From winter sports in the colder months to golfing and pickleball in the sun, staying at Hotel Rio Vista puts you right in the center of all the best Winthrop, WA has to offer all year round. No matter when you come to visit, there are plenty of things to do in Winthrop for you to enjoy.
Hot tub available by reservation.
With our convenient downtown location in scenic Winthrop, when you stay at Hotel Rio Vista you’ll never be far from something fun to do. In the winter, skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor adventures await in the majestic mountain area. In warmer months, our western-themed streets are a delight to explore between golf games and hiking trips.
Browse our list of recommendations below to make sure you hit all the local favorites.
When the snow falls, our stunning scenic views turn into a true winter playground. Bundle up and head out to explore the Methow Valley’s world-renowned cross-country ski trails, where miles of freshly groomed paths wind through snowy forests and wide-open meadows. If you’re up for a little more thrill, local hills offer great spots for sledding, snowshoeing, and even fat biking across the snow. After a day in the crisp mountain air, there’s nothing better than warming up by a fire with a cup of cocoa back at Hotel Rio Vista.
Come enjoy the largest cross-country ski system in North America. Experience more than 240 km (120 miles) of world class skiing, scenery & trails. Methow Trails offers an extensive trail system which is freshly groomed, peaceful and with uncrowded conditions. Fun for the entire family. Kids 17 & Under and Seniors 75+ Ski, Fat bike and Snowshoe for Free everyday.
Or enjoy the beauty of the valley snowshoeing on the Methow Trails snowshoe- system.
Here are some links to assist you in rentals and planning:
North Cascade Heli offers a true wilderness ski experience in the North Cascade Mountains. You can experience high alpine terrain and deep, dry powder that is difficult to access without a helicopter. Spend a day at the crags exploring rock or ice climbing, or contract with their expert guiding services for backcountry or Heli-ski adventures. Terrain includes big alpine bowls, chutes, ramps, couloirs, glades and treed runs. Nothing else in the Pacific Northwest compares.
Here are some links to assist you in rentals, gear and planning:
Whether you’re an experienced rider looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure or prefer to tour the groomed trails, snowmobile terrain seekers of all skill levels will revel in the endless powder-filled bowls and meadows that define winter in the Methow. Rentals or daytrips can be scheduled through Chewack River Guest Ranch and Snowmobile Winthrop
Just 20 miles east of Twisp, the Loup Loup Ski Bowl offers 1,240 vertical feet with 10 major runs, terrain park, quad chairlift, poma lift, rope tow, and has an additional 23 km of groomed Cross-Country Ski trails and a tubing hill.
Loup Loup now offers the first Luge Sledding area in the Western United States. Luge sledders can ride for more than 12 km of groomed trails on Bear Mountain.
Loup Loup Ski Shop in Twisp offers equipment rentals
Just a two minute walk across the Spring Creek Suspension Bridge is the Winthrop Rink. It is described by NHL Seattle as “Heaven on Ice” and offers open skate, drop-in hockey and figure skating. The open-air rink has magnificent views of Mt Gardner and brings fun for the entire family. It is rapidly becoming Winthrop’s social hub for recreation and family fun.
Experience the thrill of Fat Biking through the incredible scenery at Loup Loup Ski Bowl or on select sections of Methow Trails! Fat Bikes are made with extra-wide tires and low pressure so you float over the snow. Bring your own bike or rent at several local shops. Fat Bikes share some ski trails and also have specific trails just for Fat Bikes. Winter Rentals for Bikes at Methow Cycle & Sport
Grab your gear and head to the most popular sledding hill in Winthrop. This easy, short hill is fun for tots and all ages. Located near the Winthrop Rink at the Town Trailhead. Easy access & Free. Bring your favorite sled, or our local Ace Hardware store sells a variety of inexpensive sleds/toboggans. More sledding options at Loup Loup Ski Bowl
Rides available on select days with Darwood Outfitters. Glide through Downtown Winthrop while viewing the magical surroundings of the valley. Be sure to dress warm!
You can always nurture your divine spirit, enhance your wellness, and take your practice to the next level during your trip to Winthrop. Check out Winthrop Fitness Center’s world-class facility and 24-hour gym.
Outdoor adventures abound as the valley wakes up in the Spring and we head into sunny Summer. Hike through colorful wildflower fields, paddle the Methow River, or cast a line for some of the best trout fishing in the Northwest. These dreamy days are perfect for horseback rides, biking the scenic backroads, or even simply walking out of your hotel room directly into cozy downtown Winthrop to soak up the sunshine without even having to drive anywhere.
