By the 1940's, logging was big business in Okanogan County, and the Twisp Wagner Mill was the largest employer in the Methow Valley for many years. The mill burned to the ground in the 1970's (above) and the fire almost took the town with it.
You can read more about historical Twisp in this HistoryLink essay.
It's hard to believe all this industry and activity once happened directly across the Methow River from our neighborhood.
The area is now a large, empty expanse of quiet land, privately owned but not posted, so frequented by loose dog walkers, bicycles, teenagers, and the occasional transient car camper. We can see the shenanigans from our front window, but by large, a peaceful view by day and dark at night.
This is valuable property that will surely be developed for housing or something else. But happily for now, the local owner is hanging on to the open land.
Speaking of Twisp, I'm going over tomorrow, and for a change of scene, plan to take the North Cascades Highway for the first time this year. It opened for the season several weeks ago.
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