Table of Contents
Sections Stats: (Approximated)
· Total Miles: 411
· Total Elevation: 24,800ft. gain / 22,725ft. loss
Day 1: Anacortes to Concrete
“The Adventure Begins!”
* Day Number: Day 1
* Start Point: Anacortes, WA
* End Point: Concrete, WA
* Daily Distance: 52 miles
* Estimated Daily Elevation Gain: 600 feet
* Estimated Daily Elevation Loss: 0 feet
* Route Description: Flat coastal roads transitioning to gentle rolling hills.
* Road Type: Quiet roads, Highway 20.
* Interesting Points Along the Route:
* Padilla Bay Shoreline: Stunning waterfront views and birding opportunities (mile 10).
* Sedro-Woolley: Gateway to the North Cascades; charming small-town stop (mile 30).
* Skagit River Walk: Scenic riverside detour in Concrete.
* Local History/Culture Snippets: Coastal Salish indigenous presence and maritime history.
* Potential Side Trips/Detours: Explore the historic downtown Anacortes before leaving or take a short detour to see the Deception Pass Bridge.
* Camping Options:
* Concrete KOA Campground: 7338 Concrete Darrington Hwy, Concrete, WA 98237, (360) 853-8541, Website: https://koa.com/campgrounds/concrete/), Pricing: Varies (check website).
* Lodging Options:
* Other lodging in Concrete may not be easily accessible to cyclists, so the KOA is a good choice.
* Notes/Considerations: Start early to enjoy the coastal morning, resupply in Sedro-Woolley for groceries.
Day 2: Concrete to Newhalem
“Into the Heart of the North Cascades”
* Day Number: Day 2
* Start Point: Concrete, WA
* End Point: Newhalem, WA
* Daily Distance: 41 miles
* Estimated Daily Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
* Estimated Daily Elevation Loss: 0 feet
* Route Description: River valley with increasing elevation.
* Road Type: Highway 20.
* Interesting Points Along the Route:
* Howard Miller Steelhead Park: River access, wildlife viewing.
* Marblemount Fish Hatchery: Free tours, Salmon viewing.
* North Cascades National Park Visitor Center: Information and trail access.
* Newhalem Company Town: Historic powerhouse and Seattle City Light history.
* Local History/Culture Snippets: The area has a history tied to logging, mining, and the development of the hydroelectric project.
* Potential Side Trips/Detours: Short hikes at the various viewpoints along the river or stop at the parks along the way.
* Camping Options:
* Newhalem Creek Campground: National Park Service, hiker/biker sites, $16.00, Bear boxes. Website: (https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/newhalem-campground.htm)
* Lodging Options:
* Buffalo Run Inn: 60147 State Route 20, Marblemount, WA 98267, (360) 873-2103.
Website: (http://buffaloruninn.com/ Pricing: Varies (call to book).
* Notes/Considerations: Last reliable store is in Marblemount. Consider carrying 2 days’ worth of supplies and checking pass conditions. A morning start is crucial for most, watching for afternoon thunderstorms.
Day 3: Newhalem to Colonial Creek Campground
“Climbing into the Clouds”
* Day Number: Day 3
* Start Point: Newhalem, WA
* End Point: Colonial Creek Campground, WA
* Daily Distance: 26 miles
* Estimated Daily Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet
* Estimated Daily Elevation Loss: 0 feet
* Route Description: Sustained ascent into the Cascades.
* Road Type: Highway 20.
* Interesting Points Along the Route:
* Diablo Lake Overlook: Iconic turquoise waters surrounded by peaks (mile 18).
* North Cascades National Park Trails: Numerous trailheads for side exploration.
* Local History/Culture Snippets: Diablo Lake was formed by the Diablo dam hydroelectric project.
* Potential Side Trips/Detours: Numerous hiking trails start around the lake.
* Camping Options:
* Colonial Creek Campground: Lakeside camping with bear boxes.
Website: (https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/colonial-creek-campground.htm)
* Lodging Options:
* None directly accessible to cyclists at Colonial Creek.
* Notes/Considerations: Short mileage to prep for the climb. Ensure your bike is in good working order.
Day 4: Colonial Creek to Mazama
“Conquering Washington Pass”
* Day Number: Day 4
* Start Point: Colonial Creek Campground, WA
* End Point: Mazama, WA
* Daily Distance: 46 miles
* Estimated Daily Elevation Gain: 3,500 feet
* Estimated Daily Elevation Loss: 3,500 feet
* Route Description: Intense climbs over two major passes followed by a rewarding descent.
* Road Type: Highway 20.
* Interesting Points Along the Route:
* Rainy Pass (mile 20): Breathtaking summit views.
* Washington Pass (mile 30): Highest point on the Northern Tier, iconic switchbacks.
* Descent into Mazama: Mountain views and hairpin turns.
