2008
Washington Bicycle Ride II
Itinerary

Tour of Northeastern Washington

July 27 - August 1, 2008

We won't see a lot of people in this remote region of Washington, but they're very welcoming and friendly to cyclists. Northeast Washington is a land of contrasts - of rushing rivers and placid lakes; imposing mountains and rolling hills; exposed rock outcroppings and sandy beaches. The route follows many of the area's rivers including the Little Spokane, Spokane, Columbia and Pend Oreille. This six-day tour features some of the best rest stop and overnight locations we've offered. 2008 is our second tour in northeast Washington and we're returning with a revised route and options to suit a variety of riders. Options feature Mt Spokane, Flowery Trail Rd, and a ride up to the Canadian border. Click to view map.

Saturday, July 26 - Arrive in Mead
 - Registration Day & Orientation

Mead is a rural community on the northern edge of Spokane. Arrive early and explore downtown Spokane, Riverfront Park and the surrounding area. The Spokane Centennial Trail is a fabulous bike route which follows the Spokane River from the Idaho border through Spokane to Sontag Park - 37 miles downstream. There will be an optional ride on Saturday to Mt. Spokane. This 38 mile out-and-back ride climbs from 2,000' in Mead to 5,800' at Mt Spokane.

Sunday, July 27 - Mead to Chewelah
 - 77 miles and 3,360' CEG

Today we'll ride along both the Little Spokane and Spokane Rivers. After only eight miles we'll enter the Little Spokane Natural Area - a local haven for birds and birdwatchers. The Natural Area's 1,353 acres are adjacent to a seven mile stretch of the river and are composed mainly of riparian habitat and Ponderosa Pine forest. Our first rest stop is at the base of Long Lake Dam on the Spokane River. Then it's on to Everett Jenne Park in Chewelah through rolling farmland on rural roads. For the ambitious riders, there's an option to ride eight miles up Flowery Trail Road for an additional 2,300' of climbing.

Monday, July 28 - Chewelah to Colville
 - 77 miles and 4,628' CEG

As we continue on our way north, we'll ride along the Columbia River / FDR Lake for much of the day. But first there's a fun climb and descent over the Summit Range. We'll cross the Columbia on the Inchelium-Gifford Ferry where there are great views of the surrounding mountains and the river. The ferry connects Stevens and Ferry Counties and provides access to the town of Inchelium on the Colville Indian Reservation. On the east side of the river, the riding is great as the road hugs the river and has almost no traffic. Before arriving in Colville, we'll pass through Kettle Falls, once famous as a trading center for both Indians and Europeans.

Tuesday, July 29 - Colville Layover Day
 - Layover Day Options:
  o Long Ride - 89 miles and 6,782' CEG
  o Intermediate Ride - 75 miles and 4,920' CEG
  o Short Ride - 18 miles and 1,040' CEG

Colville City Park is a great location for a layover day. The park is covered with mature fir trees and is cool and shady all day. Downtown Colville is just a short walk from the park and there are plenty of good restaurants for hungry cyclists. Stay in town and relax or choose one of the optional routes to ride. The two longer rides both go over Staghorn Mountain on the way to Northport. The intermediate ride then returns to Colville after climbing away from the Columbia River. The long ride continues north from Northport to within 500' of the Canadian border then passes Deep Lake as the road turns back toward Colville. The short ride does a nice loop around the flattest rural roads of Colville.

Wednesday, July 30 - Colville to Box Canyon Dam
 - 69 miles and 5,225' CEG

A very scenic route awaits us today as we cross from the Columbia watershed to the Pend Oreille. We climb right out of Colville into a beautiful valley offering vistas of the rolling hills and horse ranches. Stop along Hwy 20 at Crystal Falls for a quick breather, and continue riding over the Selkirk Mountains to the top of the climb near Tiger Meadows. A quick descent takes us down to the store and museum in the tiny town of Tiger. Our next stop is Sullivan Lake which is surrounded by rugged mountains and is a great spot to watch for birds including the Bald Eagle, Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Goshawk and Rufous Hummingbirds. Check out historic Mill Pond and Metaline Falls on the way back to Box Canyon Dam on the Pend Oreille. The short option takes us directly to Box Canyon Dam through Ione.

Thursday, July 31 - Box Canyon Dam to Newport
 - 69 miles and 4,012' CEG

We'll ride along the Pend Oreille River for much of the day on the way to Newport. Our first rest stop is right on the river amongst the pine trees. The main route crosses the river at the town of Usk, however, we'll have the option to continue up the river directly to Newport. We'll ride around Calispell Lake and the surrounding marshlands which are home to eagles, osprey and tundra swans. Take a refreshing dip in the cool waters of Davis Lake while at the second rest stop. Then it's on to the final leg and a small climb through Deer Valley finishing with a descent into Newport.

Friday, August 1 - Newport to Mead
 - 44 miles and 2,325' CEG

Day six on is thoroughly enjoyable as the route rolls along quiet roads through rural farming communities. It's a great way to end the week with a few hills but nothing too strenuous. A hot lunch and showers will be waiting for you on your return at Mt Spokane High School.

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