Mother's day weekend in the past we have spent it at the 49er's Day Parade in Winthrop. This year the sunflowers were at their prime, some past it with the heavy rain and wind that came through earlier in the week. So we made plans to make a very full day. Hike, parade watching, drive up Hwy 20 to see the snow level. We headed up the Methow Valley early to hike Patterson Mountain Trail. The trail heads up the side of the mountain across from the parking lot with the lake at your back. A Discovery Pass is required if parking in the larger parking area. In a short distance you have the option to go right or left, we decided to take the trail that heads to the right. Hiking on a time limit is not always the best and we knew that we had to be in Winthrop no later than 10:00 AM to get a parking spot and that would be pushing it with out walking a long ways to down town. The flowers were fantastic, they escaped most of the storm and were in fine shape, the color that morning was very vivid. The trail is in great shape, the side we headed up gradually climbs, but nothing difficult. Plenty of places to stop and admire the mountains and great views of the valley. Rain was in the forecast so we had clouds building up around the white capped mountains in the distance. After you reach the top you have a wonderful view of Winthrop and looking up towards Mazama, then the trail heads down hill to make the loop. Love the ladder that gets you over the barb wire fence, very creative. I neglected to get a descent picture of it. Jumped a couple of deer in the meadow on the way down, they didn't stick around for pictures. This is a beautiful spring hike, a great place to see lots of flowers and not a difficult trail, with great views. We made the loop in plenty of time, even with all the numerous stops for all the beautiful flowers. Had enough time before the parade to eat breakfast at the Rocking Horse Bakery in Winthrop, wonderful fresh hot pizza, coffee and a sweet roll, before watching the parade.
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