Lake Chelan Tour

Event Description

Come join us for a weekend of riding around beautiful Lake Chelan. This will be a fun way to wind down the season with some great rides along the lake, through vineyards and orchards, and in the surrounding canyons. Multiple route distances will be offered each day ranging from 37 miles with an elevation gain of 2,800 feet to 56 miles with 5,000 feet of climbing and will include SAG support with a scheduled food stop during the rides. These rides will cover much of the route used for the Lake Chelan Century Challenge held in late summer, including the signature climb up McNeil Canyon, so use this weekend to test your fitness. Ridership is capped at 200 riders, making for a delightfully social and close-knit experience.

Rides each day will start at  the northern parking lot of Don Morse Park in downtown Chelan with a group briefing. You are not required to ride each day, but please check in at the start for each day that you do ride. 

Registration

Registration closes on September 22 at 11:59 p.m.

Registration is not available in-person on the day of the event. Please register in advance.

200 rider limit.

Communications to Riders

We'll send you two detailed emails before the tour. Make sure you're subscribed to our communications.

We'll also have an informational session on Zoom two weeks before the tour so you can meet other riders, the crew, and ask questions.

Route

Each day has options for short cuts.

We encourage you to wait until the day before the event to download these maps to your preferred device for easy access on the day of the event. 

Printed cue sheets are available at the start line. The route is marked with navigational markings on the road surface.

Click through to see the full map on Ride With GPS.

Event Schedule

Friday | Manson Loop

This is a challenging but scenic ride through vineyards and orchards on the north side of Lake Chelan above the town of Manson, with options ranging from 37 to 42 miles. For those interested in more climbing, there are two optional out-and-back climbs for you to test your stamina. The morning begins with an easy but steady climb from the lake. The day is full of shifting views of the lake, opportunities to observe wildlife around a series of small lakes, and the scent of ripe apples in the orchards. After lunch, you'll ride through the small town of Manson and follow the local highway along the lake back to the start line.

Conditions and situations on this loop include hairpin turns, rural roads without shoulders, harvesting equipment present on roads, climbs and descents, a traffic circle, and a transition from road riding to a multi-use trail in a traffic circle.

Saturday | McNeil Canyon

This day starts with a descent to the Columbia, so be prepared for the climb out of it! The highlight of this route is the ascent of McNeil Canyon, an optional 6-mile climb from the Columbia River rising to 3,100 feet, followed by a ride along the Columbia River. Don't skip the pie stop at Lone Pine Bakery, a delightful oasis with the largest koi fish and monstera plants you'll ever see. You can choose 40 or 56 miles with an elevation gain of 5,100 feet, but there is no getting around having to climb out of the river gorge to return to town. Enjoy geologically dramatic landscapes, from glacial erratics dotting the landscape to epic views from the top of the gorge. Wildlife sightings abound on this day, especially along Apple Acres.

Conditions and situations on this route include highway shoulder riding, crossing narrow highway bridges, a railroad crossing, several left turns, and steep grades on the McNeil Canyon climb.

Sunday | Navaree Coulee

This is a 50-mile loop that includes two significant climbs and a total elevation gain of 2,900 feet. Starting in Chelan, we will ride up Knapp Coulee and then descend down to the Columbia River. The route then climbs back up Navarre Coulee where we will have some spectacular views of Lake Chelan, then down to Lake Chelan State Park for a rest stop, where you might catch a glimpse of deer and marmots frolicking around the lawn. We will then continue up lake for several miles, turning around at 25 Mile State Park. The route back will follow the lake shore to Chelan. A shorter route of 30 miles is also available, which follows the lake and skips the leg to the Columbia River.

Conditions and situations on this route include passing through a narrow highway tunnel with a warning light that bicyclists can trigger, ample climbing just before plummeting to lunch, and rocky debris on highway shoulders. 

Inclusion

Everyone is welcome at Cascade events. We are committed to celebrating and promoting diversity in the bicycling community. We aim to provide safe spaces at start lines, finish lines, and official rest stops. Read our commitment to anti-racism and our participant code of conduct and grievance policy.

We would like to acknowledge that our rides take place on native land. Our offices are located on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present.

Food & Breaks

Lunches are provided. You can refill your water and electrolyte bottles and enjoy light snacks that will power you for the second half of the ride. Fare includes energy bars, chips, nuts, fruit, and sandwiches from local caterers.

Gluten free and vegan snacks and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are available.

You'll also enjoy a pie stop on Day 2. Pick up your free pie ticket at the morning meeting.

We'll organize social events at local wineries and restaurants on Friday and Saturday evening, but you'll pick up your own tab.

Where to Stay

Campbell's Resort

When you register, we'll send you instructions for booking at Campbell's Resort. Our official host, the resort is located just half a mile from the starting point in Don Morse Memorial Park. You must call them at (800) 553-8225. See you registration confirmation email for further instructions.

Other Hotels

• Park Pointe Rentals, 806 WA-150
• Lakeside Lodge and Suites, 2312 W. Woodin Ave
• Grandview on the Lake, 322 W. Woodin Ave
• Midtowner Motel, 721 E. Woodin Ave
• Apple Inn Motel, 1002 E. Woodin Ave
• Lake Chelan Motel, 2044 W. Woodin Ave

Camping

• Lakeshore RV Park < 1 mile from start line
• Lake Chelan State Park 10 miles from start line
• Beebe Bridge Park 5 miles from start line

Packing list

Get ready with this handy list: 

Support During the Ride

This ride is supported by Cascade staff and volunteers.

Support and gear (SAG) vehicles are present on the route and dispatched when you call the ride support hotline. SAG vehicles can transport you and most models of bikes in the event of a mechanical or minor medical event. You should always call 911 in a life-threatening emergency.

Weather

Wear layers and be prepared for a chance of rain and undulating fall temperatures. Mornings may be very chilly and afternoons sunny with wind.

Get your bike tuned up and in shape to ride in slick, rainy, low-visibility conditions. Bring front and rear lights, install fenders, service your brakes, and clean your chain.

E-Bikes

E-bikes of all classes are permitted on this ride, as the route is entirely along public roads. 

Training

To help you prepare for this ride, you can check out our extensive schedule of Free Group Rides in the Puget Sound area. Find rides that fit your schedule and desired pace and distance.