
Mountain Biking
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. 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. Consider hitting a few of these classic rides:
The Methow Valley has a series of mountain bike maps that cover even more riding options. Trail maps are available for purchase at the sporting good stores in Winthrop and are highly recommended. You can also download our FREE Winthrop Washington app and pick up a free mountain bike informational card at many local businesses.
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: Advanced, Singletrack & Dirt Road: Moderate
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. 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.
Buck Mountain (Moderate)
This is the Methow Valley's signature ride. Fun, fast flowy trails through wildflowers, forest areas and open mountain-top vistas. There are 2 main trailheads to access the Buck Mountain trails with a variety of loop options to enjoy.
Singletrack Loop: 14 miles-16 miles
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Fall Rides
Cutthroat Pass (Advanced)
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: Moderate to Advanced
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
Methow Valley road cycling is just as epic as the mountain biking. 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 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.
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 gradual 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 to Strenous
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.
Distance: 30 miles
Difficulty Level: Easy
Many, many more great road cycling options exist. Pick up a free road cycling informational card at most Methow Valley businesses and well as a free Methow Valley summer map.
Goat's Beard Mountain Supplies
Nestled in the heart of Mazama, the Goat’s Beard is “the place” to outfit yourself for backcountry skiing and rock climbing. In addition, we carry a full array of gear for whatever your next outdoor adventure might be. We also have an excellent selection of lifestyle clothing perfectly curated for your mountain-to-valley life. Our knowledgeable and active staff are happy to help you with any information you need to enjoy the majestic Methow. Come on in and check us out!Methow Cycle and Sport, LLC
Methow Cycle & Sport is the premier full service bicycle and ski shop located in in the heart of the Methow Valley. Our shop is just 1/4 mile west of the four-way stop in Winthrop. We are proud to offer the best products, service and knowledge for a wide range of cyclist and skiers. We also have the best rental fleet in the Valley and can assist you with finding just the right gear.Methow Trails
Methow Trails maintains and operates the Nation's largest cross-country ski area. The Methow Valley trail system includes over 120 miles of cross country ski trails in the winter months, and is recognized as one of the finest trail systems in North America for nordic skiing, mountain biking, trail running, horseback riding and hiking. Methow Trails is a non-profit organization with the mission of connecting users to the special nature of the Methow Valley and support community vitality.Phone Alt.: 800-572-0493
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Address: Patterson Lake Rd, 9 miles SW of Winthrop
Winthrop, WA 98862