1889 Feb | March 2018

FOR THE
INDOORSMAN
For some, winter is
best experienced from
a fireplace-warmed
room with a view. These
destination lodges fit
the bill.
SLEEPING LADY
Gorgeous cabins set
amid the scenic Icicle
Valley near Leavenworth
deliver comfort and
elegance. The upscale
Kingfisher Restaurant
has a big wine list to
go with organic meals;
you’ll find casual bites
at O’Grady’s and The
Grotto. Don’t miss the
luxe spa.
[sleepinglady.com]
SUN MOUNTAIN
LODGE
The Methow Valley’s
premier home base for
Nordic skiers also is a
fine place to hunker
down. One of the best
wine lists in the Pacific
Northwest pairs with
elegant offerings in
the dining room; more
casual fare is available at
Wolf Creek Bar and Grill.
Full onsite spa.
[sunmountainlodge.com]
CHRYSALIS INN
AND SPA
Gaze out at Bellingham
Bay at sunset from your
cozy room and dine at
smart-casual Keenan’s at
the Pier. Full onsite spa.
[thechrysalisinn.com]
KALALOCH
LODGE
Unplug (there’s no cell
service, TV or internet)
and gaze at the ocean
from one of the most
beautiful spots anywhere
on the Washington
Coast. Private cabins or
lodge rooms are perched
feet from the stormy
seas.
[thekalalochlodge.com]
Donni
Reddington
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP North Cascade Heli offers trips into the backcountry. Winthrop Rink has great ice quality even in warm
temperatures. Don’t let snow stop you from hitting the trails—grab a fat bike and get going.
METHOW VALLEY
A SNOWY, ICY WONDERLAND
You can spend days exploring all the
trails in the nation’s largest Nordic
network in this scenic valley on the
east slope of the North Cascades. For
backcountry skiers, the big mountains
nearby can be accessed by helicopter
for endless powder turns; cyclists can
play in the snow on fat bikes. Ice-skating,
anyone? You’ll find a fantastic, NHLsized
rink in Winthrop.
YOUR ADVENTURE TOOLS: Nordic skis,
backcountry skis or snowboard, fat bike, ice
skates
Nordic skiing: You won’t find a better place
for Nordic skiing in the Pacific Northwest. The
valley has 120 miles of trails, from the flat and
open skiing near Mazama to the rollicking
Rendezvous Trails that reach an elevation of
4,000 feet and have an extensive overnight
hut system. “You’re getting the very best of
everything when you come here,” said Kristen
Smith of Mazama Trails. “We have the best
snow and the most varied terrain.”
Dave Acheson
Fat biking: It turns out all of those Nordic
trails are great for cycling, too. The fastgrowing
sport of fat biking is right at home
in Winthrop, and rentals are available at four
locations in the valley. The sport has proven
so popular that 35 miles of more aggressive
riding have been added to Pearrygin Lake
State Park, Smith said. Methow Cycle &
Sport rents the bikes and accessories.
Backcountry skiing: If you’ve ever
thought about flying to the top of a
mountain, this might be place to do it.
Guided adventures are offered by North
Cascade Heli. The North Cascades Highway
(SR 20) is closed during the winter just past
Mazama, but intrepid skiers and snowshoers
can also access the backcountry at the end
of the road.
Ice skating: Hockey fans, hold onto your
toques—Winthrop Rink is one of the best
outdoor, NHL-sized facilities in the United
States. The fully refrigerated rink has great
ice quality even in warm temperatures. “It’s
amazing to skate outdoors here with our
beautiful views,” Smith said.
[winthropwashington.com]