Okanogan Country is a bicyclist's haven, with spectacular scenery showcasing snow-capped peaks, pine forests, flowering meadows, rugged rock cliffs and desert sage visible along hundreds of miles of scenic country roads, quiet forest routes and exciting single-track trails.
     Bicyclists pedal along hillsides covered in beautiful spring flowers, enjoy the warm summer sun or thrill to the brilliance of fall colors. Chill with snow-covered peaks, enjoy a quiet tour along cool, forested roads or trek along paved roads under wide, blue skies.
     Taking a break from driving, bicyclists can spend an afternoon or an entire day pedaling on paved or gravel county roads, where they get a close up look at working cattle ranches and orchards, ride to a ghost town, follow the course of area streams and rivers, or explore the region's vast natural beauty.
     Mountain biking is allowed on most national forest trails and roads; specific closures are marked with signs. Bikes are not allowed in wilderness areas nor on groomed snowmobile trails during the winter.
     Bikers should check with the closest ranger station for maintenance information on possible obstructions such as downed trees or rock debris. Bikers also should be watchful of goat head, a plant that produces a multi-spiked seed that raises havoc with bicycle tires.
     Updated information on trails, maintenance and closures is available on the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests' Web site,
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/oka, or by calling the forests' Okanogan Valley office, (509) 826-3275.

More information
     - "Methow Valley Mountain Bike Routes" pamphlet, available from the Methow Valley District of the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests.
     - "Mountain Bike Routes Recreation Guide," published by the Northwest Interpretive Association, and available at the Methow Valley Ranger District in Winthrop, Winthrop Visitor Center on Highway 20 and the Forest Service/National Park Service complex in Sedro Woolley.
     - "Washington Atlas and Gazetteer," by the DeLorme map company, is very helpful in identifying road rides.
     - Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests, the Colville National Forest and Okanogan County Department of Public Works also offer detailed maps. A detailed county map is available on the Web at http://www.okanogancounty.org/planning/index.html
or on CD-ROM through the public works department, (509) 422-7300.
     - Methow Valley Sport Trails Association, http://www.mvsta.com, for bike trail and events information.
     - Colville National Forest, http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/colville/
     - Other biking guides also are available from the Forest Service, and from local sporting goods and bookstores.