Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
North Cascades Visitors Center
(502 Newhalem St, Newhalem; 9am-4:30pm mid-
Apr-Oct, closed Mon-Fri Nov-Mar)
An essential orientation point for visitors, even for those
just sticking to Hwy 20 and not strictly entering the park itself. A walk-through exhibit
mixes informative placards about the park's different ecosystems with nature videos. Ex-
pert rangers will enlighten you on everything from melting glaciers to the fickleness of
the weather. Various short trails track the Skagit River and Newhalem Creek, the longest
of which is the 1.8-mile River Loop Trail. Park rangers give interpretive talks in the vi-
cinity in summer.
Wilderness Information Center
(7280 Ranger Station Rd, Marblemount;
7am-6pm Sun-
Thu, to 8pm Fri & Sat May-Oct)
Pick up backcountry permits here.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Methow Valley
After the white-knuckle drive across the North Cascades, the mellower Methow Valley,
situated immediately to the east, offers a more tranquil and less terrifying antidote. Bu-
colic, surprisingly sunny and pleasantly isolated in winter when Hwy 20 shuts down due
to snow blockage, this is where the sporty and the savvy come to hot-air balloon, horse-
back ride and mountain bike. Winter is, arguably, an even better time to visit. Resisting
the economic lure of big-name ski resorts, the local nonprofit Methow Valley Sport
Trails Association has pieced together the second-largest network of cross-country skiing
trails in North America.
The US Forest Service maintains the
Methow Valley Visitors Center
(24 West Chewuch
Rd;
8am-5pm May-Oct)
on Hwy 20 at the western end of Winthrop.
Mazama
The first settlement to the east of the North Cascades wilderness is little more than a pin-
prick on the map - albeit a very pleasant one - with broad mountain-backed vistas and a
couple of excellent places to stay. Tiny Mazama (the name means 'mountain goat' in
Spanish) marks the gateway to the Methow Valley (heading east) and the North Cascades
(heading west).
Activities
Mazama marks the western extent of the Methow Community Trail and has plenty of
cross-country skiing trails. In summer the same trails become routes for hikers, mountain
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