Located in the heart of the Methow Valley, Twisp Washington captivates visitors with its picturesque beauty and vibrant community spirit. The town of Twisp rests on the valley floor where the pristine waters of the Methow and Twisp rivers meet.
Surrounded by the rugged peaks of the North Cascades and Sawtooth Wilderness, this charming town has many offerings to fit any interest. Twisp is a fun, funky and friendly town where you can find an array of outdoor adventures, an eclectic arts and culture scene as well as unique eateries and thirst quenching tasting rooms. Twisp is known for hosting exciting events throughout the year and offers epic places to stay from mountain lodges to riverside retreats.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Every season is exceptional in Twisp, providing year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. Enjoy slow paced activities while soaking in the natural beauty of the valley, or go big with adrenaline packed adventures. In spring, meander trails that follow the contours of the Methow Valley foothills where you will find yourself in a sea of vibrant wildflowers surrounded by a chorus of whimsical birdsong. Or grind up the hills on a mountain bike and rally back down creating a blur of colors as you whiz through the blooms.
In the heat of summer, climb to high elevations and discover carpets of pink phlox decorating the craggy peaks and plunge into the refreshing waters of jewel toned alpine lakes colored by glacial flour. Camp under the stars beneath world renowned dark skies where you can see the full stretch of the Milky Way, epic meteor showers, and when the conditions are just right, the dazzling ribbons of the Aurora Borealis.
In the fall, discover the deciduous conifer trees that enchant everyone who sees them, the coveted larch! Take a scenic drive on Highway 20 over Loup Loup Pass or into the North Cascades National Park to see these remarkable golden trees in all their majesty.
After fresh snow falls, hop onto the network of meticulously groomed cross country ski trails that let you explore over 120 miles of Methow Trails. Grab your snowboard and head up to the Loup Loup Ski Bowl to shred the slopes or book a backcountry trip via helicopter for access to untouched winter wilderness in the North Cascades. With four distinct seasons featured throughout the year, any time is the perfect time to visit.
FOOD & DRINK
Twisp is a foodie’s paradise where people with adventurous palates can find foods from all around the world. The culinary artistry of Twisp is reflected in the individuality, cultural backgrounds, extensive training and award winning resumes of each chef. With food trucks serving Sri Lankan curries and traditional dishes from the Yucatan peninsula and sit-down restaurants dishing up delectable barbeque, traditional Mexican, asian fusion, old-fashioned burgers and mouth watering baked goods, there are options for every craving.
Along with delicious food, you can find a range of high quality, locally made beverages to pair with your meals. Twisp has craft brewed beers, ciders, wines, coffee and small batch distilled spirits to compliment your culinary experience and leave you feeling full on food, drinks and good vibes.
CREATIVE CHARACTER
Twisp is renowned for its thriving creative scene, celebrating arts and culture. Twisp is a designated Creative District through the Washington State Arts Commission. According to ArtsWA, a Creative District is the heart of a community – a place for people to gather and enjoy the art and culture that communities have to offer. Creative offerings in Twisp are plentiful and come in many forms.
You will find live music and dancing at venues across the valley, performance theater at the historic Merc Playhouse, Art Walks and the Methow Valley Farmer’s Market in the heart of downtown Twisp, fine art exhibits and studios, pop-up projects, art education programs, ancestral skills classes and public art installations throughout town.
Two notable sculptures are gigantic metal wasps that represent Twisp’s name, which is said to be an onomatopoeia from the Methow People’s word for wasp or the sound a wasp makes.
The list of talented makers in the Methow Valley is seemingly endless with digital creatives, jewelers, tattoo artists, craft drink makers, chefs, glass blowers, blacksmiths, woodworkers, graphic designers, printmakers, architects, sculptors, ceramicists, weavers, knitters, farmers, masons, leathersmiths, farriers, writers, poets, potters and more!
With creativity embedded into the character and community of Twisp, you are certain to find inspiration and beauty wherever you look.
YEAR-ROUND EVENTS
When you love something you want to shout it from the rooftops and tell everyone that you know, that is why Twisp hosts events throughout the year inviting everyone to come and share in the joys of this cherished town.
Visit in the fall for a sensational seasonal celebration at Twisp Fest featuring a community potluck with weaving demonstrations from local Indigenous women and a Harvest Festival with live music and dancing, fun games, seasonal food and drinks plus shopping specials throughout town. Kick off the holiday season in Twisp at Mistletoe Madness for a shopping extravaganza where you will find unique gifts for everyone on your list.
Rejoice in the sweetness of spring at the Twisp Spring Art Walk where you will find yard art, seeds for your garden, naturally dyed textiles and much more.
In the summer, come celebrate our country and community at our charming small town 4th of July Parade. For a unique event sure to pique your curiosity, come check out the annual Trashion Show where artists and creators design haute-couture fashion looks made from recycled materials. This epic event sells out every year and is an outrageous celebration highlighting the best of arts, culture and community spirit!
PLACES TO SEE
A visit to Twisp isn’t complete without a stop at TwispWorks campus, a staple of the town’s cultural and economic character, serving as a hub for creators and entrepreneurs. Their work in the community ranges from hosting workshops and offering grant opportunities to small business owners, to expanding their campus in support of technical education programs. TwispWorks also hosts community events year-round on their artfully designed campus that was once a National Forest Ranger Station.
While at TwispWorks be sure to stop at The Methow Valley Interpretive Center where you will find exhibits with interesting facts about geology, wildlife, natural history and in-depth indigenous information from the First People of the Methow Valley. The MVIC also has an interpretive garden that features over 150 species of native plants, a Plateau style pit house, and a replica of a 1930s Fire Tower Lookout.
For more information and inspiration about Twisp, you can head to the Visitor Information Center, located in the Methow Valley Community Center. This historic building was the original school house and is now home to many wonderful tenants including music and dance teachers, the Methow Salmon Recovery Foundation and the Twisp Public Library. At the Twisp VIC you can find information about exploring all the wonderful facets of Twisp and the entire region of Okanogan County.
STAY IN TWISP
Whether you like to rough it in the wilderness under the stars or sink into a comfortable mattress with high thread-count sheets, you can find lodging in Twisp that fits your style. Twisp offers riverside suites, luxury mountain lodges, rustic cabins, cozy bed and breakfasts, retro motels, and remote campsites. With a plethora of lodging options available, you are guaranteed to find one that will suit your travel plans.
With a commitment to sustainability and a deep connection to nature, Twisp attracts people seeking a serene escape amidst stunning landscapes. The town’s welcoming atmosphere and small-town charm make it a beloved destination for those looking to explore the natural wonders of North Central Washington while experiencing the warm hospitality of its rural community.
For more information, visit www.TwispWA.com and follow Twisp on social media @TwispWA for travel inspiration.
Juliet Kennedy lives in the remote mountain community of Mazama in North Central Washington. Her home rests on the banks of the Methow River, nestled beneath jagged peaks, surrounded by the vast wilderness of the North Cascades. You can usually find her in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest with her husband; hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, foraging and connecting with the natural abundance this state has to offer.
