sign up here.

Saturday: Join hike leader Chris Ensor for a hike up to an old lookout site. Sign up here.

Saturday: Join hike leader Heidi Walker for a photography hike to a picturesque waterfall. Sign up here.

Sunday: Guided Birding Hike, 7-9 am. Come on an early morning guided hike provided by North Cascades Basecamp to look for birds in our cottonwood riparian, birch woodlands, cedar forests, and shrubby wetlands. The tour follows a marked route through diverse habitats between the wooded hillsides of Goat Wall and the lush bottomland of the beautiful Methow River.  We hope to see or hear owls (barred, great horned, pygmy), sapsuckers (red-naped and maybe red breasted), thrushes (swainson’s thrush and veerys), warblers (yellow, yellow-rumped, Nashville, Wilson’s, MacGillvary’s, Townsend’s), vireos (red-eyed, warbling, Cassins), roughed grouse, and harlequin ducks, as well as host of other species. Bring binoculars, sturdy footwear, comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather, water and a snack if you need.  Restroom available on site.

Directions: from the Mazama Store drive west up Lost River Road for 2.2 miles. The Basecamp is located on the left side of the road. You'll see a large wooden sign that reads "North Cascades Lodge and Basecamp".

Registration: There are limited space available: 6-15 maximum. To participate please register in advance with the North Cascades Basecamp:  info@northcascadesbasecamp.com or call: 509-996-2334. You must be able to manage a 2 mile round trip hike on fairly level terrain.

More information: This event is kindly provided free of charge courtesy of the North Cascades Basecamp: www.northcascadesbasecamp.com

Other Weekend Activities

Saturday and Sunday: Horseback rides provided by Early Winters Outfitting, 18078 Highway 20, Winthrop, WA 98862  http://www.earlywintersoutfitting.com/.  Advance registration is required.

• 90 minute Saturday Afternoon Horseback Ride starting at 3:30 pm. The cost is $40 per person.
• A two-hour Sunday Morning Breakfast Ride is also offered starting at 8:00 am. The cost is $50 per person. Please make any dietary needs known in advance.

Other rides options and times are available by request. Contact Early Winters Outfitting for more information including directions and to register: phone 509-996-2659 or email horse@methow.com

Activities in the Evening:

Saturday: The Methow Conservancy’s Julie Grialou, a conservation biologist, will cover the 2014 “Carlton Complex” Methow Valley fires, the impact on flora and fauna and short- and long-term ecological effects, and how the affected areas are starting to recover ecologically. The talk will be held at the Mazama Community Club at 7:30 pm.

PLACES TO STAY OVER the WEEKEND

Mazama Country inn 

Rustic mountain lodge and resort located at the edge of the Pasayten Wilderness in the town of Mazama. Visit their website to reserve lodging. Mary at the Mazama Country Inn is offering a special rate for the weekend of 2014 prices.

Mazama Ranch House

Located near the town of Mazama on the eastern edge of the North Cascades National Park and adjacent to National Forest, this unique lodge is surrounded by beautiful green fields, snow capped mountains and large ponderosa pines. Visit their website to reserve lodging.

freestone Inn

Located just 15 miles west of Winthrop in Mazama, the Freestone Inn offers a quiet setting and casual atmosphere. Two-night minimum stay required. Mention that you are a Mountaineers member and get 10% off regular lodging rates. Visit their website to reserve lodging.

NORTH CASCADES MOUNTAIN HOSTEL 

Comfortable, friendly budget lodging in the center of Winthrop with a 10% discount for Mountaineers members. Visit their website to reserve a room.

Other Lodging:

Use these websites to find other lodging options in inns, B&B, cabins & houses in and close to Mazama and Winthrop. Some lodging providers require 2-day minimum stay at weekends:

http://winthropwashington.com/

http://www.centralreservations.net/