Multi-Day Mountain
Bike Tours
Rain Shadow
(Advanced | 4-day)
$2600/person
- Location: Eastern Washington
- Duration: 4 days
- Technical level: Intermediate / Advanced
- Fitness level: 8 / 10
- Accomodations: Luxury hotels and inns
- Group or Private: Both available
- Start / End: Wenatchee, WA
- Season: June - September
- Rental Bikes: Salsa Blackthorn ($65/day)
- Optional Add-ons: Hiking, rock climbing
- Elevation Range: 2000-7,300ft
The term “rain shadow” refers to the drying-out effect that the Cascade Mountains have on the 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 remote 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 a ride in Wenatchee overlooking the Columbia River. From rolling sagebrush hills, to alpine lakes, to ponderosa groves and miles upon miles of grin-inducing singletrack, this tour is for the avid MTBer that loves variety, technical challenge, and ending each day with shower and warm bed!
*This tour is a shortened version of Crest the Cascades tour, cutting out day 1, 6, and 7*
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Day 1: Leavenworth and Wenatchee
We will kick off the first day of our trip in one of Washington’s favorite places to mountain bike - Leavenworth! After meeting in Wenatchee and making the short drive to Leavenworth, we’ll kick things off with a nice pedal through ponderosa trees at Leavenworth Ski Hill. Our climb will be rewarded by a flowy descent down Freund Canyon or Rosie Boa, featuring views of Leavenworth valley and immaculate berms.
After lunch, we will save our legs some energy by shuttling to the top of the afternoon’s ride - Devil’s Gulch. Having cut out 3000’ of climbing by shuttling, we will descend an epic 3400’ through alpine meadows and ponderosas all the way down to creek valleys with only 300’ of climbing. At the end of the ride and after sufficient high fives are given out, we’ll hop in the van and drive about an about up to our hotel along the beautiful Columbia River.
Day 2: Angel’s Staircase
Day two is a major highlight of our trip! Get ready for our biggest alpine adventure of the trip, and reaching the highest elevations of our 7 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 once 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 trees and Larches that burst into golden leaves in the fall time.
After basking in some post-ride glow, we’ll drive up to the town of Twisp, which will be our home for the next three days. We’ll settle into our hotel rooms, and anyone who still has the energy will head our for a short hike in the valley before dinner.
Day 3: Methow Valley
Day three is the first day we will be able to leave our bags unpacked as we’ll be returning to the same room for another night. After a hearty breakfast, 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 another epic backcountry route: 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.
Day 4: Buck Mountain, Sage Hills
In the morning we’ll pack our bags, hop in the van and head up for one last ride in the Methow Valley - the majestic Buck Mountain. Having gotten our tech fix in the previous days, this ride is all about serene flow. We’ll climb 2200’ on a mellow grade over 7 miles, zig-zagging through ponderosa groves and wildflower and sage meadows. Views of the valley abound, and the descent could be aptly described as “hero”.
After lunch (and maybe a quick stretch), we’ll hop in the van and drive back to Wenatchee, where we will have our final send-off ride at Sage Hills, hovering over the Columbia River and the city of Wenatchee.
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This trip is for the technically advanced and fit rider. We will climb around 7,500 feet over the 4 days, and ride close to 70 miles total. There will be some opportunities for riders to sit out a ride, but every ride is unique and we’d love for you to experience it all! If you are having trouble determining i you fit into this description, contact us before booking.
Trail type: singletrack, backcountry + front country trail systems.
Tech difficulty: 70% flowy, 30% technical
Physical difficulty: High
Elevation: 2000’-7,400’
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Fly into: Wenatchee, WA
Arrive by: day before tour. Tour begins early in the morning of the first day.
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2024 Dates:
June 15th - 22nd
Aug 25 - 31st
Sept 21nd - 27th:
October 13th - 19th
Pricing:
$2600/person
Single occupancy room: + $450
Deposit to book: $500
Includes: All lodging, meals, and transportation from morning of first day afternoon of final.
Private Tours: Contact us by email at info@digdeeptours.com if you are interested in making your tour private.
2024 Dates
June 16 - 22
July 1 - 8
August 25 - 31
September 21nd - 27th
October 13th - 19th