Jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and meadows. Glacier-carved valleys, mountain streams and subalpine forests. Sound lovely? If you are looking the best way to spend 4 days in inspiring wilderness getting to know the most dramatic topography in Washington State, this tour is for you. We take in spectacular vistas and keep our feet moving, exploring the various facets of this wild and remote range of mountains!
Join us in the winter wonderland of the North Cascades for 4 days of fun adventures! Winter in Washington’s National Parks is a unique experience – an opportunity to explore terrain that wouldn’t be accessible without snowpack. We’ve combined the best of the Methow Valley’s stunning vistas, outdoor recreation, and local flavor for a balanced mix of activities to suit any spirited adventurer! You’ll meet your Evergreen Escapes guide in Seattle and make your way northeast to Mazama, Washington. For three days, try a new sport you’ve always been curious about learning, or hone your skills with some of your favorites! Get up close and personal with the flora and fauna of these snowy Cascades on a snowshoe hike with your naturalist guide, or warm up by a bonfire with local beers after a satisfying day on the trails.
We have designed this tour for people who are interested in exploring a lesser known part of the Pacific Northwest and trying new activities along the way. Your expert guide will tailor the experiences each day to strike the right balance of exploration and relaxation. There is a little something for everyone from cross country skiing to fat biking and snowshoeing, as well as delicious local meals, wine, and beer tastings so that all your senses feel refreshed after this 4-day experience.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Seattle, Leavenworth, Mazama
We’re heading directly east from Seattle on the first day of our winter wonderland adventure! Cutting east along one of our most scenic highways, Highway 2, we’ll encounter our first craggy Cascade terrain, driving alongside icy rivers and through narrow passes. Our first destination is the quaint town of Leavenworth, where Bavaria found its home in the west. Washingtonians escape to this town year-round for its abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. We’ll enjoy a lunch of local fare before embarking on a horse-drawn sleigh ride. In the afternoon, we’re continuing north to our home base for the next three days: the small town of Mazama tucked on the eastern slopes of the North Cascades. Arrive at The Inn at Mazama and kick off your adventure with a wine tasting featuring local vintages from Central Washington’s first-class vineyards. Settle into your accommodation for the next three nights before enjoying a group dinner in The Inn’s dining room.
DAY 2: Cross-Country Skiing in the Methow Valley
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast of local pastries and homemade granola this morning before a big day of cross-country skiing. The Methow Valley is home to the most extensive, groomed, cross-country trail system in the U.S. – over 120 miles of trails! Get fitted for equipment and receive an optional lesson from local guides before heading out on some of the world’s best and quite unknown cross-country terrain. Experience the eastern slopes and valleys of the North Cascades from a different vantage point. A picnic lunch and plenty of hot cocoa will be provided at a warming station before getting back out on the trails in the afternoon. Head back to The Inn, relax, and cozy up by the fire before enjoying another Inn dinner alongside your group.
DAY 3: Choose Your Own Adventure
This morning you’ll be setting out with your Evergreen Escapes guide for a guided snowshoe hike. Discover some of the puzzle pieces that compose this incredible Cascadian wilderness. We’re packing lunches to enjoy in the National Park to keep us going for as long as we’d like to explore, and we’ll return to The Inn in the early afternoon to warm-up and rest before our next adventure.
This evening, we’ll set out toward Pearrygin Lake State Park where our skilled mountain biking guide and fat bikes await us. Depart on a scenic bike ride in the snowy woodlands while watching the sunset over the North Cascades. We’re completing this ride with an outdoor (and out-of-the-box) feast of brats* and local craft beers while enjoying a warming bonfire and great company back at The Inn.
If you’re planning to go backcountry skiing today, Evergreen Escapes will facilitate the meet up with your expert guide for an awesome day exploring North Cascades terrain, including all the necessary safety training. Meet up with your group at The Inn after a full day in the backcountry!
*vegetarian options provided
DAY 4: Optional Snowshoeing, Lunch, Return to Seattle
This morning will be our last in the Methow Valley. If you’re an early bird, take advantage of a final opportunity to go snowshoeing in this glorious winter landscape or sleep in and enjoy a casual breakfast before packing up. Hit the road with your guide, stopping for lunch along the way, capturing those final moments coasting through the mountain passes and valleys before you arrive back in Seattle.
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