Go East to Go West: 5 Western Adventures for Seattle-Area Families

Old West family adventures await!

Lucky us, the Pacific Northwest affords families the chance to experience cowboy culture first-hand, rather than reading about it in history books or watching spaghetti westerns. After a short drive east from the Seattle area, you and your crew can meet up with wranglers, chaw on chuckwagon vittles, watch bronco busting and even saddle up for a trail ride.

Three areas in Washington state and two a little farther afield all stand out and open their arms to families who want to see, hear, smell and touch the Old West. Working ranches, outfitters, rodeos and more offer genuine quests back in time.

First up: Cle Elum (Yeehaw!)

Cle Elum, Wash.

Once you’ve crossed Snoqualmie Pass on Interstate 90, pull over in Cle Elum. Here you’ll find plenty of places for backcountry and trail adventures. Not only can you learn how to ride a horse at Flying Horseshoe Ranch, but you’re also taught how to saddle your own steed. When everyone’s ready, head out of the corral for a two-hour guided trail ride.

The Dragonwood Equine Facility gives riding lessons and leads trail rides with gentle, seasoned horses. They also host different types of equine competitions.

The Washington State Horse Park in Cle Elum holds events throughout the summer, including hunter-jumper shows and backcountry pack rides. Typically the last weekend in July brings the Cle Elum Roundup, complete with bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, team roping, steer wrestling and lots more rodeo action (scheduled for July 28–29, 2023).

Where to stay: Flying Horseshoe, Stewart Lodge or Timber Lodge Inn

Where to eat: Smokey’s Bar-B-Que or Beau’s Pizza, Pasta & Steak

More ideas: Visit Discover Cle Elum.

Next up: Okanogan Country

Okanogan Country

Strolling the wooden boardwalk along the main street of Winthrop, Wash. feels like walking back in time. A restoration project completed in 1972 mirrors how the town looked in 1900. Children who’ve run out of patience during the long car ride will shriek with delight once they’re sitting in a saddle devouring an ice cream cone from Sheri’s Sweet Shoppe.

Time your trip right and sidle up to the fence for some more bronco busting at one of Winthrop’s rodeos that bookend summer: Memorial Day (May 27–28, 2023) or Labor Day (Sept. 2–3, 2023). Don’t leave town without a visit to the Shafer Museum, where remnants of ranching, mining and homesteading stand amidst a village of buildings.

In the town of Okanogan, Wash., the Okanogan County Historical Society offers the chance to traipse back in time and take a close-up look at a blacksmith’s shop, a replica of a photographer’s studio from the Old West era and a log cabin. This spot remains closed; check back for possible reopening.

In the town of Omak, Wash., the Omak Stampede & World Famous Suicide Race together rank as the biggest event of the year. Cheer on rodeo performers, view a Native American encampment with more than 100 teepees and enjoy Native dances. The Stampede is currently scheduled for Aug. 10–13, 2023.

On the way to Molson, Wash., 55 miles north of Omak, you’ll want to explain to the kiddos what a ghost town is, why they happen, and that it might be a bit creepy there. When the railroad abandoned this place and the gold mining stopped, the population dwindled. (Discover more Washington ghost town adventures.)

Where to stay: Camp at nearby Pearrygin Lake State Park or Big Twin Lake Campground. Non-campers can try Methow River Lodge & Cabins or Hotel Rio Vista in the heart of downtown Winthrop. In Omak, bed down at the Best Western Peppertree Inn.

Where to eat: Stop in at the family-friendly Three Fingered Jack’s Saloon or try Arrowleaf Bistro.

More ideas: Visit Okanogan Country and Omak Chamber of Commerce.

Next up: Republic

Republic, Wash.

About two hours from Winthrop, the county seat of Ferry County hosts its share of western experiences. Immerse your family in horseback riding, cattle drives and more at K-Diamond-K Guest Ranch. From your arrival tour on a wagon pulled by Belgian draft horses to cookouts over a campfire, the Konz family keeps the Old West traditions alive for guests.

Prospectors’ Days in June is Ferry County’s signature summer event designed to celebrate the area’s mining roots. Typically the event includes live music, a gold rush run and other activities — check the link for updates nearer to the dates. Be sure to check the website for upcoming 2023 dates. 

At Stonerose’s Boot Hill (the name for cemeteries where gunfighters were buried) fossil site, you can dig for fossils where miners in the early 1900s mined for gold and other minerals. Early prospectors found fossils during their search for gold, which links what you may discover to the mining history of Republic.

Where to stay: K-Diamond-K Guest Ranch, Prospector Inn or Winchester RV Park & Campground in Republic

Where to eat: The Knotty Pine or Esther’s Restaurant

More ideas: Check out the Republic, Wash. visitors’ bureau.

Next up: Sandpoint, Idaho

Sandpoint, Idaho

For a pure western experience, book a room at the all-inclusive Western Pleasure Ranch. Kids ages 8–18 can take part in a hands-on educational program where they learn all about horsemanship and take responsibility for their own horse and equipment. Other activity choices include testing your archery skills, roasting hot dogs and s’mores over a campfire, a Dutch Oven cookout with cowboy music and a horse-drawn wagon tour.

During summers at Schweitzer Ski Resort, the family can pick huckleberries or ride horses through the dense forest with stops along the way to take in stunning views of Lake Pend Oreille (tip: say it “ponder-ray”).

Watch tie-down roping, bull riding and women’s barrel racing at the Bonner County Rodeo scheduled for Aug. 4–5, 2023. This event draws cowboys from Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Montana.

More ideas: Check out Visit Sandpoint.

Next up: Kalispell, Mont.

Kalispell, Mont.

When you first get into town, why not stop at Western Outdoor for cowboy boots, hats and other western wear? The staff can outfit your family head-to-toe if you’re on your way to a local dude ranch such as Artemis Acres Guest Ranch.

Near Flathead Lake State Park is Wild Horse Island, home to a handful of wild horses, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and mule deer.

Schedule your summer trip to coincide with the Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo and you’ll have access to a rodeo, livestock show, mini-horses, relay races and mutton busting. Check the website for upcoming 2023 dates. 

More ideas: Visit Discover Kalispell.

Editor’s note: This article was first published in 2019 updated most recently for 2023.