Katie & Ari
Katie & Ari
What is there to do in Mazama, Washington?
We chose to get married in Mazama because it holds many special outdoor memories for us and our friends! Mazama is truly unique to Washington; it enjoys 300+ days of sunshine, is at the base of North Cascades National Park, retains a close knit mountain community, and is the gateway to year round world class outdoor recreation. There are numerous activities to do both on and off the Wilson Ranch Property where the Freestone Inn (the venue) is located. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask Katie or Ari.
Wilson Ranch (where the venue, the Freestone Inn, is located)
If you're staying at the Freestone Inn, or one of the neighboring cabins on the Wilson Ranch property, there's plenty to do right on site!
Swimming & Stand-Up Paddleboarding,
The Freestone Inn operates a seasonal pool that is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day located behind Jack’s Hut. Our lake is man made, maintained on a regular basis to keep it ecologically healthy. Swimmers delight in its use in the warmer months. Floats, non-motorized boats, paddle boards are all ok to use on it.
Fly-Fishing
The lake welcomes fly fishers, catch and release, no barb.
Walking & Biking
The Wilson Ranch property combines the valley's natural beauty with well-maintained trails. Here's what you should know about biking on this property:
Wilson Ranch Trail System
Access: The Wilson Ranch trails are part of the broader Methow Trails network
Trail Type: Mix of singletrack and double-track trails through forests and meadows
Terrain: Generally intermediate difficulty with some beginner-friendly sections
Scenery: Beautiful views of surrounding mountains, meadows, and the Methow River
Connectivity: Links to the broader Methow Valley trail system
Exploring North Cascades National Park from Mazama
Mazama serves as an excellent gateway to the eastern side of North Cascades National Park. Here's what you can do when visiting the park from Mazama:
Day Hikes
Accessible from Washington Pass (30 min drive from Mazama):
Blue Lake Trail (4.4 miles RT): Stunning alpine lake surrounded by jagged peaks
Maple Pass Loop (7.2 miles): One of the most spectacular day hikes with incredible 360° views
Easy Pass Trail (7 miles RT): Challenging but rewarding hike to a scenic mountain pass
Washington Pass Overlook (0.5 mile): Easy paved trail with dramatic mountain views
Rainy Pass Area (35 min drive):
Rainy Lake Trail (2 miles RT): Accessible, paved trail to a beautiful mountain lake
Lake Ann Trail (3.4 miles RT): Moderate hike to a serene subalpine lake
Heather-Maple Pass Loop (7.2 miles): Stunning views of Corteo Peak and Black Peak
Backpacking
Pacific Crest Trail: Access points near Rainy Pass and Hart's Pass
North Fork Cascade River (permit required): Multi-day wilderness experience
Copper Ridge Loop (34 miles): Challenging but incredibly scenic multi-day trek
Scenic Drives
North Cascades Highway (Highway 20): One of America's most spectacular mountain roads
Hart's Pass Road: Highest drivable road in Washington with incredible views
Wildlife Viewing
Look for mountain goats, black bears, marmots, and numerous bird species
Dawn and dusk offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities
Bring binoculars for distant wildlife spotting
Photography
Washington Pass provides iconic shots of Liberty Bell Mountain
Early morning light at Picture Lake with Mount Shuksan reflections
Numerous wildflower meadows in July and August
Mountain Biking in the Methow Valley
(AI Summary) The Methow Valley offers some of the best mountain biking in Washington state with diverse terrain from flowy singletrack to technical descents. Here's what you should know about mountain biking in the area:
Popular Trail Systems
Sun Mountain Trail System - Over 40 miles of trails ranging from beginner to advanced, with fantastic views of the valley
Buck Mountain - Technical singletrack with challenging climbs and rewarding descents
Rendezvous Basin - Higher elevation trails with spectacular alpine scenery
Pipestone Canyon - Open terrain with amazing views and some technical sections
Lewis Butte - Shorter but steep climbs with fantastic valley views
Trail Highlights
Chickadee Trail - Perfect for beginners, offering gentle grades and smooth surfaces
Thompson Ridge - Advanced technical riding with rewarding views
Methow Community Trail - While primarily a multi-use path, connects to numerous singletrack options
Angel's Staircase - For experienced riders, this epic backcountry route offers high-alpine challenges
Rock Climbing at Fun Rock and Goat Wall
(AI Summary) Fun Rock
Fun Rock is a popular climbing destination in the Methow Valley, perfect for beginners and experienced climbers alike.
Fun Rock Details:
Location: About 5 miles west of Mazama on Lost River Road
Rock Type: High-quality granite with excellent friction
Height: Mostly single-pitch routes
Difficulty Range: 5.6 to 5.12, with a concentration of moderate routes (5.8-5.10)
Style: Mix of sport and traditional climbing with good protection options
Best Routes:
"Shake 'n Bake" (5.8) - Popular sport route with fun moves
"Pole Position" (5.9+) - Classic crack climb
"The Clam" (5.10a) - Interesting face climbing
"Choss Boss" (5.7) - Great beginner trad route
Goat Wall
Goat Wall Details:
Location: Northwest of Mazama, visible from the valley floor
Rock Type: High-quality granite with excellent features
Height: Multi-pitch routes ranging from 300-800 feet
Difficulty Range: 5.8 to 5.13, with most routes in the 5.10-5.11 range
Style: Primarily traditional climbing with some mixed routes; requires solid lead climbing skills
Best Routes:
"Prime Rib" (5.9, 8 pitches) - The most popular route on the wall
"Restless Natives" (5.10a, 6 pitches) - Amazing exposure and position
"Goat Keeper" (5.10b, 7 pitches) - Sustained climbing with spectacular views
"Methow Inspiration" (5.11b, 5 pitches) - More difficult with technical cruxes
Fishing in the Methow Valley
June is an excellent time for fishing in the Methow Valley, as snowmelt typically begins to stabilize and water clarity improves. Here's what you need to know about fishing opportunities during this time:
Rivers and Streams
Methow River
Status: Usually open by mid-June after spring runoff subsides
Species: Wild rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and whitefish
Techniques: Dry fly fishing becomes productive as water levels drop
Hatches: Caddis, PMDs (Pale Morning Duns), and stoneflies
Hot Spots: Areas near Mazama, Winthrop, and Twisp
Chewuch River
Species: Primarily wild rainbow trout and cutthroat
Characteristics: Smaller than the Methow, with pocket water and riffles
Techniques: Dry-dropper rigs work well in pocket water
Lost River
Species: Small native cutthroat and rainbow trout
Characteristics: Intimate, small stream fishing with beautiful scenery
Techniques: Light tackle and small dry flies
Lakes
Patterson Lake
Species: Rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, kokanee
Techniques: Trolling, bait fishing, or fly fishing along the shore
Access: Easy access with boat launch facilities
Big Twin Lake
Species: Stocked rainbow trout, some brown trout
Techniques: Float tubes or small boats work well
Notes: Often fishes well in June with chironomid patterns
Alpine Lakes (if accessible)
Higher elevation lakes may still have snow access issues in early June
Later in June, lakes like Crater and Black Pine can offer excellent fishing
Regulations & Practical Info
Licenses: Washington State fishing license required
Regulations: Selective gear rules apply on many waters; check current regulations
Catch & Release: Wild steelhead and bull trout must be released unharmed
Guide Services: Several outfitters in Winthrop and Mazama offer guided trips
Fly Shops: Methow Fishing Adventures and Methow Valley Fly Shop provide current conditions and fly recommendations