The Middle Fork Ranch is located on the eastern slope (the "dry side") of the North Cascade Mountains of North-Central Washington. The property is roughly equidistant between the recreation and service communities of the Upper Methow Valley (Twisp and Winthrop) and the amazing diversity of Lake Chelan.

The Methow Valley and the North Cascades

Twisp is the largest of the towns in the Methow Valley, offering every service you might need — whether it's irrigation supplies, gourmet cheeses, to-die-for baked goods, natural foods, restaurants, or pubs.

A few miles north of Twisp is Winthrop, known as one of the premier cross-country ski destinations in America. The world-renowned Sun Mountain Lodge and Restaurant are in Winthrop, and it is the gateway to the vast North Cascades National Park recreation areas.

In the other direction from the Middle Fork Ranch is Lake Chelan, home to nearly a dozen wineries, excellent shopping (including WalMart), one of the longest natural lakes in America, and one of the friendliest communities you'll ever visit. Chelan has a large natural-foods market and many other services.

Even in little Carlton itself there is a well-stocked general store and gas station, a couple of restaurants, the Post Office, and other services.

There are farmer's markets all summer long throughout the region. You'll find cherries in the spring, apples in the fall, and local corn, eggs, honey, produce, fruits, and a lot more throughout the seasons.

Hammocks in the trees.