Rainy Pass - Washington Pass - Winthrop Tour
Awe-Inspiring Views!!
2 Day Tour - Winthrop and Back
Ride will depart and finish at:
Ross Lake Trailhead Parking Lot: https://goo.gl/maps/D7czJjUhid8q1QtY9
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to start time to allow time for parking, line up for the out-house, etc.
Ride Leader: Christine Tweedy 206-841-7963
Length: 60 Miles each day: 120 mile two day tour. 5,000 feet elevation gain, each day.
Steady climbing, with regroups at Rainy Pass and Washington Pass. Self pace on this climb.
Route Link:
Day 1: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43105628
Day 2: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43105672
Welcome to the North Cascades Highway! Opened to the public in 1972, this was the last major road to be constructed across the Cascade Range in Washington. This scenic and adventurous trip offers a chance for cyclists to traverse one of the most remote and diverse mountain ranges remaining in the lower 48 states.
Road shoulders are widest east of the Ross Dam Trailhead, therefore, a great place to start.
After reaching Rainy Pass, the highway loses about 300 feet of elevation before it begins the final ascent to Washington Pass where alpine larch, a deciduous conifer tree endemic to the Pacific Northwest, dots the timberline with splashes of bright green needles in spring and golden yellow needles in fall.
Washington Pass (elevation 5,477) is the highest point on the highway. A short spur road at the pass leads to an overlook with fantastic views of the Early Winters Creek valley and surrounding mountains. We will walk our bikes out to the amazing overlook before the winding descent into the valley.
We will stop at the Mazama Store for famous homemade Husky Deli Ice Cream (origin West Seattle).
Dinner and lodging are in the Old Western Town of Winthrop With Antique Boardwalks, Stores, Food & Lodging. Shopping. Art & Culture.
RIDERS ARE RESPONSIBLE TO BOOK LODGING
Day 2:
Depart after breakfast, 9 am. We will plan to stop once more at the Mazama Store ( the owners are my high school friends!! ) and purchase sandwiches for our lunch stop at Washington Pass Overlook.
