Meadowlark Natural Area

Take a stroll on the sunny, warm slopes of Studhorse Mountain just outside of Winthrop. This hike is usually among the first to melt out and bloom in the spring, providing much needed forage for the mule deer population. An easy 2 mile loop gives great views of the Sawtooth/Chelan Wilderness and Winthrop’s downtown is at your feet.

Start and end your hike from the Sullivan Cemetery. The main loop is about 2 miles though a connector intersects the slope partway through to make for a shorter loop if you need it. The terrain is very much shrub steppe: beautiful springtime flowers along with migrating mountain bluebirds make this a fantastic springtime outing.

Private property abuts this loop on all sides so please be respectful and keep your hiking to the developed trails. There are many other shrub steppe communities in the area that are suitable for off trail meandering.

Note: Many thanks need to go out to the Methow Conservancy and their tireless effort to keep nature vibrant, wild, and in this case right in town for all to enjoy. This parcel is the former multi-generational property of the Heckendorn family. Though it could have easily been parceled out and built into many properties it has been kept green and largely undisturbed as a backdrop to this quaint western town.

Meadowlark Natural Area

Map & Directions

Getting There

From the four way stop sign in Winthrop’s downtown, travel east on Highway 20 about one quarter mile. Take a left onto East County Road just before crossing the Methow River on an old bridge. Turn left on Cassal and then after a few blocks turn right onto Rose Hill Road. A quick right onto Wister Way and you’re almost there. Parking is just past the cemetery.