On this epic out-and-back along the North Cascades Highway, the scenery is as relentless as the climbing. The route is remote, pristine, and vividly colorful and fragrant. Deer may cross the road in front of you, waterfalls abound, and mountains tower overhead. No wonder some appreciative cyclists decided to turn this route into the Native Planet Classic, an organized ride on this route every June that raises awareness and funds for protecting the world’s last traditional indigenous peoples and their culture and land.
If you don’t join in for the fully supported Classic ride, at least take a partner and a large lunch--or support vehicle. The last services available for over 75 miles are in the small town of Mazama (12 miles in). If you can, do this ride midweek, when the traffic is nearly nonexistent. Bring layers and a windbreaker; the weather can change drastically as you transition from east to west of the Cascades and back.
-Mapped by Robert Bartsch
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Winthrop, WA: Winthrop to Diablo
| Dist: 125.43 mi |
Points: 517 |
Calories: 9000 |
| Time: 8:19:39 |
Speed: 15.1 mph |
Pace: 3:59 / mi |
Winthrop
Location: 48.472808°, -120.170860°
In 1891, Guy Waring established a trading post here; gold mining was the draw. Today, Winthrop is a Western-themed tourist town, replete with wooden boardwalks. The ride starts at the red barn just inside the town gates. © Robert Bartsch
Methow Valley
Location: 48.519333°, -120.268021°
The contrast between green grass and blue sky is stunning in the Methow Valley. It's a 15-mile warm-up spin before the mountains begin. © Robert Bartsch
Goat Creek Road
Location: 48.542523°, -120.318146°
Goat Creek Road departs to the right up ahead and heads to the town of Mazama. © Robert Bartsch
Mazama
Location: 48.574336°, -120.379257°
The flat, warm-up spin is about to end. In winter, the road up to Washington Pass closes here at Mazama due to heavy snows. In winter the road up to Washington Pass closes here at Mazama due to heavy snows. The town is also the only stop for services after you leave Winthrop. © Robert Bartsch
Climate Change
Location: 48.591597°, -120.474701°
Now, as you enter the subalpine zone, the road tips ever so slightly upwards. You have left the warmer semi-desert ecosystem and are entering the sub-alpine zone. © Robert Bartsch
The Climb
Location: 48.600225°, -120.525513°
Welcome to the official start of the climb. From here, it's approximately 7 miles to the summit of Washington Pass. © Robert Bartsch
Cascade Mountains
Location: 48.560250°, -120.624390°
This ride heads high into the Cascade Mountains, so bring your sunscreen and don't forget a light jacket. © Robert Bartsch
Washington Pass
Location: 48.515922°, -120.641899°
The grade changes to around 8 percent at the hairpin, but the summit is just around the corner. © Robert Bartsch
Washington Pass
Location: 48.522062°, -120.664044°
Looking back down the valley from Washington Pass. © Robert Bartsch
Summit Waterfall
Location: 48.522062°, -120.664044°
You'll ride past this waterfall just before the summit of Washington Pass. © Robert Bartsch
Rainy Pass
Location: 48.519333°, -120.731163°
Aptly named, this small climb amps up just after the descent of Washington Pass. © Robert Bartsch
Waterfalls
Location: 48.707275°, -120.945740°
Waterfalls are a constant on the route. This road is a favorite for two-wheeled vehicles. © Robert Bartsch
Ross Lake
Location: 48.729926°, -121.043243°
Ross Lake extends forty miles to the Canadian border. © Robert Bartsch
Diablo Lake
Location: 48.712486°, -121.088219°
Diablo Lake, just below Ross Lake Dam. © Robert Bartsch
Bigfoot Tracks
Location: 48.701838°, -121.096802°
Bigfoot has been reported in the area. © Robert Bartsch
Diablo Lake Turnaround
Location: 48.688241°, -121.097832°
Turnaround point: This out-and-back route u-turns when the highway crosses Diablo Lake at Colonial Creek Campground. © Robert Bartsch
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