Mazama (Wash.)

Mazama ( mə-ZAM-ə) is an unincorporated community in Okanogan County (population 158) located in the Methow Valley of Washington, on the east slopes of the North Cascades and North Cascades National Park. It is located along the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20), 14 miles (23 km) northwest of Winthrop and about 28 miles (45 km) south of the Canada–United States border. Mazama's town center elevation is 2,106 feet (642 m), and it is located 2.7 miles (4.3 km) south of and 4,895 feet (1,492 m) below Goat Peak. Founded around the beginning of the twentieth century, Mazama boomed as the departure point for mining towns in the rugged Harts Pass area, such as Barron, Chancellor, and Robinson. The settlement is centered at the intersection of Lost River Road and Country Road 9140. It has a general store, an adventure supply store, a gas station, a café, and two restaurants. The area is a destination for outdoor recreation, including rock climbing, mountaineering, snowmobiling, and back-country skiing. It is home to one of the world's longest cross-country skiing trails, stretching for 120 miles (190 km) and running through the settlement.