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Trail Description:
Recommended by several bikers in the Methow valley as THE trail to ride. Could be the best trail in the state for scenery, workout, and fun descent. 6 miles of climbing and a 6 mile descent.
The trail is single track for hiking, biking and horses. Very clean hard pack with some creek crossings and easy technical rock fields. You spend half of the trail on steep slopes with rocks on either side but a smooth trail to ride.
The trail is very near to the North Cascade National Park. It ascends the side of a large mountain bowl surrounded with very steep, rugged, and beautiful mountain peaks.
The trail climbs easily by cutthroat lake (2 miles) and then starts a steeper switch backed ascent through alpine forests and meadows to meet with the Pacific Crest trail at a pass (mile 6) with a stunning view of the North Cascade mountains surrounding you - bring camera, water and food.
You can continue climbing from the pass. A rider passed us continuing to the left up the trail that is visible from the saddle/pass intersection with the PCT.
The climb takes about 1.5 hours and the descent takes about 40 minutes. Allow time for taking in the scenery. We guess an altitude of 6,000 - 7,000 feet at the summit
How to get there:
On Hwy 20 east of Washington Pass Overlook and before Line Fir Campground. Look for the Cutthroat Lake sign on the North side of the road.
Approximately 20 Mins west of Mazama, WA. and 15 mins from Washington Pass Cutthroat lake access road ends 1/2 mile at the trail head.
| Posted by: Kev on 8/23/2005 |
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May be the best ride I've ever done. Slightly technical in spots, but the rest is smoooooth single-track. Hard not to ride off this side when you're checking out the view. Rode on a Sunday in August and once past the lake there were only a few hikers, no horses. Good line of sight on most of the trail makes it easy for trail users to spot each other...Trail obviously upgraded in last few years with mountain bikers in mind. Don't miss this one. Kevin, B.C.
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