E-Bike Rides & Conditions
Spring has sprung!
Check back often and drop us a line if you've been out and you see conditions that need updating.
Enjoy Some of the Best Electric Biking in EASTERN WASHINGTON
At Methow Cycle & Sport, we're committed to providing you with the best information on all things cycling, including bike products and services in our shop as well as ride conditions to help you get out and ride in the Methow Valley. Check back here for updates before you head out, as conditions vary and new trails open frequently. Been out riding? Let us know about trail conditions.
Trail Rules for Electric-Assist Bikes
Electric-assist bikes are a great way to enjoy the Methow Valley! In Washington state and federally, e-bikes are considered motorized vehicles. All classifcations ARE allowed on Forest Service roads, Washington Fish & Wildlife roads, and State Park roads. Class 1 pedal-assist electric bikes are allowed on the trails at Pearrygin Lake State Park. All classes of electric bikes are allowed on motorized Forest Service trails. Check the Forest Service Travel Plan for seasonal closures on some Methow Ranger District roads. E-bikes are NOT allowed on any trails where motorized vehicles are prohibited, including trails maintained by Methow Trails, Washington Fish & Wildlife, and the Forest Service.
Below is a sampling of different types of trails and routes to explore the Methow on your electric-assist bike. For a full list in each category, visit our trails page. Enjoy the ride!
Gravel
Bear Creek Rd + Pearrygin Loop
4/11/25 UPDATE: Route in great shape! A good beginner 12-mile loop, about half pavement and half gravel, passing by Bear Creek Golf Course and Pearrygin Lake State Park. Electric assist bikes allowed.
Boulder Creek Loop
A 21.6 mile ride with 3,000 ft. up and down. Great local gravel loop. Beautiful climb on quiet Forest Service road. Wonderful views and fun decent! Electric assist bikes allowed.
Rendezvous pass to banker pass
A more challenging loop of 34 miles and 4,000 ft. up and down. Long climbs rewarded by long descents. Electric assist bikes allowed.
Winthrop to Carlton + Beaver Creek + Balky Hill
4/11/25 UPDATE: Route in great shape! For a mix of pavement and gravel, take the East and West county side roads to Carlton but add some distance and elevation by returning via Beaver Creek Rd. then down Balky Hill for a more challenging ride. Electric assist bikes allowed.
Road
Chewuch Loop
4/11/25: Route in good shape! An easy 14 mile loop connecting East and West Chewuch Roads looking down at the beautiful Chewuch River. Electric assist bikes allowed.
Highway 20 to Washington Pass
4/11/25: SNOW IS CLEARED THROUGH TO THE WESTSIDE. This is a fairly strenuous climb that is well worth the effort for the outstanding views and epic descent. 61 miles roundtrip from Winthrop or 30 miles roundtrip from Mazama. Wear layers as temperature and conditions change as elevation increases. Electric assist bikes allowed.
Twisp River Road
4/11/25: THE ROAD IS OPEN PART WAY. Some snow patches and soft spots in upper stretches. Leave from the shop in Winthrop and take East County Road to Twisp. A short jog north on Hwy. 20 takes you to the Twisp River Road. Head up the gently climbing Twisp River Road for 19 miles to pavement end past agricultural farms, open fields and forests, all with spectacular views of the Twisp River and surrounding mountains. Electric assist bikes allowed.
Tour de Okanogan
4/11/25. Route in good shape. Tough climbs, breathtaking descents and great terrain for riding this 105 mile loop. From Winthrop, take East County Road to Twisp, follow Hwy 20 over Loup Loup Pass and descend toward Malott. Take a right on the B&O Road through Malott toward Old Hwy 97. Take a right and ride until Old Hwy 97 meets Hwy 97, keep going until Pateros. Cross the Methow River and turn right up Hwy 153. Stay on Hwy 153 until you can take side roads: Gold Creek Loop, Twisp-Carlton Rd, East County Rd. Not feeling quite up to the whole ride? Use the Okanogan County TranGO bus service to shorten the ride. Electric assist bikes allowed.
Mountain
Bear Mountain figure 8
This ride is a a great sampler of the riding available in the Loup Loup and Beaver Creek area. It uses forest service road climbs to combine the great Bear Mountain Trail - #442 and Middle Fork Beaver Creek Trail - #406 descents. One of Joe's favorites! No pass required for parking or riding. Electric assist bikes allowed through September 30.
Crater Creek + Foggy Dew
A great point-to-point ride with a rolling climb to Cooney Lake and a long descent down Martin Creek and Foggy Dew trails to the Foggy Dew Campground. Best done with two vehicles and a shuttle between the Crater Lake Trailhead and Foggy Dew Campground. NW Forest Pass required to park at trailhead. Electric assist bikes allowed.
Starvation Mountain Loop
An adventuresome full-day 25 mile ride in the Methow Valley. High elevations make for a retreat from the valley floor. Climb Lightning Creek to 4235 rd. The road takes you up to the top of Starvation, followed by rolling double-track to Blue Buck. Blue Buck gradually descends back to Lightning Creek on narrow singletrack with exposure. Blue Buck is brushy in areas. No parking pass required for parking or riding. Electric assist bikes allowed.
Rex Derr
4/11/25 UPDATE: Spring conditions. Trail soft in places. Enjoy something for everyone at Pearrygin Lake State Park. Beginner to intermediate rolling hills on single and double track trails with beautiful lake and mountain vistas. Start at the Lake Creek trailhead or other multiple access points and create your own ride. Do a loop or out-n-back, add the Bear Creek Road, make it long, make it short, it's all up to you. Electric assist bikes allowed.Enjoy something for everyone at Pearrygin Lake State Park. Beginner to intermediate rolling hills on single and double track trails with beautiful lake and mountain vistas. Start at the Lake Creek trailhead or other multiple access points and create your own ride. Do a loop or out-n-back, add the Bear Creek Road, make it long, make it short, it's all up to you. Electric assist bikes allowed.
“GO EXPLORE”
The Methow Valley has so many hidden gems to explore. I've equipped my Kona Kahuna hardtail mountain bike with a top tube bag, feedbags and a framebag to day long and multi-day adventures. Need some ride ideas? Check out the gravel trails page on our website or swing by and talk to a MCS staff member. We love to get out there and explore!