Methow offers many, many bike trails

(News Item #0083, Published: 03/28/08) Wenatchee World Newspaper

Jay Lucas, director of the Methow Valley Sports Trails Association, suggests making a long weekend or a short week of your outing. "There's an endless supply of trails for everyone," he said.

More than 1 million acres of public land is dedicated to trails in the area, including MVSTA's trail system. The group also hosts an annual Mountain Bike Festival, with events for adults and kids, Oct. 3-5.

For more information, call MVSTA at (509) 996-3287. Trail maps are available at: (mvsta.com)mvsta.com.

Angel's Staircase Loop - Skill level: Advanced This is for the hardcore mountain biker. The 25-mile loop is also one of the longest in the valley. It's an all-day affair.

Buck Mountain Loop - Skill level: Intermediate This 13-mile loop offers a variety of terrain.

Bear Mountain Figure 8 - Skill level: Intermediate As the name suggests, this trail runs its course in a figure-eight form. The 14-mile trail was built strictly for mountain biking. Lucas says it's good for all skill levels.

Pearrygin Ridge and Creek trails - Skill level: Advanced This one is a real intimidator and is recommended for skilled mountain bikers. It is one of the longer and steeper choices in the valley, throwing 17 miles and 3,900 feet of elevation gain at you.

Cutthroat Pass - Skill level: Intermediate to advanced This trail is also popular with hikers and horseback riders. It's all single track. . It is also home to the Cutthroat Classic, a wildly popular trail run event held every August.

Pipestone Canyon Loop - Skill level: Beginner to intermediate There are two parts to this trail: a 14-mile single track and a 16-mile dirt road. The dirt road is better suited for beginners, but the intermediate single track could be doable for most. The best time to ride this trail is during cooler weather. Why? Rattlesnakes are active during the summer.

Starvation Mountain Loop - Skill level: Intermediate to advanced While not technically difficult, the length (24 miles) and elevation gain (4,300 feet) make this trail challenging.

Sun Mountain Trails - Skill level: Beginner to advanced Located just west of Winthrop, the Sun Mountain area is not a continuous trail, but a 30-mile system of trails. The popular spot is perhaps the valley's most versatile.

Tiffany Mountain Loop - Skill level: Intermediate to advanced Lucas says this one is among the most challenging.

West Fork Methow Trail - Skill level: Beginner to intermediate Up and back, this trail covers 16 miles and intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail. Tempting as it may be, no bikes are allowed on the Pacific Crest.