* Local History/Culture Snippets: The area has a rich history tied to Indigenous peoples, mining, and the construction of the pass.
* Potential Side Trips/Detours: Numerous hiking trails start from each pass.
* Camping Options:
* Goat Creek Campground: Forest Service campground just outside Mazama. Website:(https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/okawen/recarea/?recid=58403)
* Lodging Options:
* Mazama Ranch House: Website: (http://mazamaranchhouse.com/), 205 Lost River Rd, Mazama, WA 98833, Phone: (509) 996-2820. Pricing: Varies (call to book).
* Notes/Considerations: This day has a high level of difficulty. Ensure your bike is in good shape. Start very early in the day to beat the heat and afternoon thunderstorms.
Day 5: Mazama to Winthrop
“A Breath of Fresh Air in the Methow Valley”
* Day Number: Day 5
* Start Point: Mazama, WA
* End Point: Winthrop, WA
* Daily Distance: 17 miles
* Estimated Daily Elevation Gain: Minimal
* Estimated Daily Elevation Loss: Minimal
* Route Description: Easy downhill into the charming valley town.
* Road Type: Highway 20 and local roads.
* Interesting Points Along the Route:
* Winthrop’s Western Charm: Old West-themed downtown, fun to explore.
* Methow Valley Trails: Perfect for a light recovery hike or walk.
* Local History/Culture Snippets: Winthrop has a fascinating history tied to the old west and mining.
* Potential Side Trips/Detours: The Winthrop Rink area offers many paved bike path options.
* Camping Options:
* Winthrop KOA: 1140 Hwy 20, Winthrop, WA 98862, Phone: (509) 996-2678,
Website: https://koa.com/campgrounds/winthrop/), Hiker/biker sites.
* Lodging Options: Many options in Winthrop, ranging from guesthouses to hotels.
* Winthrop Inn: 960 Hwy 20, Winthrop, WA 98862, Phone: (509) 996-3662,
Website: (http://www.winthropinn.com/)
* Notes/Considerations: Short mileage today for recovery. Focus on resting and re-energizing.
Day 6: Rest Day in Winthrop
“Relax and Recharge”
* Interesting Points
* Shafer Museum: Learn about local mining history.
* Methow River Walk: A peaceful, flat trail along the river.
* Local Eats: The Rocking Horse Bakery (perfect for pastries and coffee).
* Local History/Culture Snippets: Learn about the history of Winthrop as a trading and farming town.
* Potential Side Trips/Detours: A short drive to Pearrygin State Park for swimming and a day at the lake.
* Camping Options:
* Winthrop KOA: 1140 Hwy 20, Winthrop, WA 98862, Phone: (509) 996-2678, Website: [https://koa.com/campgrounds/winthrop/](https://koa.com/campgrounds/winthrop/), Hiker/biker sites.
* Lodging Options: Many options in Winthrop, ranging from guesthouses to hotels.
* Winthrop Inn: 960 Hwy 20, Winthrop, WA 98862, Phone: (509) 996-3662, Website: [http://www.winthropinn.com/](http://www.winthropinn.com/)
* Notes/Considerations: Enjoy the quaint town of Winthrop. Take in the Methow Valley’s charm, indulge in local eateries, or explore the area on foot. Consider visiting the Methow Valley farmers market on the weekends.
Day 7: Winthrop to Okanogan
“Leaving the Mountains Behind”
* Day Number: Day 7
* Start Point: Winthrop, WA
* End Point: Okanogan, WA
* Daily Distance: 53 miles
* Estimated Daily Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
* Estimated Daily Elevation Loss: 2,000 feet
* Route Description: Rolling hills with some flat stretches.
* Road Type: Highway 20 and local roads.
* Interesting Points Along the Route:
* Twisp: Artisan shops and local market (mile 15).
* Loup Loup Pass: Optional scenic detour for the adventurous.
* Local History/Culture Snippets: This area has a lot of farming and agricultural history.
* Potential Side Trips/Detours: Visit the Twisp works arts center
* Camping Options:
* Okanogan City Park: 104 5th Ave N, Okanogan, WA 98840, Phone: (509) 422-3688. Pricing: Affordable camping with amenities.
* Lodging Options:
* The Omak Inn: 525 Okoma Dr, Omak, WA 98841, Phone: (509) 826-6751, Website: https://www.omakinn.com/), (10 minutes south of Okanogan)
* Notes/Considerations: Resupply in Twisp. Check weather conditions as temperatures can rise in the Okanogan region.
Day 8: Okanogan to Republic
“Into the Colville National Forest”
* Day Number: Day 8
* Start Point: Okanogan, WA
* End Point: Republic, WA
* Daily Distance: 59 miles
* Estimated Daily Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
* Estimated Daily Elevation Loss: 1,500 feet
* Route Description: Rolling hills transitioning to a climb through the Colville National Forest.
* Road Type: Highway 20.
