Tucked away in the North Cascades Scenic Byway in the northern portion of Methow Valley, this charming town takes you back to the Old West with its rustic cabins and wooden boardwalks.
Winthrop boasts the country’s biggest cross-skiing location, offering about 120 miles’ worth of trails in addition to an alpine ski area and an acclaimed outdoor ice rink.
But this town is more than just a vacation destination – it’s a place to call home, with good schools, exciting work opportunities, and plenty of housing options.
History of Winthrop, WA
Named for Theodore Winthrop, a renowned explorer, and writer, the town was founded in 1883 by a group of white settlers including Ben Pearrygin, James Ramsey, and Guy Waring.
The town was destroyed by a fire in 1893 and was rebuilt. Waring’s Duck Brand Saloon survived the fire and currently serves as the town hall.
In 1972, as State Highway 20 over North Cascades neared completion, business owners thought of ways to engage travelers passing through Winthrop. Otto and Kathryn Wagner proposed the idea of a western restoration, with the couple and several merchants pooling their funds to make it happen.
Winthrop Real Estate
Home prices increased by 4.1% from 2013 to 2018, making Winthrop real estate a wonderful investment. Home appreciation since 2008 is 7.07%.
Buyers can choose from an excellent selection of single-family homes with 2 to 4 bedrooms. There’s a good mix of older homes and new construction homes in the market.
Common features include pine ceilings, maple cabinetry, laminate wood flooring, propane fireplaces, and energy efficient blinds.
Vacant land is also available. The most coveted parcels of land are populated with deciduous trees and evergreens. Lots fronting the river are also in high demand.
Residents can send their children to the following schools:
- Little Star Montessori School
- Alternative Educational Experience
- Liberty Bell Jr. Senior High School
Lifestyle in Winthrop, WA
- Methow Valley
This winter wonderland brings you over 124 miles of interconnected trails in the midst of forested lands. It is ideal for both amateur and experienced skiers. Visitors aged 17 and under can ski for free. - Loup Loup Ski Bowl
This attraction offers 14 miles of Nordic trails that can be found across the parking lot of the alpine ski area. Located just outside of town, the Loup Loup Ski Bowl features a vast and variable terrain that skiers of all skill levels will appreciate. - Winthrop Ice and Sports Rink
The rink allows for daytime and evening skating and pick-up hockey. With affordable rentals and passes, this outdoor attraction is highly accessible. Spectators can watch the goings-on from an indoor viewing room. - National Fish Hatchery
Just half a mile outside of town you’ll find the National Fish Hatchery, which is filled with steelhead, coho salmon, and spring chinook. Guests will also find beavers on the site, courtesy of the hatchery’s beaver relocation project. - Shafer Museum
This western museum features historic buildings and stations where guests can enjoy various activities such as making hand-dipped candles. - Downtown Winthrop
Here you’ll find several businesses including a crowd favorite that sells candy, ice cream, and pastries.
Looking for Winthrop homes for sale? Coldwell Banker Winthrop Realty would be glad to assist you. Call 509-996-2121 or send an email to info(at)cbwinthrop(dotted)com.
Winthrop Homes for Sale
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