Winthrop Getaway: Fall hiking in the North Cascades

Overview

This will be a great fall getaway to Winthrop with comfortable accommodations, great food and, of course, an amazing hike through the cascades to hopefully see the Larches as they turn golden yellow. Pack your hiking clothes and boots and I will take of the rest.  Of course I cannot control mother nature, but this hike will be beautiful even if they are not in their full glory.

This trail is a 7.2 mile loop through Maple Pass with a 2000 feet elevation gain. There will be plenty of stops for photos and snacks if needed. 

There will be plenty of healthy food prepared for you during this weekend getaway.  Just rest and relax after the hike and enjoy the indoor pool or hot tub at the neighboring Inn. 

For an extra hike, there is Lookout Mountain which is just 3.4 mile out and back hike with 1158 feet elevation gain and views of the entire Methow Valley. This hike is only 15 min from the accommodations so could be an early morning hike on Sunday.

Trip Outline

9/23/22 1 pm

Leave Issaquah Highlands Park and Ride, off to Winthrop.

Enjoy some amazing scenery on the way, while riding in a comfortable 12 passenger van with snacks and water provided.

Relax, get comfy while dinner will be prepared for you.

9/24/22 7:00 am

Up early for breakfast, hit the road to Maple Pass Loop trail. Sack lunch will be provided. The subalpine Larch, a conifer that displays bright yellow foliage in the fall. It is hard to predict when it will be in full glory, but even if not, the lake, trail and mountain are beautiful in their own right.

After a long hike and amazing views, will head back to the house for some down time while a healthy dinner will be prepared. You can relax, jump in the pool at the adjacent Inn, or rest your sore muscles in the hot tub.

9/25/22 6:00 am

For those early risers, there is a great local hike to Lookout mountain for 3.4 mile round trip hike with an 1100 feet elevation gain. This is an optional hike and those that rather sleep in, are free to do so.

If you are willing to get up early, you will be rewarded with outstanding views of Methow Valley. After the hike we will head back to the house for a grand brunch right before we head home. 

Planned arrival to the park and ride would be roughly 3 pm, with some wiggle room for food/beverage stop on the way.