The Methow Valley is located in North Central Washington and is the corridor to the eastern side of the North Cascade Highway. The area has a young history as there were no white settlers until after 1883. Until that time it was inhabited solely by Indians. In 1897 the Methow Trading company incorporated at the site of the "North Fork" of the Chewuch and Methow Rivers, and was in business for 49 years. In 1972 the North Cascade Highway was completed and the area opened up for tourists and recreation enthusiasts. Great efforts have been made to keep the area as pristine as it once was and to provide outdoor activities with some of the best natural snow ski touring, fishing, mountain biking, rafting, swimming, golfing, hiking, horse back riding, and outfitters who offer great wilderness experiences.