The Methow Valley Sport Trails Association (MVSTA) announced this week that summer access along the Methow Valley Community Trail has been expanded to provide a link between the MVSTA trail system and the town of Winthrop. Recent agreements among MVSTA, the Winthrop National Fish Hatchery, and the Haub family (owners of Sun Mountain Lodge) allow for the expansion, MVSTA said in a press release.
The new access will allow hikers, bikers and dogs on leash to access the Methow Community Trail from the Winthrop Fish Hatchery entrance and travel the trail along the Methow River, then connect to the Bitterbrush trail and Winthrop Trail that provides trail access to more than 40 miles of MVSTA trails around Sun Mountain. Trail users also have the option of turning off to Wolf Creek Road.
Trail users are asked to park at the Winthrop Town Trailhead, then travel a quarter of a mile up Twin Lakes Road to access the trail via the Winthrop National Fish Hatchery and follow the trail signage. Dogs are allowed on this section of trail with a leash; however, dogs are not allowed on the Winthrop Trail north of Twin Lakes Road and up to Sun Mountain. Trail users can avoid a 1.4-mile section of Twin Lakes Road and Wolf Creek Road.
“One of our organization’s top strategic priorities is securing long-term access not only for winter recreation but also building summer access,” DeSalvo said.
