Take the reins

Photo by Steve Mitchell

Horseback adventures range from day rides to the backcountry

BY SANDRA STRIEBY

From an hour-long trail ride to a week in the backcountry, horseback riding offers a unique way to experience the Methow Valley’s summer landscape.

Stunning scenery, great fishing and wildflower-filled meadows become more accessible on horseback, and the valley’s licensed outfitters and trail guides can lead you to the places that will suit you best, whether you prefer a slow-paced walk in the woods or a rugged journey followed by a few days in the high country.

Blending peace and quiet with adventure, pack trips provide a gateway to the mountainous terrain that beckons from beyond the valley floor. According to the Washington Outfitters and Guides website, “Outfitted services are those in which the outdoor professional furnishes the equipment, livestock, all necessary tackle or gear, and the expertise needed to provide an outstanding recreational experience to those who may engage his or her services in the outdoors.” Local outfitters know the lay of the land and can craft a visit to the backcountry that will suit your tastes and abilities.

Methow Valley outfitters offer several types of trips, including pack trips on which the outfitter prepares meals and escorts visitors on trail rides, fishing excursions, and other day trips. During evenings in camp, guests enjoy starry skies, music around the campfire, and maybe even some cowboy poetry.

On drop trips, outfitters carry in their clients’ gear — and often the clients themselves — and drop them off for a specified period. The visitors are then on their own until the outfitter returns to haul out the gear. Hunt trips are planned especially for hunters, timed to coincide with various seasons.

If a shorter trip is more to your liking, several outfitters offer trail rides and day trips. Even short rides can introduce visitors to a variety of forested and open country. Longer day trips may include a stop for fishing.

For those who prefer to bring their own horses, the Methow Valley offers two horse camps, one 22 miles up the Twisp River and the other at the summit of Loup Loup pass. You can find trail information at www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/ alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5371608. Some of the trails that are closed due to last summer’s fires may reopen during the season. The U.S. Forest Service’s interactive map at www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/ alerts-notices/?aid=30418 will be updated with the latest information.

The outdoors has been a refuge for many during the COVID pandemic, and distancing is built into travel on horseback, making it a great way to explore the natural world in safety. Many restrictions on travel and activity have been lifted in Washington; conditions continue to evolve, so some precautions may be necessary — your outfitter can let you know what to expect.

■ DARWOOD OUTFITTING

Jess Darwood (509) 322-5377 www.darwoodoutfitting.com Pack trips, drop camps, hunting trips

■ EARLY WINTERS OUTFITTING

Aaron Lee and Judy Burkhart (509) 996-2659 www.earlywintersoutfitting.com Pack trips, drop camps, trail and day rides, riding lessons

■ JD OUTFITTERS (SUN MOUNTAIN LODGE)

John and Debbie “Red” Schrock (509) 997-4735 www.sunmountainlodge.com/ sun-mountain/horseback-riding Trail rides, riding lessons

■ SAWTOOTH OUTFITTERS/ WHISTLIN’ PINE RANCH

Brian Varrelman (509) 923-2548 www.altalake.com/sawtoothoutfitters.html Pack trips, drop camps, hunting trips

■ CHEWACK RIVER GUEST RANCH

Don and Chris Lundgren (509) 996-2497 http://chewackranch.com/summer. html Trail rides, cattle drives

■ MORE INFORMATION

• Methow Trails: www. methowtrails.org/ horseback-riding • Methow Valley Back Country

Horsemen: https://mvbch.blogspot.com • Washington Outfitters and Guides

Association: www.woga.org

■ HORSE CAMPS

• Twisp River: www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/okawen/ recarea/?recid=59471 • North Summit: https://mvbch. blogspot.com/p/north-summithorse-camp.html

Four miles south of the historic Beebe Bridge on Highway 97 sits our year-round cozy café/fruit stand/gift shop, housed inside a 100+ year-old apple packing shed. Step inside Lone Pine Fruit & Espresso, relax and enjoy!

Seasonal fruits & vegetables: from Asparagus to Apples, honey, eggs, salsa & more. Northwest Wines, MicroBrews, Local Gifts, Espresso, Ice Cream, Deli Menu, Baked Goods & Homemade Pies. OPEN YEAR ROUND Spring / Summer - 7am-6pm Fall / Winter - 7am-5pm Closed Some Holidays 23041 Hwy 97, Orondo • mile post 230/231 509-682-1514 • www.lonepinefruit.com

UNDER THE METHOW SKY SUMMER SERIES

NEVER COME DOWN, JULY 4TH

WHITNEY MONGE

& BAND

MAY 14, TWISP ART WALK: DJ, MURAL PAINTING, ART EXHIBIT @ METHOW ARTS JUNE 22 - PAINT FOR PRIDE@METHOW ARTS JUNE 23 - WHITNEY MONGE & BAND, BOAT-IN PATTERSON LAKE CONCERT SUMMER SATURDAYS - DROP-IN ARTs

BOAT- IN CONCERT, PATTERSON LAKE JUNE 23 METHOW ARTS FEST, JULY 4TH PIE-EATING AT ARTS FEST, JULY 4TH METHOW ARTS FEST, JULY 4TH, 11:30-4:30PM, TWISP RIVER PARK

THE DUSTY 45s, NEVER COME DOWN, AUSTRIAN-AMAZON-SUPERHERO YODELER-MANUELA HORN, EMCEE DANBERT NOBACON, PIE-EATING CONTEST, BEER GARDEN, FUN! LOCAL FOOD, HULA HOOP CONTEST, STILTWALKERS & ART-MAKING GALORE! TICKETS @ EVENTBRITE.

METHOW ARTS (.ORG) I INFO@METHOWARTSALLIANCE.ORG I 509-997-4004