A valley worth the drive
Granite peaks, clear rivers, golden larches, wildflower hills and small western towns. Here is a look at the place you could be saying "I do."
Washington Pass and Liberty Bell Mountain. Photo: Anthony Maw via Wikimedia Commons (opens in new tab), CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in new tab)
Mountains on one side, sunshine on the other
The Methow Valley sits on the dry, sunny east side of the North Cascades in north-central Washington. From Mazama at the top, it runs through Winthrop and Twisp to Carlton, Methow and Pateros, where the river meets the Columbia. Big wilderness lies on both sides, with the Pasayten to the north and the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth to the southwest.
Where the valley begins
The Methow starts high in the North Cascades, where granite spires stand over the North Cascades Highway and the valley floor opens out below Mazama.
Liberty Bell & Early Winters Spires
Liberty Bell Mountain and the Early Winters Spires rise right above the highway near Washington Pass, still holding snow in this April view.
Photo: U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region via Wikimedia Commons (opens in new tab), Public domain
Goat Wall, above Mazama
Goat Wall towers over Mazama at the head of the valley. This view looks out over the Methow from Prime Rib, a long multi-pitch climbing route on the wall.
Photo: Sunshinedaydreams via Wikimedia Commons (opens in new tab), CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in new tab)
Mazama meadows
A tall-grass meadow at Mazama, the small community at the upper end of the valley, ringed by forest and rocky ridges.
Photo: Jsayre64 via Wikimedia Commons (opens in new tab), CC BY-SA 3.0 (opens in new tab)
The Pasayten Wilderness
North of the valley, the Pasayten Wilderness runs to the Canadian border: more than half a million acres of peaks, lakes and meadows.
Photo: U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region via Wikimedia Commons (opens in new tab), Public domain
The Sawtooth high country
Looking northwest from near Hoodoo Peak in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness, the rugged range between the Methow and Lake Chelan.
Photo: brewbooks from near Seattle, USA via Wikimedia Commons (opens in new tab), CC BY-SA 2.0 (opens in new tab)
Rivers that shape everything
The Methow River runs the length of the valley, joined by the Chewuch at Winthrop and the Twisp at Twisp, before meeting the Columbia at Pateros. Plenty of venues sit close to the water.
The Chewuch River
Seen from the footbridge at Sateekth Park in Winthrop, the Chewuch runs clear and quick just before it joins the Methow in town.
Photo: Joe Mabel via Wikimedia Commons (opens in new tab), CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in new tab)
A bend in the river
The Methow curves through sage hills and pine forest between Winthrop and Twisp.
Photo: Dana Hutchinson via Wikimedia Commons (opens in new tab), CC BY 3.0 (opens in new tab)
Neighbors at the river
A mule deer fawn wades the Methow at low water, just downstream of Winthrop's Spring Creek Bridge. Deer are a common sight all over the valley.
Photo: Joe Mabel via Wikimedia Commons (opens in new tab), CC BY-SA 3.0 (opens in new tab)
Sunset near Pateros
Near Pateros, where the Methow meets the Columbia, the evening sky lights up the river.
Photo: Thayne Tuason via Wikimedia Commons (opens in new tab), CC BY 4.0 (opens in new tab)
Gold, green and snow
Spring paints the hillsides yellow, fall turns the high country gold, and winter brings deep, quiet snow. Every season has its own look.
Spring balsamroot
Arrowleaf balsamroot blooms in late spring along the Methow Community Trail near Winthrop, with ranch buildings and green hills beyond.
Photo: Hansueli Krapf via Wikimedia Commons (opens in new tab), CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in new tab)
Gold against granite
Larches glow on the slopes near Cutthroat Pass on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Photo: Jeffhollett via Wikimedia Commons (opens in new tab), CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in new tab)
Winter high country
Snowy forest and mountain views on a February ski tour of Fawn Peak in the upper Methow.
Photo: Buidhe via Wikimedia Commons (opens in new tab), CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in new tab)
Snow on the lower valley
The little town of Methow, in the lower valley, under a winter snowfall.
Photo: Johannes Cater (Jaretac) via Wikimedia Commons (opens in new tab), Public domain
Starry skies
With small towns and very little light pollution, clear nights here bring big, starry skies, perfect for a late send-off or a fire-pit after-party (when fire rules allow).
Ski from town to town
In winter, Methow Trails grooms more than 200 kilometers of cross-country ski trails linking Mazama, Winthrop and Sun Mountain. It bills itself as North America's largest cross-country ski area.
Orchards & cherries
Toward Pateros and the Columbia, the valley turns to orchard country. In season, Twisp River Catering puts Lapin cherries on the menu.
Small towns, big welcome
Guests can stroll Winthrop's boardwalks, poke around Twisp, cool off at a lake and catch a rodeo, all within a short drive of each other.
Winthrop's western storefronts
False-front buildings and wooden boardwalks along Riverside Avenue give Winthrop its Old West look.
Photo: Joe Mabel via Wikimedia Commons (opens in new tab), CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in new tab)
Along the boardwalk
Covered boardwalks make it easy for guests to stroll between shops and restaurants.
Photo: Hansueli Krapf via Wikimedia Commons (opens in new tab), CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in new tab)
Twisp River Road
Pastures and farmland in the morning light along Twisp River Road, just outside the town of Twisp.
Photo: Guywelch2000 via Wikimedia Commons (opens in new tab), CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in new tab)
Pearrygin Lake
Pearrygin Lake State Park, a couple of miles outside Winthrop, is a summer favorite for swimming and paddling.
Photo: Joe Mabel via Wikimedia Commons (opens in new tab), CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in new tab)
Rodeo weekends
Barrel racing at the Methow Valley Rodeo in Winthrop, a valley tradition.
Photo: Guywelch2000 via Wikimedia Commons (opens in new tab), CC0 (opens in new tab)
Balloons over Winthrop
Hot-air balloons rise at dawn over a snow-dusted Winthrop during the annual Winthrop Balloon Roundup.
Photo: Guywelch2000 via Wikimedia Commons (opens in new tab), CC0 (opens in new tab)
Choosing your Methow season
Most Methow weddings happen from late May through early October, but every season works with the right venue and plan.
Spring
Green hills, balsamroot and lupine, long days and cool nights. The North Cascades Highway usually reopens in spring, but the date changes every year.
Summer
Warm, dry and reliably sunny, with river and lake time for guests. Plan shade, water and a wildfire-smoke backup.
Fall
Crisp evenings, golden cottonwoods in the valley and larches up high. Early fall is a favorite for photos.
Winter
Snowy, quiet and cozy, with lodge and barn venues, ski trails and fireside dinners. Guests drive in from the south or east while SR 20 is closed.
What makes a Methow wedding special
- A whole weekend, not just a day. Guests stay a few nights, so there is time for a welcome barbecue, a river float or a trail ride before the big day.
- Scenery everywhere you look. Mountain spires, rivers, golden hills and ranch land make every photo spot feel different.
- Small, close-knit vendors. Local caterers, florists and photographers who know the venues and the weather.
- Something for every guest. Biking, hiking, swimming, skiing, Winthrop's main street and Twisp's galleries and cafés.
- Within reach of Seattle. About four hours to Winthrop on the North Cascades Highway when it is open, and about three from Spokane.
- Four real seasons. Wildflowers, summer sun, fall gold or winter snow: pick the look you love.
Picture your wedding here?
Tell us your season, guest count and the feel you are after. We will suggest venues and dates that show off the valley at its best.
Photos on this page come from photographers who share their work on Wikimedia Commons, plus public-domain U.S. Forest Service images. Full details: photo credits.