Gravel Trails & Conditions
The snow is melting and roads will be ready soon! Be sure to practice social distancing even on outdoor adventures: stay local, go in small groups, and be as safe as possible.
Enjoy Some of the Best Gravel Riding in the Northwest
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 trail conditions to help you get out and ride in the Methow Valley. Check back here for updates before you head out, as riding conditions vary and new trails open frequently. Been out riding? Let us know about trail conditions.
Bear Creek Rd + Pearrygin Loop
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.
Winthrop to Carlton + Beaver Creek + Balky Hill
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.
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.
Elbow Coulee to Buttermilk Creek
An almost 50-mile challenging ride that takes you through Elbow Coulee, the most direct gravel connector from Winthrop to the upper Twisp River Valley. Then, ride up Buttermilk Creek for some great views on quiet gravel roads. Electric assist bikes allowed.
Hart's Pass Road to Slate Peak
A challenging ride up Washington's highest maintained road gaining almost 5,500 ft in 43 miles when leaving from the Mazama Store. Be alert as this gravel road is winding, in some places only wide enough for one vehicle, and in many places bordered by a drop of many hundreds of feet unprotected by guardrails. Spectatular view at the top, the site of the Slate Peak fire lookout tower. Electric assist bikes allowed. Remember, bikes are not allowed on PCT trail.
Mazama - Quick Gravel Ride
When you want a quick ride on some quiet gravel roads, head to the Mazama store and head out this 6+ mile ride connecting some of the paths created by the winter ski trails. You can make it even easier by skipping the Doe Canyon spur. Electric assist bikes not 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.
Twisp River Valley Loop
The loop starts at Elbow Coulee to Poorman Creek, climb Black Pine Lake to Buttermilk Creek and finish on Thompson Ridge. Challenging gravel loop with lots of elevation change, a mix of valley views and quiet forested riding. Electric assist bikes allowed.
Winthrop Valley Loop
A challenging ride with lots of elevation gain in the first half giving you sweeping view of Mt. Gardner and the valley, followed by quiet forested roads on the return. From the shop, take West Chewuch to Rendezvous/Gunn Ranch Rd. making for the Community Trail, then take Wolf Creek Rd Loop. Electric assist bikes allowed.
“BUILDING TRAIL”
The Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance-Methow Chapter has been steadily improving the trails up at the Chickadee trailhead. Trail work parties are the second Sunday of every month. Join us!
When I'm out riding, I always bring my camera along in the Topeak Compact Handlebar Bag for $59.95. It's quick release bracket slides easily on and off my bike, (I have a bracket for each of my bikes) and it converts to a fanny pack off the bike. It even comes with a rain cover for those times I'm caught in the elements.