Washington Pass Excursion - Self Paced (88 miles)

Come join us for a ride along the North Cascade Highway up Washington Pass. This will be a self-guided, self-paced ride starting from the North Cascades Visitor Center outside of Newhalem up to the summit and back.

There will be several water stops along the way and a sag vehicle for emergencies.

THIS RIDE IS CHALLENGING. It will be a steady grade of 3-5% for 45 miles (9,000 ft of total elevation gain). In order to do this ride, you will have to have spent some time training this spring/summer. You should be able to ride a high moderate or above pace.

This is a beautiful ride that you will never forget through the north Cascades.

Ride directors: Alexa Volwiler and Frieder Mack

Sag support: Machiko Threlkeld

Detailed start location: Across the Skagit River from the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) near milepost 120 and the town of Newhalem. Adjacent to Newhalem Creek Campground. GPS link (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&safe=active&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=48.669992,-121.261683&spn=0.035256,0.069437&z=14&msid=116390674488707329766.000471098d756927eeb5c).

Note: The Visitor's Center opens at 9 AM, so there are no facilities in the parking lot at the ride start. Please use nearby toilets in the Newhalem campground on the way. Please arrive 20 minutes before the posted start time to sign the waiver and hear the route notes.

Water stops: mp 11.2/77 (Colonial Creek Campground), 24.6/63.5, 34.4/53.7, 44 (top of pass). Optional food stop in town (Newhalem) off Main Street.

Post ride gathering: Buffalo Run (http://www.buffaloruninn.com/restur.htm), Marblemount

Route Link: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5262190