September 25, 2010

by Scatman

Location: Lower Chiwawa Tr. 1548, Minnow Ridge Tr. 1524, Minnow Creek Tr. 1539, Basalt Ridge Tr. 1515, Basalt Pass Tr. 1530, and Chikamin Ridge Tr. 1534

Central Cascades – Entiat Mountains; Leavenworth Ranger District

Current conditions:

We started our ride on Road 62, Chiwawa River Road just east of the Grouse Creek CG.  We took the Lower Chiwawa Tr. to Minnow Ridge Tr. following it up to a side trail which brought us out directly across from the trailhead (TH) of the Minnow Creek Tr.  Up to this point the conditions were fantastic.  There were one or two small muddy sections in a couple of the low areas on the Chiwawa.

The Minnow Creek Tr. does not get much use and the section along the creek is, you guessed it, wet at times.  The rest of the trail is dry and quite steep.  Be prepared for lots of pushing on your way to Basalt Peak, (the peak is accessed via a short side trail offering incredible views of Glacier Peak, the Entiats, Alpine Lakes Wilderness and Mt. Rainier).

The descent off of Basalt Peak on the Basalt Ridge Trail is challenging with some tight switchbacks and steep sections that will test both your skills and your brakes.  When we exited the Basalt Ridge Trail we took Road 6210 downhill a short way to a connector trail which brought us back to the Minnow Ridge Tr.  This section was probably the muddiest and at that it wasn’t really muddy.  We follow Minnow Ridge .3 miles to Chikamin Ridge Tr which brought us back to the Lower Chiwawa Trail.  Chikamin Ridge is not on the ridge until the last mile or so, but side hills with short grinding climbs that are just long enough to hurt.  You’ll cross 5 small creeks, be prepared to shift down at each since each is followed by a steep climb.

The descent after the 5th creek is one of the BEST I’ve ridden ever!  Motorcycles have created perfect berms and the follow of the trail is awesome.  This one section makes the whole ride worth it.

We lucked out and only saw two dirt bikes as we started and two mountain bikers the whole day.  The best time to go is late September.  Summer time would be very sandy and you would run into lots of motorcycles.

MORE FROM SCATMAN ABOUT THIS RIDE & VIDEO: http://www.adventuresofscatman.com/2010/09/switchbacks-sweat-and-berms/

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1. Ride On Open Trails Only

Respect trail and road closures — ask a land manager for clarification if you are uncertain about the status of a trail. Do not trespass on private land. Obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Be aware that bicycles are not permitted in areas protected as state or federal Wilderness.

2. Leave No Trace

Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don’t cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.

3. Control Your Bicycle

Inattention for even a moment could put yourself and others at risk. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations, and ride within your limits.

4. Yield to Others

Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you’re coming — a friendly greeting or bell ring are good methods. Try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. Bicyclists should yield to all other trail users, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic. Strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one.

5. Never Scare Animals

Animals are easily startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement or a loud noise. Give animals enough room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses, use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife are serious offenses.

6. Plan Ahead

Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are riding — and prepare accordingly. Strive to be self-sufficient: keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.

Keep trails open by setting a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling. For more information, visit www.imba.com.

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Who would have thought that a mere 18 miles from downtown Seattle on I-90 would lead to 1,200 acres of pristine forest rising 1,100 feet in elevation above Issaquah and Lake Sammamish and home to some great cross country trails?

Established to provide natural resource preservation and passive recreation along the edge of urban and rural living, the park is located between Mitchell Hill Forest to the east and the Issaquah Highlands residential development to the west. But don’t let the words “residential development” scare you off. The trail system only borders area neighborhoods and while riding, you would never have any idea that cribs are even close by.

Something for everyone

The trails at Grand Ridge are plentiful and offer varied terrain for riders of every fitness and skill level, but plan to do some climbing. As far as distance, well, you can pick it and ride from anywhere to 1 to 3+ hours.

When linked to the trails on the southside of I-90, you can create even longer rides. And to the north, follow the 7-mile trail that was recently built with the help of Washington Trails Association volunteers to Duthie Hill Park, another King County park in development with the help of Evergreen Bike Alliance.

Eventually, these trails will also connect to Soaring Eagle/Beaver Lake to make for an epic day of riding.

TRAIL MAP

Recent Developments

Washington Trails Association volunteers have just completed the construction a 40’ bridge made of native materials across Canyon Creek on the Grand Ridge Trail, one of the largest structures that WTA has completed, and one of the remaining projects along the length of this 7-mile trail.

Access

From Seattle, drive east on I-90 for approx. 18.1 miles. Take Exit #20, turn left at bottom of ramp. Pass underneath I-90 and park in the gravel lot to the west. Hike or bike west on the Issaquah-to-High Point Trail to the backcountry trailhead. You can also access the trail from Central Park in the Issaquah Highlands.

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