Although Eastern Washington has been ravaged by wildfires over the past few months, a large number of its famed trails are still thriving.
Many of the trails in the hills above the towns of Leavenworth and Wenatchee can be accessed by fire or logging roads, making for easier climbs. But I’m not here to tell you exactly where to find these trails; that will require a little work from you.
If you don’t want to climb or shuttle fire roads, the Stevens Pass Bike Park opened a couple years ago and offers lift-accessed trails. It’s Washington’s only lift-serviced bike park. Six trails are currently open, and new ones are built each season.
Many of the trails in this network are maintained by local riders and trail crews who donate their time. Each trail has been well cared for and all are regularly improved each year with new berms and jumps.
During the summer months, wildflowers like monkshood and fireweed can be seen flowering across the upper meadows.
Sweeping vistas of the Cascades and Eastern Washington plateau are well worth the effort to get to the top of some of these trails—even if you have to pedal or hike to get to the top
Be sure to bring extra water with you on these rides. Hot summer weather and dry conditions can be brutal.
As Eastern Washington can be incredibly dry in the summer, it’s best to hit these trails right after it rains. The usual dry and dusty trails become tackier, providing better traction and faster conditions.
Have fun!!!