Just a two-minute walk across the Spring Creek Suspension Bridge is the Winthrop Rink. The open-air rink has magnificent views of Mt Gardner and brings fun for the entire family. With drop-in programs for pickleball, roller skating, ball hockey, arena soccer and more! It is rapidly becoming Winthrop’s social hub for recreation and family fun.
The Northwest is a beautiful place for hot air ballooning and seeing it as you soar above everything aboard a hot air balloon is an experience like no other. Check out Snohomish Balloon Ride and be sure to visit Winthrop during its Annual Balloon Festival, always the first weekend in March.
Among the many great Washington golf courses, Bear Creek Golf Course should be on your bucket list. Tucked away in the foothills of the beautiful Methow Valley, AAA has dubbed it a “hidden gem.” The beauty of the natural surroundings provides the perfect setting for this challenging 9 hole golf course. Those that chose to play 18 holes are quite impressed with the variety offered by the unique placement of back 9 tees. Other golf courses in our surrounding areas include:
Gamble Sands and
Alta Lake
And don’t forget mini golf available downtown at Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe!
The Methow Valley has some of the darkest skies in Washington state and the entire country and Methow Dark Sky is dedicated to preserving this darkness for future generations, as well as helping you find the best spots in the Methow Valley to view the incredible night sky. Also check out Winthrop, WA Stargazing for more tips!
From day rides to backcountry trips you are sure to find the perfect adventure the entire family can enjoy. Check out Chewack River Stables and
Early Winters Outfitting to plan a trip that suits your needs!
The Methow Valley is home to one of the Pacific Northwest’s most abundantly stocked (and natural) fly fishing sanctuaries. Located below Sun Mountain Lodge, the Methow River flows from the Eastern Slopes of the Cascade Mountains through the foothills of the Methow Valley, presenting gorgeous scenery and unrivaled fly fishing for Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout. Grab your gear and gain local insights at The Outdoorsman in downtown Winthrop. You can also check out North Cascades Fly Fishing and
Department of Fish & Wildlife for guided trips and other useful tips.
Eager to learn more about the tranquil beauty of the Methow Valley? Or maybe you want to experience some of the finest birdwatching in the US. With over 475 different species, Washington State is one of the best bird-watching destinations and the Methow Valley is one of the prime locations in Washington. Find helpful information at North Cascades Institute and Methow Conservancy
The Methow Valley is considered the “Birthplace of Smoke jumping.” Don’t miss the North Cascades Smoke Jumper Base Camp while you are here. The smoke jumpers themselves give daily tours of the museum, planes, and base camp!
The Winthrop National Fish Hatchery is another place to visit in the valley. This recently upgraded facility now has a state of the art spawning building and much more.
The Shafer Museum has over 15,000 visitors a year! That is alot in our neck of the woods. Boasting 13 buildings, old west memorabilia, & farming and mining equipment, this is a must see for the entire family. See the website for details.
Want to experience some of the best biking and hiking? With trails that take you from the valley floor to the mountain tops, from the national forests to state wildlife lands to the North Cascades National Park there is scenery here that cannot be matched! Find great trail information at Methow Trails, Loup Loup Ski Bowl and combine local expertise, rentals and repairs by visiting Methow Cycle & Sport in downtown Winthrop.
Scenic summits define climbing in the Methow Valley. North Cascades Mountain Guides provide beginners with safe, experienced leadership, while Mountaineers with glacier travel expertise have endless opportunities to pour over routes and explore on their own.
Whether you’re looking for a mellow float or exciting whitewater check out Methow Rafting for your river trips, including rafting, kayaking and tubing near Winthrop!
The Methow River near Pateros offers some of the best Washington whitewater rafting but has a fairly short whitewater season. Dropping over 500 feet in 19 miles, there is plenty of whitewater to be paddled on the Methow River. Check out River Recreation to book a trip.
Pearrygin Lake State Park is the perfect escape to enjoy a leisurely lake day, swimming, hiking, biking, and water sports. With 1,186 acres to enjoy, you’ll have to find a way to be bored here. Find watersport rentals at Methow PowerSports, SilverLine Resort and Methow Cycle & Sport
You can always nurture your divine spirit, enhance your wellness, and take your practice to the next level during your trip to Winthrop. Check out Winthrop Fitness Center’s world-class facility and 24-hour gym.
From the annual festivals held every year to seasonal markets and limited engagement art shows, you won’t want to miss out on the cultural offerings we host in Winthrop during your trip. Visit our blog for up-to-date information on local happenings, and plan your foodie adventures at the delicious spots featured on our list of local dining options.
