Camping: $1350 | Hotels: $2600
The term “rain shadow” refers to the drying-out effect that the Cascade Mountains have on wet coastal air. On the eastern side can be found a dry, high-desert climate that is home to some of the best riding in the PNW, as well as some amazing alpine adventures on two wheels.
We will rip mouth-watering berms in Bavarian-themed Leavenworth, shuttle an epic descent in Wenatchee, soak in the remote serenity of the Methow Valley, and finish up with an unbelievable ride through the alpine of Angel’s Staircase. This tour is for the avid MTBer that loves variety, technical and physical challenge, and ending each day with a delicious meal!
The first morning of an epic 4 days will begin in the hills of a hidden gem of our state - Wenatchee, Washington! After a meet & greet with the guides, we’ll shuttle up to the Mission Ridge area, where we will prepare for an epic first ride of our trip. With beautiful views of the eastern Cascades on all sides, we will descend 3400’ through alpine meadows and ponderosa trees down to creek valleys, all with only 300’ of climbing. At the end of the ride, after sufficient high fives are given out, we’ll be rewarded with lunch in the shade and a creek to soak the feet in.
After lunch we’ll drive a quick 25 minutes to one of the most prized riding destinations in Washington - bavarian-themed Leavenworth! This time we’ll earn our turns, climbing 1400’ up to sweeping views of the valley floor. Our efforts will be well rewarded by a flowy descent down Freund Canyon or Rosie Boa, featuring views of Leavenworth valley and immaculate berms the whole way.
After finishing our second ride and refreshing ourselves with a cold drink, we’ll hop in the van and drive two hours to Pearrygin Lake in the Methow Valley, where we will camp for the next three nights!
AM) Mileage: 11.9 | Elevation: +315’, -3430’
PM) Mileage: 6.8 | Elevation: +1442’, -1859’
After a hearty breakfast at camp, we’ll head up to the Chickadee Trailhead, a renowned singletrack trail system with a wide variety of trail types and skill levels. Our aim, though, is a backcountry mission: Thompson Ridge. We will once again gain motorized advantage by shuttling about 1000’ up to start our climb. Don’t think that means we won’t be climbing! We will still have a 2000’ climb to reach our ripping 3000’ descent. With sweeping views of the Methow Valley and perfect berm after perfect berm, our cups will be plenty full and will have earned a leisurely evening of swimming or strolling around town.
For those that still have some zoomies to kick, there will be the option of riding around Pearrygin Lake from camp via the Rex Derr trail, a mellow 5-mile intermediate trail. We’ll finish day two with a delicious dinner at camp, and rest up for another great day to follow!
AM - PM) Mileage: 12.6 miles | Elevation: +2190’, -2580’
Day 3 will feature one of our favorite rides in the Methow Valley - the majestic Buck Mountain. With only a short 15-minute shuttle to the trailhead, we’ll take advantage of the simple logistics of the day to have a more leisurely start time to the day.
Leave the tech to day 4 - Buck Mountain is all about serene flow. We’ll climb 2200’ on a mellow grade over 7 miles, zig-zagging through ponderosa groves, wildflowers, and sage meadows. Views of the valley abound, and the descent could be aptly described as “hero”.
AM - PM) Mileage: 14.2 miles | Elevation: +2200’, -2200’
Day four is the crescendo of the trip! Get ready for our biggest alpine adventure of the tour, and reaching the highest elevations of our 4 days. From our hotel we’ll drive up to the Sawtooth Backcountry, to an area known as “Angel’s Staircase”, surrounded by craggy peaks and 360 degree views at the top of the climb. With a partial shuttle advantage, we’ll pedal up Martin Creek for 7.5 miles and 2500’ to reach our highest point of the trip at 7300’ above tree level, and a pristine lake to catch our breaths. It’s all downhill from there, as we begin the descending portion of the Martin Creek Trail and turn off onto the legendary Foggy Dew Trail. Views abound, as do big Ponderosa and Larch trees that burst into golden leaves in the fall time.
AM - PM) Mileage: 13.2mi | Elevation: +2075’, -4076
Includes: All lodging, meals, and transportation from the morning of the first day to the afternoon of the final day.
Private Tours: Contact us by email at info@digdeeptours.com if you are interested in making your tour private.
