A brewery visit is usually a safe bet, but some are decidedly more picturesque than others. In the Northwest, where hillsides are speckled with evergreens and horizons are treated to mountain peaks, there are some pretty great backdrops for enjoying a pint. We envy the breweries that occupy these special settings, seemingly painted by the late Bob Ross himself.
This spring, as you look to après-ski or just cozy up in a prime watering hole, look to these storybook breweries. You’ll get great beer with an equally great view.
Mt. Hood Brewing Co.
Stationed towards the top of its namesake, Mt. Hood Brewing is often draped in snow and full of people fresh off the slopes (or on their way). It all started at the Government Camp, Oregon, outpost back in 1991 and the brewery has gone on to win over craft beer drinkers with staples like the Ice Axe IPA or Hogsback Oatmeal Stout. The labels look like old tourism posters advertising famous points in the Cascades. Look out for the Timberline Tucker, a double IPA, made in collaboration with Timberline Lodge as an homage to the iconic sno-cat.
87304 Government Camp Loop | Government Camp, Oregon
Flathead Lake Brewing Co.
Located in the stunning town of Bigfork, Flathead Lake Brewing is in a prime spot even by Montana standards. The pubhouse glances at Flathead Lake, boasting a nice patio and a big inviting square bar inside, with plenty of natural light thanks to windows in all directions. Try something refreshing like the Montana Light Kolsch or the Strawberry Rhubarb Gose. Trying to induce a nap? Go with an imperial IPA. And be on the lookout for draft offerings from the label’s long-running sour program.
116 Holt Drive | Bigfork, Montana
Packwood Brewing Co.
Washington’s Packwood Brewing is housed in a historic grocery store built in 1933. The brewery overlooks the Cowlitz River, just down from Packwood Lake and a short drive from White Pass Ski Area. There are German-inspired offerings like altbier and kölsch, along with requisite IPAs and some bigger beers like strong ales, ideal for the hibernation season. If you’re hungry, treat yourself to some chili or some tacos. Don’t want to leave? Check in to one of the lofts above the pub and make a night of it.
12298 US-12 | Packwood, Washington
Bend Brewing Co.
One of central Oregon’s longest-running breweries is located in the heart of one of the premier small Western mountain towns in the nation. The resident ponderosas may block views of nearby buttes and mountains, but you’ll still be able to absorb the postcard views of Drake Park and downtown Bend, often blanketed in white with snow well into spring. At the brewery, keep the Topic Pines IPA and Ching Ching Sour Ale on your radar. The Metolius Golden Ale is a treat, and there are usually some exceptional darker beers like porters and stouts available. Fuel up with a bite, then head over to Mt. Bachelor for some of the best snow in the region.
1019 NW Brooks Street | Bend, Oregon
Dru Bru
“Mountain made” is an apt slogan for Dru Bru Brewing. There are now two locations about 30 minutes from the other — the newer production facility and pub in Cle Elum, and the decade-old taproom at the Snoqualmie Pass summit. Both are dramatic places to make a craft-beer living, but we’ll take the pass for the Cascade peaks in every direction, plus a sprawling patio with sweeping views and some great flagship ales, like the hefeweizen, Hyak Haze and even a black lager. Grab a pint and cozy up next to an outdoor fire pit.
10 Pass Life Way #3 | Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
