This upcountry Okanogan exploration stitches together bristling ridgelines, remote National Forest and a modular tasting menu of the Methow’s best singletrack. Stretching east from Twisp, this brawny tour rambles the inner Valley foothills and stark granite uplands of Finley Ridge en route to Loup Loup Pass. The crown jewels of this adventure are any number of optional mountain bike lines through the Loup Loup trail network and Bear Mountain. Views for days, proper elevation, and slabs of formidable granite elevate this backcountry circuit squarely into the realm of Okanogan epics.

For riders looking to push beyond the usual boundaries of standard-fare gravel, this one offers a little of everything that makes the Methow so compelling: big views, big miles, big country and trails that occasionally get a bit wild. This one goes deep, so an XC mountain bike or capable hardtail are ideal for the MTB Edition. The menu includes fast gravel, buttery pavement, raw backcountry descents and a sprawling EMBA trail network to explore. Even a couple campgrounds if you want to make a weekend of it. Consider it a grand tour of the wild side of the Methow’s eastern fringe—equal parts upcountry ridge ramble, legit MTB trail session, and deep National Forest tranquility.

Lost Weekend 2026: Methow Valley Route Collection

MTb edition

The 61-mile MTB edition is a big, trail-forward day for eager MTB-oriented riders whose may or may not want to throw in some legit Black Diamond descents in the middle of their adventure ride. This beefy mixed-terrain epic warms up over Balky Hill before climbing deep into the Finley Canyon backcountry. 20 miles of high country gravel rambling along Finley Ridge drops riders into the buttery pavement of the NF41 en route to Loup Loup. Be sure to stop for water refill and a quick rest at the Loup Loup campground. The second act heats up as we climb the backside of Bear Mountain into the heart of the Loup Loup trail network. This section includes an optional extra-credit Black Diamond run down Oso Peligroso, the system’s flagship descending trail. Hearty riders may want to investigate Oh Bother as well for a slightly spicier cut.

Act 3 begins as we descend the Bear Mountain #442 trail beneath South Ridge into the South Fork Beaver Creek drainage. Bear Mountain #442 is a raw, sandy, loose backcountry descent with sections of rocky, rooty tech. Though it is rated Blue overall, a lot of it runs like a Black, so keep very much on your toes. Water refill is available via filter from the creek below. From here it’s a smooth victory lap along Beaver Creek and back up over Balky Hill for a smooth descent back into Twisp.

Highlights

Golden foothills of the Methow Winter Range & Wildlife Refuge and Balky Hill.
Finley Ridge. Sublime and raw backcountry ridge rambling through former burn zones above Finely Canyon.
Loup Loup Trail Network. EMBA Methow’s flagship trails: gentle climbs, spectacular rocky tech, and classic Okanogan flow.
Optional Oso Peligroso run: signature slabs, rock rolls, drops, chutes, granite features, moondust and more slabs.
Bear Mountain #442: pristine backcountry descent, spectacular views, and Okanogan vastness.
Twisp Public House for post-ride bevvies and food.

adventure

The 54-mile Adventure edition is a big, backcountry day for advanced riders who want to hit a good amount of singletrack and backcountry trails in the middle of their longform gravel ride, but prefer to keep it drop-bar accessible. So what’s different between this and the MTB edition? The Adventure edition skips the Oso Peligroso trail descent and is thus suitable for hearty drop-bar riders with advanced singletrack skills.

Caveat: Bear Mountain is a doozy in places, but can be ridden on drop bars by riders with advanced handling chops.

Act 3 begins as we descend the Bear Mountain #442 trail beneath South Ridge into the South Fork Beaver Creek drainage. Bear Mountain #442 is a raw, sandy, loose backcountry descent with sections of rocky, rooty tech. Though it is rated Blue overall, a lot of it runs like a Black, so drop-bar riders especially—keep very much on your toes. Water refill is available via filter from the creek below. From here it’s a smooth victory lap along Beaver Creek and back up over Balky Hill for a smooth descent back into Twisp.

Highlights

Golden foothills of the Methow Winter Range & Wildlife Refuge and Balky Hill.
Finley Ridge. Sublime and raw backcountry ridge rambling through former burn zones above Finely Canyon.
Loup Loup Trail Network. EMBA Methow’s flagship trails: gentle climbs, moderate rocky tech, and classic Okanogan flow.
Bear Mountain #442: pristine backcountry descent, spectacular views, and Okanogan vastness.
Twisp Public House for post-ride bevvies and food.

allroad/gravel

This is the dropbar-specific edition which sidesteps any and all singletrack. This is, as the name implies, strictly a gravel/allroad variation. This beefy mixed-terrain epic warms up over Balky Hill before climbing deep into the Finley Canyon backcountry. 20 miles of high country gravel rambling along Finley Ridge drops riders into the buttery pavement of the NF41 en route to Loup Loup. Be sure to stop for water refill and a quick rest at the Loup Loup campground. Sidestepping the Loup Loup singletrack trails, the Allroad edition skirts the edges of Bear Mountain via silky National Forest gravel to rejoin the other routes along Beaver Creek.

Highlights

Golden foothills of the Methow Winter Range & Wildlife Refuge and Balky Hill.
Finley Ridge. Sublime and raw backcountry ridge rambling through former burn zones above Finely Canyon.
Loup Loup Pass backcountry and Beaver Creek areas are classic, pristine Okanogan vastness.
Twisp Public House for post-ride bevvies and food.

