Rancho del Valle is located in Carlton, in the beautiful Methow Valley in central Washington. There is lots to do in the valley; here are a few ideas.

The Methow River runs into the Columbia River at Pateros. Driving north (upstream) through the valley, the towns of Methow, Carlton, Twisp, Winthrop, and Mazama are along the river. Winthrop is a popular tourist desination and has "old West" themed shops and storefronts. There is a general store in Carlton; a supermarket and several inns are in nearby Twisp.

The Methow Valley is beautiful and has many gorgeous sights to see. The essence of the valley is best understood by just exploring the hills. There are many forest service roads, and the Bradens have 80 acres in the hills, including our beloved cabin. If you'd like to explore, let us know! Here are a few of our favorite spots.

For hiking, we highly recommend Green Trails maps. The Carlton area is on maps 84 (Twisp) and 83 (Buttermilk Butte). Carlton itself, alas, is not on either map; it will be on the forthcoming map 116 (Hungry Mountain). Of course, we're thrilled to give directions and suggestions.

• Buttermilk Butte
  • A beautiful drive though the hills leading to a phenomonal valley view and sunset vantage. West of Twisp.
• Pearrygin Lake State Park
  • Fishing, hiking, canoeing, playing at the beach, camping.
  • Near Winthrop.
• Patterson Lake
  • Two mile hike from Sun Mountain Lodge, near Winthrop.
• Lookout Mountain
• Sun Mountain Lodge
  • Near Winthrop and Patterson Lake. The lodge is beautiful, and many trails lead from the lodge into the nearby hills.
• Lake Ann Trail
• Blackpine Lake
• 

  Ella above Diablo Lake along the North Cascades Highway.
  Chewuch River
  • The Chewuch River joins the Methow in Winthrop. There are good spring walks up the Chewuch.
• North Cascades Highway
  • The northernmost route from the Seattle area to the Methow Valley is a breathtaking scenic highway showing off the rugged North Cascade Mountains. Numerous hiking trails and campgrounds are accessed from the highway; most require (free) backcountry permits from the Okanagan National Forest or the North Cascades National Park. In June, there are still numerous snowfields and glaciers to admire, but the weather is normally comfortable.
• Lake Chelan
  • The town of Chelan, at the southern end of the sixty mile-long Lake Chelan, is a popular destination with restaurants, shops, and wineries.
  • The southern end of Lake Chelan, near the city of Chelan, is a popular spot for water recreation. Take the Lady of the Lake from Chelan up to the headwaters of the lake and the village of Stehekin, which is not accessible by road and is much less crowded. The trip up and back the lake is unique and well worth it. It takes a full day. You can also take hiking gear and spend a few days hiking in the mountains near the lake.

The Methow River flows into the Columbia River. About 100 miles down the Columbia, near Yakima, the Columbia Valley (and its tributaries, the Walla Walla and Snake Rivers) is Washington's principal wine-growing region. Touring the region is a special experience, both visually and viticulturally. We are serving wine from Blackwood Canyon Vintners in Benton City, WA and Forgeron Cellars in Walla Walla, WA.

The Cascade Loop runs through the Methow Valley, and in addition to being a national scenic highway, it boasts some wineries of its own.

• Hank's Market
  • The largest and best supermarket in the valley. Along Highway 20 on the south side of Twisp.
• Red Apple Market
  • Smaller supermarket. Along Highway 20 on the south side of Winthrop.
• Glover Street Market
  • Small natural foods store. On Glover St., one block off Highway 20 in Twisp.
• Carlton General Store
  • Food, wine, beer, gas, other goods, and a Mariners' game if they're on TV. The community center of Carlton. On the highway in Carlton.
• Twisp Farmers' Market
  • Saturday morning (9 AM-noon) in Twisp.
• Winthrop
  • Winthrop has a number of western-themed shops.

The swimming hole on the Methow River in Carlton.

The Methow River runs through the valley. The water is mostly snow melt, so it's cold, but tubing down the river is a ton of fun on a hot day. There's a glorious swimming hole in Carlton, a 10 minute walk from the ranch.

Many accomodations in the valley have some cooking facilities, so eating out every meal is not necessary. Here are a few of our favorite places to eat out.

Twisp River Pub (Twisp)

A brewery in Twisp with excellent beer (which we will serve) and good food. The deck in back overlooks the Methow River. (Ballpark: $10/plate for lunch or dinner.)

Sun Mountain Lodge (15 minutes from Winthrop)

Good food with unparalleled views over the Wolf Creek valley. (Ballpark: $15/plate for lunch; $20+ for dinner.)

Cinnamon Twisp (Twisp)

Bakery/coffee shop which also serves good lunch food (sandwiches, pizzas, baked goods, and salads). Located on Glover St., one block off Highway 20 in Twisp.