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Buck Mountain Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate
 4.3 (24) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  1. Areas
  2. WA
  3. …North Cascades
  4. Methow Valley
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“Great vista views of the Methow Valley, this ridgeline trail loop is a favorite in the Methow Valley ”

Tony Locati
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Map Key

13.0

Miles

21.0

KM

60%

Singletrack

4,235' 1,291 m

High

2,575' 785 m

Low

2,066' 630 m

Up

2,059' 628 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

The highlight to this trail is a 9 mile stretch of long, flowy singletrack that takes you along the ridgeline of Buck Mountain. Forest roads on both the South West (Cub Creek Road) and North East (NF-100) provide access points to the trail. Doing a loop is about 60% singletrack; making it a figure 8 is about 50% singletrack.

A mixture of evergreens and dry brush gives way to spectacular views throughout the trail.

Need to Know

Parking is available at large pullout along Cub Creek road near the trail access. Do not block the private driveway/trail at the south (downhill) end of pullout.

Description

Start up Cub Creek Road. Keep right to stay on FS 100. Don't get pulled left on FS 52 to either Rendezvous or Mazama. After ~1,100 feet of climbing on road, you'll reach the "Deer Country" sign and the turnoff to the Buck Mountain Trail.

The road branches, climb to the right up doubletrack, which is marked with a yellow bike route marker.

Buck Mountain Trail is around 9 miles of singletrack which eventually intersects with a doubletrack road (NF-025 Forest Road), which you'll want to turn left (down hill) on. This doubletrack takes you back to Cub Creek Road. You can add-on to this by taking a left on the Buck Lake Trail at the junction a few minutes before you intersect with NF-025, which will take you all the way to Buck Lake.

Follow the doubletrack around the north side of the lake, past the campground, and follow the doubletrack (NF-100) around the north side of Buck Mountain and eventually follow it to the left at NF-155. This will eventually reconnect you to the north point of Buck Mountain Trail. This adds approximately 10 miles to this 13 mile route.

Contacts

Local Club: Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance - Methow Chapter

Land Manager: USFS - Okanogan & Wenatchee National Forest Office

Shared By:

Tony Locati
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 24 votes

#1

in Methow Valley

#711

Overall
  4.3 from 24 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
8%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Methow Valley

#13

in Washington

#711

Overall
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Photos

Singletrack through fields of wildflowers
Jun 3, 2015 near Winthrop, WA
A little downhill on the Buck Mountain Trail
Jun 3, 2015 near Winthrop, WA
Buck Mountain Trail
Apr 15, 2014 near Winthrop, WA
Some nice scenery overlooking the valley.
Apr 5, 2018 near Winthrop, WA
Buck Mountain Trail
Apr 15, 2014 near Winthrop, WA
Buck Mountain Trail
Apr 15, 2014 near Winthrop, WA

5 Comments

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Sep 23, 2022
Haley Bloeser
Beautiful ride in some open meadows. Watch out for cows! 13mi — 2h 00m
Sep 23, 2022
hrhess
Sep 23, 2022
Jeremiah Glascock
Jul 16, 2022
Hayley Boushka
If you like a continuous uphill, cross country style slog then you might like this. The only redeeming quality is great views, flowers and a work out. 15mi
Oct 12, 2020
Lauren LittleRedClimbingHood
First ever ride, with Clara. Gorgeous. Took the variant, which is incredibly well constructed. 15mi — 4h 00m
Sep 19, 2020
Whitewater Rider
Aug 23, 2020
Beau Trivers
Beautiful ride! Climbs are mellow and downs are fun with huge beautiful views!! 14mi
May 15, 2020
Lisa Bedker-Madsen
Heavy night rain made for perfect trails

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