Twisp

Twisp is the artsy, lived-in cousin to Winthrop’s touristy Wild West facade. This is where real people live, work, eat and drink with a distinctly approachable character. It is also the smallest certified creative district in Washington State. Despite its compact size, Twisp has a thriving arts scene, with galleries, studios, and public art installations. The Methow Valley Community Center and TwispWorks, a cultural hub housed in a former ranger station, provide space for artists, makers, craft brewers, food trucks and more. Highlights include Blue Star Coffee Roasters, OSB Taproom, and Glover Street Market.

Loup Loup Trail Network

There is a lot of great energy up at the Loup these days. Tucked into the Okanogan high country east of the Methow, this once-overlooked corner of the valley is steadily transforming from a quiet local ski bowl to a proper BC-style MTB trail destination. The setting is pure Okanogan: dry pine forest, big open slopes, massive granite slabs, technical feature lines, distant peaks and that golden Methow light that feels like perpetual magic hour. The trails are still young, but it is refreshing to see the level of engagement on the part of EMBA’s Methow Chapter in putting the Loup on the map.

In contrast to Sun Mountain, the Loup embraces the spicier end of the trail spectrum, incorporating the zone’s wealth of naturally embedded rock. There’s a little something for everyone from mellow rollers and pedal-friendly climbs to descents that get properly spicy, veering into what I’d characterize as Canadian Black. Oso Peligroso and Oh Bother are the twin headliners, delivering several miles of fast, feature-rich granite slabs, massive rollers, drops, and a surprising degree of technical consequence for a signed and sanctioned network. Fozzie Bear Inventions is a newer line up top that is rated Black, but rides more like a Double Black, depending on line choice. This is very much a system that is still growing as the map expands nearly every weekend, but retains a wonderfully scrappy, backcountry vibe.

emba: methow chapter

From rugged alpine singletrack to modern flow trails, the Methow Valley features one of the most diverse and extensive trail systems in Washington. Evergreen’s Methow Chapter is an all-volunteer council that works in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and other land managers to envision and steward a growing network of mountain bike and multiuse trails sought out by riders from around the region. The chapter’s professional trail staff and dedicated volunteers work throughout the season to expand the trail system, maintain existing tread and rehabilitate the area’s extensive backcountry networks.

food & lodging

Old Schoolhouse Brewery serves up a well-rounded slate of craft brew standards with a rotating lineup of dank and hazy seasonals. The downtown Winthrop location is situated in – you guessed it – a cozy, old timey schoolhouse with primo riverside beer garden and patio. They are kind of the only craft brew game in town offering a menu of pub grub, burgers and salads. They now have two additional locations in the valley, a taproom in Twisp and the Mazama Public House.

The Copper Glance is a mixology-grade cocktail bar with a streamlined menu of drinking snacks, charcuterie and thoughtfully procured locavore favorites. I can personally vouch for the burrata di bufala and gruyere mac n’ cheese.

East 20 Pizza serves up a casual balance of high quality post-ride pies, salads and curiously extra-cold brews. Nonchalant ski bum vibes and a well-worn, dog-friendly patio lock in East 20 as a perfect go-to for quick, easy, hassle-free calories and beer.

Nine miles southeast of Winthrop in Twisp, Blue Star Coffee Roasters is absolutely 100% worth the trip. Think Coava or Puff Coffee in Portland – which is to say artfully prepared and regionally famous craft espresso, pour-over, drip coffee and pastries along with a full line of brewing gear, aeropress + pour-over kits, filters and accessories. Highly recommended for a mid-ride pick-me-up.

Rocking Horse Bakery does a distinct thing I like to call mountain town espresso, which is to say sometimes it’s less about the coffee and more about convenience, hearty food + grab n’ go options, location or some combination of all of these. Rocking Horse is exactly that. No more, no less.

Methow River Lodge & Cabins gets the job done and then some in a rustic riverside setting close to downtown. All the stuff you need. None of the stuff you don’t with lovely balconies and hammocks right on the river. Perfect economically-inclined or solo option close to all the riding, food and fun.

Chewuch Inn & Cabins are a perfectly convenient option just south of downtown. Think standard-fare country inn with nine cozy private cabins available for rent.

Hotel Rio Vista is right in the thick of things overlooking the river downtown. It seems affordable, popular and again, sort of standard-fare tourist-grade stuff. I will say it is always pretty busy and can be sort of loud being right downtown, so if that’s a concern, consider yourself warned.

Sun Mountain Lodge sits at the apex of the Sun Mountain trail system with singletrack literally out the front door. I’m not going to lie – it’s nice. You’ll find it comfortable, spacious, accommodating and slightly luxurious if you’re looking to splurge a bit. Of course it comes at a price but those North Cascade views from the hillside hot tubs will certainly help take the edge off.

Winthrop KOA is just about what one might expect; the usual spread of tent and RV sites, rustic and deluxe cabins and even some questionable ‘Covered Wagon’ bunking arrangements should you want to kick up your heels a bit.

Camping is a stellar option in and around the Methow. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest surrounds Winthrop on three of its four sides with literally dozens of established campgrounds north and west of town. Also as folks know, less formal dispersed camping is allowed throughout public National Forest lands, so if you’re looking to post up in the goods, you won’t have to go very far.