Epic Washington Tour

New Addition for 2009

2009’s Epic tour for avid cyclists is a gloriously thrilling excursion through Washington State’s Cascade Mountains into the apple orchards and wine regions of the state’s east side, along the Columbia River to magnificent Lake Chelan, then back over the Cascades to the Pacific coast. Routes will average 60 miles per day, with one day at 100+ miles, and riders will be rewarded with the choicest bits of Washington’s splendid scenery.

From Seattle to Suncadia

Our eight-day tour begins with a Saturday morning pick-up in Seattle. We’ll whisk you away to the tiny Cascade Mountain town of Cle Elum, whose name means ‘swift water’ in the Kittitas tribe’s language. This day we’ll ride beneath forested peaks and along the crystal rivers of the region, finishing at the brand-new Suncadia Resort on the cloudless eastern slopes of the Cascades. Built by the owners of Sunriver Resort (which garners rave reviews on Bicycle Adventures’ Crater Lake tours), Suncadia is a luxury mountain retreat tucked into the pine forests along the Cle Elum River.

Scenic Blewett Pass Takes Guests to Enchanting Leavenworth

On Sunday, a fun ride up and over 4,102-foot Blewett Pass offers magnificent views of the appropriately named Enchantment Range. An old highway leads us through forested woodlands to the charming Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth. Our lodging for the night is at Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat, which Frommer’s Travel Guide hails as “one of the best-designed mountain retreats in the state.” We’ll spend two nights here, so you’ll have time to enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds and Sleeping Lady’s memorable boulder-lined swimming pool.

From Apple Orchards and Badger Mountain to 50-Mile-Long Lake Chelan

Monday a loop ride takes us along side roads and through apple orchards through the tiny town of Plain to Lake Wenatchee, a sparkling mountain gem set among stunning Cascade peaks. After a scenic lakeside lunch, we’ll loop back into Leavenworth for our second night at Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat.

A challenging, 85-mile route greets us on Tuesday. From Leavenworth, side roads wind through apple orchard country to the town of Wenatchee, where we’ll cross the Columbia River and head over Badger Mountain – a scenic, fun and hilly ride. After lunch in the town of Waterville, we’ll continue north through lovely wheat fields in this remote high plains area, then drop down to Chelan Falls and climb up again to Lake Chelan, a pristine, 50-mile-long glacier fed lake. Our lodging for Tuesday night is at Campbell’s resort, a full service destination resort on eight acres of manicured lakefront. You’ll enjoy the hot tubs that evening!

Off to the Okanagan

On Wednesday we’ll ride from Lake Chelan, following the Columbia River north to Pateros, then take a side trip to Alta Lake State Park for one of Bicycle Adventures’ gourmet picnic lunches. Back on the road, we’ll follow the Methow River through Carlton and Twisp; here in the remote Okanagan region, you’ll probably catch a glimpse of bald eagles, white-tailed deer, possibly even the occasional elk or moose. We’ll finish in the historic Old West town of Winthrop (strap on those six shooters!) We’ll stay two nights here at a property enjoyed by wintertime Bicycle Adventures’ guests on the Methow Valley Ski Tour – Sun Mountain Lodge. Raves Frommer’s, “The setting is breathtaking, the views are awe-inspiring, and the amenities are first class.”

Sun Mountain Lodge Offers a Rest, a Ride, or a Tee Time

Thursday is a layover day, with plenty of options for both riders and ‘resters:’ there are options to cycle to the town of Omak at the foot of the Okanagan Highlands via 4,020-foot Loup Loup Pass, or to enjoy one of the activities at the lodge – anything from golf to whitewater rafting to a spa treatment. You’ll enjoy the hot pools here as well!

Friday Challenge: Two Passes En Route to the Coast

Friday is our longest day, offering a challenging route of 130 miles if you choose to cycle the whole way. We’ll be cycling from Sun Mountain Lodge through the beautiful Methow valley, over the breathtaking Cascade Mountains to the town of La Conner, on the western side of the state. We’ll ride over 5,477-foot Washington Pass, downhill and then uphill again to 4,875-foot Rainy Pass. We’ll lunch at Diablo Dam (once the world’s tallest dam at 389 feet) with Liberty Bell Mountain looming above. Once on the west side of the Cascades, we’ll be going down – all the way down to 100 feet of elevation. We’ll cycle part of famous Chuckanut Drive with its spectacular views of the San Juan Islands, and finish in the waterfront town of La Conner, where we’ll spend the night at the deluxe La Conner Country Inn.

Skagit Bay and a Sendoff to Seattle

Our final day, Saturday, we’ll cycle from La Conner on mostly flat roads along the peaceful reaches of Skagit Bay to Camano Island, reveling in views of pastoral Whidbey Island across the strait. Side roads along the island’s waterfront lead us to a state park where we’ll celebrate with a final gourmet picnic lunch before heading back to Seattle, a short van ride away.

Departures: August 29 and September 19.

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