* Interesting Points Along the Route:
* Okanogan National Forest Views: Panoramic views, dense forest, winding road.
* Small Towns Along the Way: Brief stops in rural communities.
* Local History/Culture Snippets: The Colville National Forest has a history of logging and mining.
* Potential Side Trips/Detours: Stop at some of the small viewpoints and picnic areas off the road.
* Camping Options:
* Republic City Park: 199 S Clark Ave, Republic, WA 99166. Phone: (509) 775-3216. Pricing: Basic camping.
* Lodging Options:
* The Historic Northern Inn: 8 N Clark Ave, Republic, WA 99166, Phone: (509) 775-2613, Website: http://www.historicnortherninn.com/), Pricing: Varies (call to book).
* Notes/Considerations: Be aware of logging trucks on the road. Limited services along the route; stock up in Okanogan.
Day 9: Republic to Kettle Falls
“Descending to the Columbia River”
* Day Number: Day 9
* Start Point: Republic, WA
* End Point: Kettle Falls, WA
* Daily Distance: 48 miles
* Estimated Daily Elevation Gain: 800 feet
* Estimated Daily Elevation Loss: 2,000 feet
* Route Description: Winding descent towards the Columbia River Valley.
* Road Type: Highway 20.
* Interesting Points Along the Route:
* Columbia River Views: Scenic overlooks of the river and the surrounding area.
* Sherman Pass: Scenic views and photo opportunities.
* Kettle Falls: Historic town with access to the Columbia River.
* Local History/Culture Snippets: The area has a history tied to the Columbia River and Indigenous peoples.
* Potential Side Trips/Detours: Visit the Kettle Falls historical townsite.
* Camping Options:
* Kettle Falls City Park: 240 E 3rd Ave, Kettle Falls, WA 99141. Phone: (509) 738-6868. Pricing: Basic Camping
* Lodging Options:
* Kettle Falls Hotel: 1000 3rd Ave E, Kettle Falls, WA 99141, Phone: (509) 738-6446, Website: https://kettlefallshotel.com/), Pricing: Varies (call to book).
* Notes/Considerations: Be cautious of traffic as the road narrows as it descends.
Day 10: Kettle Falls to Newport
“Following the Columbia River”
* Day Number: Day 10
* Start Point: Kettle Falls, WA
* End Point: Newport, WA
* Daily Distance: 60 miles
* Estimated Daily Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
* Estimated Daily Elevation Loss: 1,000 feet
* Route Description: Rolling hills following the Columbia River.
* Road Type: Highway 20 and local roads.
* Interesting Points Along the Route:
* Columbia River: Scenic river views, occasional glimpses of wildlife.
* Small towns along the way: Small community stops along the river route.
* Pend Oreille River: The final section runs alongside the Pend Oreille river.
* Local History/Culture Snippets: The Pend Oreille River is home to a rich history of the Indigenous peoples and fur traders.
* Potential Side Trips/Detours: Stop at viewpoints and overlooks along the way.
* Camping Options:
* Newport City Park: 100 S Washington Ave, Newport, WA 99156, Phone: (509) 447-5611. Pricing: Basic camping.
* Lodging Options:
* The Eagle Inn: 300 W 1st St, Newport, WA 99156, Phone: (509) 447-2421, Website:(https://eagleinnnewport.com/, Pricing: Varies (call to book).
* Notes/Considerations: Be mindful of traffic on Highway 20 and use side roads where available.
Day 11: Newport to Sandpoint
“Crossing the Border into Idaho”
* Day Number: Day 11
* Start Point: Newport, WA
* End Point: Sandpoint, ID
* Daily Distance: 48 miles
* Estimated Daily Elevation Gain: 700 feet
* Estimated Daily Elevation Loss: 600 feet
* Route Description: Rolling hills with a mix of flat stretches as you cross into Idaho.
* Road Type: Highway 2 and local roads.
* Interesting Points Along the Route:
* Crossing into Idaho: Notice the landscape change as you enter a new state.
* Lake Pend Oreille: First views of the large scenic lake.
* Sandpoint: Picturesque town on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille.
* Local History/Culture Snippets: Sandpoint’s history is closely tied to the logging industry and the lake.
* Potential Side Trips/Detours: Explore the shops and restaurants in downtown Sandpoint
* Camping Options:
* Sandpoint City Beach Campground: 58 Bridge St, Sandpoint, ID 83864, Phone: (208) 263-3308, Website: (https://sandpointidaho.gov/parks/city-beach-campground).
* Lodging Options:
* The Lodge at Sandpoint: 41 Lake St, Sandpoint, ID 83864, Phone: (208) 263-2211,
Website: https://www.lodgeatsandpoint.com/, Pricing: Varies (call to book).
* Notes/Considerations: Be aware of traffic, especially as you near Sandpoint. Enjoy the lakeside views at the end of your day.