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Lodging at The Chewuch Inn in
Winthrop, WA - 223 White Avenue, Winthrop WA
98862
The
Chewuch Inn (800/747-3107, 509/996-3107,
www.chewuchinn.com)
is close to downtown Winthrop, WA and within the Methow Valley trail
network, which is among the North Cascade Mountains. The inn is a short
and scenic stroll along the river that is surrounded by the national
forests and wilderness.
There are 11 rooms, with 8 in the main Inn and 3 king rooms in the Rendezvous building. Each room is decorated to reflect the Methow Valley lifestyle. There are also 6 craftsman style cabins that sit in a pine grove on the same property. All of the rooms and cabins have at least one queen or king sized bed with high quality linens, down bedding, coffee service, and hairdryers. Some of the rooms have fireplaces, CD players, TV/VCR, or DVD and small kitchenettes.
The
cabins have kitchenettes, TV/VCR or DVD, queen beds and full bath, hairdryers,
coffee service and full sized propane BBQ on the back deck. Designed
for two or three people, you can choose a country cabin or a romantic
fireplace cabin.
At the main Inn, guests can relax by the stone fireplace or stargaze from the outdoor spa. Complimentary movies, wireless Internet, a computer for use, hot beverages and cookies and one of the most respected full buffet breakfasts in town featuring the famous Chewuch Inn scones served in the great room each morning, During the ski season, the Inn is one block from the main trailhead and iceskating complex and there is complimentary shuttle service to the upper valley trails every other day.
Methow Valley Sport Trails Association (509/996-3287, www.mvsta.com) is in northwest Washington on the eastern slope of the North Cascade Mountains in the towns of Winthrop and Mazama. It is one of the best kept secrets in the xc ski world. It boasts a network of 200 km of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing with many lodges and warming huts along the way. Lessons and rentals are available at various places in the valley and xc ski or snowshoe packages can be put together by your hosts at The Chewuch Inn. They can also arrange sleigh rides, hot air balloon rides or massage appointments.
This region's snow is plentiful and it is dry because the moisture travels from the Pacific Ocean across a hundred miles of mountains to get to Methow. After the snow arrives it is usually followed by crystal blue sky and incredible scenic mountain panoramas. No altitude acclimation is necessary in this xc skiing valley Mecca, that is 40 miles long and laced with ski trails.
The Methow Community Trail is 32 km that connects the areas and the towns of Winthrop and Mazama. Winthrop is a charming town with wooden sidewalks and old western style storefronts containing numerous galleries and shops with names such as the Last Trading Post, Winthrop Emporium, Trail's End Bookstore, Grubstake and Company, and 3 Fingered Jack's Saloon. There's Asian food at the Topo Cafe and the local drinking establishment is the Winthrop Brewing Company. There is Internet access available at Hoonah Net on Riverside Avenue. Purchase or rent gear and outdoor clothing at Winthrop Mountain Sports, also on the main street in town.
Transportation in the Methow Valley is available via the Mountain Transporter Shuttle Service.
Besides building and maintaining the trail system, the Methow Valley Sport Trails Assoc. (click for more info about MVSTA) sponsors ski races, clinics and fun events for the whole family. MVSTA is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and promoting environmentally sound non-motorized recreation year-round on and near the trails of the Methow Valley. In the summer, the Methow Valley is a mountain bikers' and hikers' mecca.
Directions to The Chewuch Inn from Seattle is north then take Highway 2 and Stevens Pass or go west via I-90 and Snoqualmie Pass. The North Cascades scenic highway 20 is open from mid April until October. CCSAA member