Coming off of our recent article on Lake Chelan, we wanted to cover the cozy little Northern Washington town of Winthrop. As stated in that article, the town of Winthrop is not far from the monumental lake. Among its many offerings are accommodations for travelers visiting the lake, its rustic western frontier town aesthetic, and access to some of the best outdoor activities in the region. Whether you’re looking for a place to stay while scoping out the lake, or just leaving the Tri-Cities for a change of pace weekend vacation, Winthrop is well worth your consideration.
History
As with many of the towns that make up modern-day Washington, the area known today as Winthrop was originally inhabited by Native Salish peoples. They lived along the Methow, Twisp, and Chewuch rivers, fishing from Lake Chelan, and hunting throughout the region. Trappers began moving into the area in the 1800’s, and eventually a source of gold was discovered nearby. This brought much attention to the growing town, and with it came permanent settlers, each looking to strike gold in one the numerous mines opening nearby.
Current Era
In 1972, the town of Winthrop underwent several changes. First, State Highway 20 was completed through the North Cascade Mountains. This simultaneously linked the east and west sides of the state much further north than any existing roads had and made the town much more accessible to travelers who would bring business with them to the little burg. Second, the townspeople agreed to give the town a theme, based on the success of nearby Leavenworth that had modeled itself after a Bavarian village. Winthrop became a frontier town inspired by the image of the American Old West. This image has made the town a popular tourist destination in the modern day, similar to its Bavarian cousin.
If you’ve made plans to visit Winthrop, be sure to stop at Three Fingered Jack’s Saloon on the corner of Riverside Ave and Bridge Street. This classic western-style saloon has been remodeled with some modern comforts and sensibilities but boasts the title of the oldest legal (registered) saloon in Washington State. Have a little slice of history with your slice of marionberry pie! It’s an excellent combo!
The Great Outdoors
If you have time to take in some of the great outdoor activities that bring travelers to Winthrop, you’ll have a hard time narrowing down what you want to do! There are countless options! If you make it there before winter’s end, you might be able to enjoy some of the cross-country skiing that has made the town a popular hub for the sport. With over 100 miles of groomed trails nearby, it’s plain to see why the town attracts outdoorsmen (and women) from all throughout the country. If you’re visiting in the summer, these trails would make excellent hikes! Just be sure to pack extra water with you, as you might never want to come back once you’re engulfed in the beauty of the North Cascades.
