It’s been a very active travel week for me! Not sure where to begin, but I will start with a trip to the North Cascades, Washington and the enchanting Methow Valley. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, the enchanting Methow Valley is definitely the place to visit for activities such as river rafting, horse-back riding, hiking, biking, and, in the wintertime, nordic skiing. And, because it’s located east of the Cascade Mountains, the area receives plenty of sunshine along with very warm temperatures in the summer and snow in the winter. The Methow Valley is also the state’s equivalent of the Old West. Stop by the quaint town of Winthrop and walk along the town’s storefronts’ wooden boardwalk and peruse the many boutiques, eateries, and lodges, all with an “old western” look and feel. Here’s a few pics of the main street area.
So, how does one get to this land of enchantment? You can access the area directly via Hwy 20, which is another story I will present in the near future. The other route is via Hwy 153, which winds along the scenic Methow River Valley, accessed via Hwy 20 or Hwy 97a. Highway 97a follows along the Columbia River and also runs through the beautiful Lake Chelan area, home of many wineries and fruit orchards. If one has the time, a scenic cruise on the Lady of the Lake tour boat is a must! Whichever way one takes, all of it is beautiful!
Photos by Peggy A Thompson
northwestphotos 
It certainly does have an old west sensibility to the place.
Yes, it does! The town also holds special festivals celebrating the Old West culture.
Love the photos series, I did not realize that existed here in Washington.
Thank you, Charlie! There are lots of nooks and crannies in our great state that are begging to be found!