Four-legged forays

THE METHOW VALLEY IS DEFINITELY DOG-FRIENDLY

BY SHELLEY SMITH JONES

Dogs are called “man’s best friend” for a reason. Charlie Brown once said, “Everyone should have a dog to greet him when he comes home!” A dog is the epitome of a loyal, kind, and unselfish friend — so much so that many dog owners consider the pet a member of the family. Americans adopted millions of dogs during the pandemic to fill the void of the lockdown isolation.

Dog owners, new and longtime, often travel with Luna, Bella, Daisy or Cooper and look for dog-friendly activities that owners and pets can both enjoy. The Methow Valley is welcoming of dogs, offering an array of summer options for well-behaved, non-aggressive canines and their responsible owners.

Methow Trails with its miles of varied trails provides a plethora of hiking and walking opportunities from Mazama to Sun Mountain. Easy in-town trails such as Susie Stephens, Sa-Teekh-Wa, and Fish Hatchery in Winthrop give pup and owner a short mile or two of exercise. For the energetic dog and owner, more difficult and longer trails abound, including Spokane Gulch, Lewis Butte and Buck Mountain (Cub Creek).

T he Methow Trails Summer Trails map indicates which trails are dog-friendly by a “paw” symbol. Dogs are allowed to be off leash on many trails with the caveat that the dog must be “voice controlled.”

At times, a sign will be posted by either Methow Trails, Washington State, or U.S. Forest Service at a trailhead if the dog must be leashed. For example, last summer a popular dog-walking trail, Big

Valley, had a leash requirement to protect a pair of sand cranes who had chosen the area to raise their “colts.” Dog-approved Sun Mountain trails require the dog to be on a leash.

■ NATURAL SETTINGS

Twisp Ponds, a short distance west of town on Twisp River Road, was purchased by Methow Salmon Recovery Foundation in the early 2000s and is open to the public and their dogs. The site is a complex of streams, rearing ponds, meandering trails, public art, and interpretive stations intended to educate v isitors about and to provide support for populations of steelhead t rout, spring Chinook salmon, and Coho salmon. You will see unique pieces of art including Steve Love’s cast aluminum “Twisp” with an explanation of the origin of the name of the town.

Another active recovery site trail that is a part of the Methow Salmon Recovery Foundation restoration project is Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Cottonwood Trail located at the north end of the Old Twisp Highway between Twisp and Winthrop.

Ag ain, numerous interpretive signs make the trek more than a dog walk.

A picnic on the sandy beaches of the Methow River makes for an opportunity to dip toes and paws in the cool water. Just downstream from Winthrop, Homestream Park — dedicated to the rivers and fish of the Methow Valley — also offers a short dog walk on leash with interpretive signs, fascinating sculptures, and picnic area.

The Meadowlark Natural Area on the east side of Winthrop (next to the Sullivan Cemetery) is a protected natural habitat owned by the Methow Conservancy. Its 2.5mile trail system offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is especially spectacular during wildflower season. Dogs are allowed on leash for protection of the wildlife inhabitants and for dog safety during periods when deer can be aggressive.

Most Forest Service trails and campsites allow dogs, but they must be leashed on certain trails and always must be under control. Check signage at trailheads a nd campgrounds for specific restrictions.

Some trails are known to also be occupied by rattlesnakes such as Pipestone Canyon and Cub Creek. Methow Valley Veterinary Hospital hosts a rattlesnake aversion clinic run by Natural Solutions. The program “allows the dog to make the proper association of the danger involved with the rattlesnakes in a n on-threatening or intimidating introduction to the process.”

The Winthrop Trail parkrun is a free timed 5-kilometer run/jog/ walk beginning each Saturday at 9 a.m. The meetup begins at Methow Trails parking lot on Horizon Flat Road. Leashed dogs are welcome to accompany owners for this fun, social event that accommodates any ability level of participants. Information is available at p arkrun.us/winthroptrailhead or by emailing winthroptrailhead@ park.run.com.

■ R EFRESHING ‘PAWS’

For swimming dogs, several lakes around Winthrop are the perfect place for them to cool off and exercise, including Pearrygin Lake (outside the designated swim area), Patterson Lake, Twin Lakes, and Davis Lake. River access at Mack Lloyd Park in Winthrop and Twisp Park offers access to get a drink and get paws wet.

Eating out with the pup gets a whole lot easier in the Methow Valley in the summertime. Numerous restaurants with outdoor seating welcome dogs, usually providing a water bowl and a special t reat. To name a few: In Winthrop, Methow Valley Ciderhouse (front deck), Meza (back patio), East

20 Pizza (decks), Jupiter (deck); in Mazama, Woodstone Pizzeria (courtyard), Mazama Store (courtyard), Mazama Public House (deck a nd courtyard), Jack’s Hut (picnic tables), Sandy Butte Bistro (patio); in Twisp, Twisp River Tap House (patio), La Fonda Lopez (patio), Glover Street Market (outside tables), Cinnamon Twisp (outside tables), OSB Taproom (patio), Fork (picnic tables), Six Knot Saloon (patio), and Lonchera Yucatan (picnic tables).

Leashed dogs are welcome at many annual events in the Methow Valley, including Winthrop’s Methow Valley Rodeo and ’49er Days, and Twisp’s Fourth of July Parade and Methow Valley Community Center Farmer’s Market.

I n every instance where a well-behaved dog accompanies its owners, the owners are also expected to be well-behaved and pick up after their pet. Pet litter stations with doggy-do bags are provided in many places, but always carry your own and dispose of the bag properly.