National Trails Day, June 2

This Saturday is National Trails Day.  Sun Mountain Lodge is partnering with The Mountaineers, the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association and the Wilderness Society to host a full day of activities to celebrate this nationally recognized event.  There will be 2 full day hike options plus 2 half day hike options.  The hikes are guided and are free.  The Cowboy Camp Dinner will be available for your evening enjoyment at a cost of $47 per person plus gratuity and tax.  At 8PM locally renowned outdoor enthusiast Don Portman will be giving a slide presentation on day hikes in the North Cascades.  For more information contact the Sun Mountain Lodge Activities Shop at 509 996 4735. 

Let 'em Buck

This weekend is the 41st annual Methow Valley Memorial Day Rodeo featuring family fun for all you cowboys and cowgirls.  Always one of the highlights of the spring here in Winthrop.  Rodeo participants will be competing for $7,500 in prize money in events such as Ranch Saddle Bronc, Barrels, Bulls, Saddle Bronc, Junior Rodeo Events and Mutton Bustin'.  Showtime is 1 PM on Saturday and Sunday May 26 & 27.  Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids 7-12 years old and free for those 6 and under.  The Rodeo Grounds are located on Twin Lakes Road, just down the hill from Sun Mountain Lodge.  So come on over and enjoy the fun.

More Running in the Methow

Another great running event in the Methow Valley this weekend:  The Mazama 10K and 5K Fun Run.  It starts at 9am on Saturday, May 26 at the Mazama Community Center.  For more info click here:  http://www.mvsta.com/maz10k.html

Memorial Day Weekend

The forecast is calling for nice weather this Memorial Day Weekend at Sun Mountain Lodge:  sunny with highs in the upper 60's.  Come on over and enjoy the beautiful wildflowers, the great hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking.  The fish are biting in Patterson Lake.  The Spa has some great spring specials.  And the Four Diamond Award winning Dining Room will be serving delicious dinners Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.  Saturday is nearly sold out at the Lodge, so call ASAP.  800 572 0493.  See you out on the trails.

Runners Gone Wild

This past weekend over 330 runners took part in the Sun Mountain Trail Races.  With events spanning 50 miles, 50K and 25K, that's a lot of running!  Great weather, beautiful wildflowers, and a well run event made for a wonderful weekend.  Congratulations to race organizer James Varner and his crew.

Lots Happening this Weekend

There is a lot going on in the Methow Valley this weekend.  Sun Mountain is hosting a series of trail running races for the long distance crowd.  50 mile, 50K, 25K and 1K (for kids) courses will be available.  The Merc Playhouse in Twisp is presenting a play titled "I Hate Hamlet".  Lots of music as well:  Jazz at Tappi, Bluegrass at The Old Schoolhouse Brewery plus The Pipestone Orchestra and Chamber  Music Concert at the Methow Valley Community Center.  The weekly Farmers Market in Twisp and the annual Migratory Bird Count.  Lots to see and do, so come on over.

Wildflower Season

It is now prime wildflower season in the Methow Valley.  The arrowleaf balsamroot (what most people call sunflowers) are at their peak.  The purple hued lupine are starting to bloom.  The white, fragrant blossoms of the serviceberry are arrayed across the valley.  The dainty yellow desert parsley and magenta shooting stars are out as well.  So come on over and have a look.

Mother's Day Brunch

This Sunday, May 13, Sun Mountain Lodge will be serving its annual Mother's Day Brunch from 9am to 2pm.  The menu features Eggs Benedict, Imported Cheeses, Seared Salmon, Prime Rib, an Omelet Station, Assorted Fresh Spring Salads, Bananas Foster, Cherries Jubilee and more.  Price is $29 for adults and $12.95 for children 12 and under.  For more information or to make reservatons, please call the Dining Room at 509 996 4707.

It's Official

It's official:  the North Cascade Highway will open at noon on Thursday.  yippee!  The weather should be beautiful this weekend.  The forecast calls for 74 degrees and sunny on Saturday at Sun Mountain Lodge.  Enjoy the drive!

North Cascade Highway is Opening!

We hope!!! that the North Cascade Highway (Highway 20) will open mid-afternoon this Thursday May 10th.  But double check with WSDOT before you drive over!  Look forward to seeing you this weekend.  It's the 49ers Day Celebration in Winthrop.  The Sunflower Relay and Marathon is being run from Mazama to Twisp.  The Farmer's Market is happening in Twisp.  And there is a super fine Mother's Day Brunch being served at Sun Mountain Lodge.  So come over and enjoy the beautiful views at the Pass and the pretty wildflowers down here in the valley.