Take the mountains, rivers and valleys of the greater Wenatchee area, add 200 days of sunshine, and you’ve got the perfect destination to satisfy anyone who loves to get outdoors.
Whether you’re looking to try something new this summer or have already gotten aboard the mountain biking train, Wenatchee is the place to be if you’re interested in the sport. Riders of all ages and all skill levels can find trails for them, just minutes outside of town.
Tony Hickok, president of the central chapter of the Evergreen Mountain Biking (MTB) Alliance, says the Wenatchee, Leavenworth and Chelan areas are all intentionally built to be welcoming for all kinds of riders. “There’s something for everyone in Central Washington. It's unique from anywhere else in the state – different climate, different foliage and great views.”
You can ride into Sage Hills from town or head to Squilchuck State Park just a few minutes away, where there are miles and miles of recently added trails to choose from. The Evergreen MTB Alliance is staying busy with projects all over the Central Washington area. The non-profit is just wrapping up a 10-year project at Squilchuck State Park that includes 8.6 miles of new trail and is just two years into a 20-year project at No. 2 Canyon, maintaining existing trails, developing two miles of new trailhead just this year and improving the access road and parking lot.
There are a variety of resources, classes and opportunities for riders of all ages to learn the basics for a day on the mountain or get involved with the community at Evergreen MTB Alliance. Clinics and camps offer premier instructors for groups or you can take a private lesson. Riders can also offer their time at work parties, where volunteers clean up existing trail and help carve out new trail. Hickok recommends becoming a member of Evergreen – the funds go directly into the trails and supporting the efforts of the organization. And if you want to head out on your own, check out the Tread Map App for trail conditions, current safety information, community events and volunteer opportunities, all updated by land managers and local enthusiasts.
“Mountain biking in Wenatchee really is a community sport and we look forward to being in a place where group rides can happen again later this summer,” says Hickok. The proximity of riding opportunities, the local wildlife and the beauty of the area in Central Washington really do make it a special place to mountain bike. Learn more about the Evergreen MTB Alliance here.