Feeling bouyant

Photo by Steve Mitchell

Feeling buoyant?

Our rivers and lakes beckon swimmers, boaters and oaters

BY MARCY STAMPER

On those long, sunny days of summer, there’s nothing like some time in — or on — the water to cool off. The Methow offers water activities for all interests and abilities, from shallow wading areas along the rivers to serene freshwater lakes to thrilling whitewater rapids.

Because the Methow River is free-flowing, conditions change with the season. In early summer, consider a raft trip with experienced guides to safely navigate the whitewater while you take in the scenery. Later in the season, as the river level gets lower — and the water gets warmer — people switch to tubing, where they can enjoy a relaxed float downstream in gentler conditions.

Have your own boat or personal watercraft? Try sailing or jet-skiing on Pearrygin Lake or Alta Lake, where there are state park facilities. Or take a canoe to explore Blackpine Lake, a quiet, high-altitude lake with shimmering blue-green water.

Swimmers and waders will want to check out Pearrygin Lake or Patterson Lake for a refreshing dip or languid float on a raft. For a truly invigorating experience, try one of the many swimming holes on the Methow’s rivers.

Paddleboards are a familiar sight on lakes and rivers. Wind sailing is popular at Patterson Lake when there’s a good breeze.

■ SWIMMING

• Patterson Lake: near Sun Mountain Lodge: swim in a cool freshwater lake surrounded by picturesque hills. Numerous informal beaches along the shore. Access from Patterson Lake Road. • Pearrygin Lake: swim in a large, roped-off area or explore other areas of this spring-fed lake ringed by mountain scenery. Access from East Chewuch Road and Bear Creek Road east of Winthrop. • Blackpine Lake: swim in a crystal-clear, high-mountain lake. Access from West Buttermilk Creek Road (11 miles west of Twisp on Twisp River Road) or Libby Creek Road off Highway 153, 1 mile south of Carlton.

• Confluence of Methow River and Twisp River (Twisp Town Park):

splash and wade through river rocks where two of the Methow’s finest rivers converge. Lots of options for sunbathing. • Carlton swimming hole: a favorite with locals, with a deep pool, sandy beach and some shade. Access across from the Carlton Store on Highway 153. • Alta Lake State Park: clear mountain lake with day-use area with picnic tables and shade trees. Access 2 miles north of Pateros on Highway 153.

• Chewuch Campground swim-

ming hole: a generous pool for splashing and dunking. Access through Chewuch campground, 15 miles north of Winthrop on the West Chewuch Road toward Thirtymile.

■ BOATING • Pearrygin Lake State Park:

Bring your own rowboat, kayak,

canoe, paddleboard or motorboat and explore this lake’s many inlets. Waterskiing and personal-watercraft use also allowed. Two boat ramps, 60 feet of dock. Access from East Chewuch Road and Bear Creek Road east of Winthrop. • Alta Lake State Park: Bring your own rowboat, canoe, sailboard, paddleboard or windsurfing gear. Also popular for motorboats and personal watercraft. Waterskiing welcome, but limited because lake is fairly small. Two boat ramps, 60 feet of dock. Access 2 miles north of Pateros on Highway 153. • Patterson Lake: Launch your boat or paddleboard on this beautiful lake, ringed by eye-catching hills, from the state boat launch on Patterson Lake Road. There is an 8-mph speed limit for motorized boats. • Blackpine Lake: row or paddle on a crystal-clear high-mountain lake. Non-motorized boats only. Gravel boat ramp; two floating docks. Access from West Buttermilk Creek Road (11 miles west of Twisp on Twisp River Road) or Libby Creek Road, 1 mile south of Carlton on Highway 153.

■ RAFT TRIPS AND BOAT RENTALS

Motels and outfitters in the Methow Valley are equipped to take you on guided whitewater rafting trips. They also rent boats, paddleboards and inner tubes so you can explore on your own. • Methow Rafting: leads scenic trips on the Methow River from their Winthrop location. Choose from guided, family-friendly floats on rafts or inflatable kayaks, or guided whitewater raft or kayak trips. They’ll also launch you on a tube trip for a languid float down the river (and pick you up when you’re done). Intermediate and advanced kayakers can book a trip on the whitewater section near Gold Creek. Enjoy swimming, wildlife watching and sightseeing on your river trip. Trips run March through September. Check out their website at www. methowrafting.com or call (509) 866-6775. • Lazy River Tubing: at the AbbyCreek Inn rents tubes and life-jackets for a gentle, beginner-level float down the river. Rent tubes at the inn south of Winthrop, get dropped off at the Winthrop Red Barn, and float back to the inn — a trip of 25 to 45 minutes, depending on the season. Season is typically June to mid-September (depends on river flow), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check details at www.WinthropTubing. com or (509) 996-3153. • The Silverline Resort: on Pearrygin Lake rents peddle boats, paddle boards, kayaks and aqua cycles (big, wheeled tricycles). They also have a small motorized fishing boat for rental. Rental season runs from late April through Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Rentals are first-come, firstserved, but boats can be reserved a day in advance. Check out www. silverlineresort.com or call (509) 996-2448. • Methow Cycle & Sport: in Winthrop rents inflatable stand-up paddleboards and inner tubes for exploring local lakes and floating the rivers. Call (509) 996-3645.

Check the guide to recreation passes on page 30, since many of the lakes and rivers require a pass.

Photo by Steve Mitchell

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