Methow-Mania: Snow Transforms Trails Snow Transforms Trails

The North Cascades Highway has long attracted visitors who want to drive to the doorstep of Cascade Mountain backcountry, then open that door and walk through it to some of the most magnificent scenery in North America.

The snow that comes each year to this incredible high country means that the North Cascades Highway -- which joins the Methow with the western part of the state -- has to close from November through April. But the good news is that North Central Washington residents still can easily access the Methow Valley and the tiny burg of Mazama.

In winter, this area is ideal for cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing and snowmobiling, Ski trails abound in the Methow, which includes Winthrop, a popular western theme town destination.

Fall and winter are spectacular times to visit Mazama and the Methow Valley -- there is an amazing assortment of trails, vistas, mountains and lakes to choose from. Many of the trails are quite manageable -- for skiers or hikers -- with easy or moderate grades and the same kind of spectacular views you get deep in the backcountry.