Bird Watching & Nature Viewing

With over 475 different species, Washington State is one of the finest bird-watching destinations in the U.S. The Methow Valley near Winthrop, home of Sun Mountain Lodge, is one of the best locations in Washington.

Throughout the season, keep your eyes open along the Beaver Ponds, local lakes, or  the Methow River where you can see eagles, a variety of ducks and an assortment of land birds.

The Beaver Pond at Sun Mountain Lodge is featured on the Audubon Society”s map, “The Great Washington State Birding Trail, Cascade Loop”.

According to The American Birding Association, Hal Opperman’s guide, this is “a prime birding spot with open water, marsh, riparian vegetation, and coniferous forest.”

Some of the local species include Barrow’s Goldeneye, Blue Grouse, Rufous Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Pileated Woodpecker, and Western Tanager.

Every Christmas, the Audubon Society sponsors a Bird Count in the Methow Valley. It began in 1900 and is the longest continuously running biological census in the world.

Winthrop, Washington’s page has a lot of great information on birding in the Methow Valley.

In addition to birds, Sun Mountain Lodge and the Methow Valley is home to deer, bears, as well as wolves, coyotes, beavers, and more. These magnificent creatures roam our meadows and river bottoms throughout the year.

Questions?
You may reach us by e-mail at activity@sunmountainlodge.com
or phone us directly at (509) 996-4735