MOUNTAIN BIKING
When snow makes way for wildflowers in spring, mountain bikers flock to the Methow to enjoy hundreds of miles of well maintained, easy to access single track and scenic Forest Service roads. Winthrop is the base-camp for every type of ride imaginable. From gentle family-friendly rides, paralleling the Methow River along the Methow Community Trail, to technical, high alpine single-track, the terrain is endless. Maps and trail guides are available in town.
The locals will tell you that there is a progression of rides that open up as the snow melts off and higher trails become accessible. After you gear up at Methow Cycle & Sport or Winthrop Mountain Sports consider hitting a few of these classic rides:
Spring Rides:
 Pipestone Canyon (Moderate & Advanced)
Pipestone Canyon is a popular destination early in the season (or in the fall!) before other higher elevation rides have thawed out. The ride can be done as a loop of dirt roads or as a loop including single-track along the rim of the canyon.
Singletrack Loop: 14 miles, Dirt Road Loop: 16 miles
Difficulty Level: Singletrack Loop: Intermediate, Dirt Road
Loop: Beginner
Summer Rides:
Sun Mountain Trails (All levels)
This is not a specific loop or route but rather a system of trails that can be linked together to provide just the length and difficulty of ride desired. There are Forest Service Roads, single track, and double track. Wooded sections and wide-open hillsides provide a variety of scenic options. Stream crossings and Patterson Lake can provide welcome relief on a hot summer day. The Sun Mountain Trails are an excellent place to spend an hour or a day of riding.
West Fork of the Methow River (Moderate)
This is a Methow Valley favorite. It is a great out and back single track that features very moderate elevation change. In fact, the last mile of the trail gains almost 500 feet, so if it is left off, the ride is 14 miles with only 1100 feet of gain. At its end, the trail intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail, but no bikes are allowed on the Pacific Crest Trail. This is a great ride to combine on a weekend with one of the other Valley rides featuring more severe climbing. It gives the rider an easy day to look forward to after a more challenging ride.
Singletrack Loop: 14 miles
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Fall Rides:
 Cutthroat Pass (Advanced, moderately easy to the lake)
This 12 mile round-trip ride is all on single-track in a stunning alpine setting. The trail between the trailhead and the lake is popular with hikers so ride in control. The ride is an out and back, gaining 2300ft. Because of hikers, this is a good ride to do midweek or late in the day.
Singletrack Loop: 12 miles
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Angel’s Staircase (Advanced)
This is THE Methow Valley Ride for the serious mountain biker. It requires fitness and an adaptive attitude. The loop reaches altitudes of 8000 feet, so being prepared for varying weather anytime of the year is necessary. This is an all single-track ride that takes a full day, and technical riding experience.
Distance: 25 miles
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Elevation Gain: 5000 feet
Also, consider charting a journey along quiet F.S. roads to Harts Pass, Goat Peak, or in the Rendezvous.
ROAD BIKING
The Methow Valley has long been known as a mountain biking mecca, but in more recent years, road biking has become just as popular. From the town of Winthrop, road riders can experience a new ride every day of the week without ever having to get in a car. Few regions in the nation can claim such a perfect combination of stunning scenery and practically empty pavement. Here are a few favorites:
Washington Pass
Strenuous (60 miles round trip from Winthrop, 30 miles round trip from Mazama) (4 -5 hours)
A fairly strenuous climb that is well worth the effort for the outstanding views and epic descent! This is the defining ride of the valley. Follow the rolling ride up Hyw 20 to Mazama and consider fueling up on baked goods and a cold drink at the Mazama Store before starting up the Pass. The climbing starts at about mile 15 and is fairly relentless the whole way to the top. Take plenty of water, food and some layers of clothing. While it can be really warm in the valley, the summit of the Pass can be pretty frigid- especially if the wind is blowing! To shorten the ride, start at Mazama or the Freestone Inn.
Distance: 60 miles
Difficulty Level: Advanced
 Sun Mountain
Strenuous Climbing (18 miles) (1.5 hours)
A quick jaunt from town on Twin Lakes Road will take you to the turn-off to the famous Sun Mountain Lodge. From there it is about 7 miles up two fairly steep but not too long climbs to the summit at the lodge. On the way, pass by Patterson Lake and take in the fields of Balsamroot flowers in the spring on Patterson Mountain. The best easily accessible views of the valley are to be found at the Lodge (as well as snacks and fine dining). Turn around for a fast spin back to town- just watch the gravel!
Distance: 18 miles
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Chewuch Loop
Easy (14 miles) (45 minutes to an hour)
An easy loop ride, on quiet roads of undulating terrain. The route takes you up West Chewuch Road and then back on East Chewuch Road (can be reversed). For the ambitious, the route can be easily added to by continuing up the Chewuch Road to Andrews Creek (actually about 24 miles from Winthrop) which is a steady climb. Or for those for whom no ride is complete without some suffering, add Boulder Creek Road which offers moderate climbing, or Falls Creek (the local Alp D'Huez) which is very steep at the start, followed by 8 miles or so of constant climbing.
Distance: 14 miles
Difficulty Level: Easy
Mazama
Easy (30 miles roundtrip) (1.5 hours)
A gradual, undulating ride up the Methow Valley on Hwy 20 (busier than some of the side roads, but with a good shoulder and visibility). Ride West on Hwy 20 for 9 mi, and turn right on Goat Creek Road for a slightly hillier but more scenic ride the last 6 mi to Mazama. Reward your body with a great meal at the Mazama Country Inn Restaurant or an espresso at the Mazama Store.
Distance: 30 miles
Difficulty Level: Easy
Methow
Cycle and Sport, LLC
A full service bicycle shop offering a friendly environment, expert service, quality bicycles and products for road, mountain and touring cyclists.
*Expert bicycle fitting: custom matching bodies to bicycles.
*Comprehensive repair: old and new - we fix it all.
*Sales: offering fine bicycles for all interests, abilities and budgets.
*Education: providing on and off bike classes for new an experienced cyclists. Featuring Kona, Bianchi, Santa Cruz, Rock Lobster, Craft and Hincapie.
509-996-3645
joeb@methowcyclesport.com
www.methowcyclesport.com
MVSTA
- Bike Ride Bulletin Board
Trail maps, on the MVSTA website, a non-profit organization
dedicated to developing and promoting environmentally sound
recreation on or near trails in the Methow Valley year round.
www.mvsta.com/summer/biking.html
Sun
Mountain Lodge
9 miles SW of Winthrop, 4 diamond resort, fine dining, horseback
riding, mtn biking, pool, tennis, hot tubs, XC skiing
Bike rentals
www.sunmountainlodge.com/summer/
mountainbiking.html
Winthrop
Mountain Sports
Quality outdoor clothing and gear. Mountain
bike and cross country ski sales, rentals and service for
adults and kids.
Mountain Bike Routes
www.winthropmountainsports.com/bike.html
Road Bike Routes
www.winthropmountainsports.com/
roadbike.html
Repairs
509-996-2886
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