The Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance-Methow Chapter (EMBA-MC), in partnership with the Methow Valley Ranger District (MVRD), is pleased to announce the approval of the Chickadee multi-use trail project at Sun Mountain.

Mike Liu, Methow Valley District Ranger, extends a “big thanks to all those in the mountain biking community who were willing to acknowledge the need for an environmentally responsible and sustainable trail network and believe in the vision that we could work together to create it.” Over the last five years, EMBA-MC has worked with the Methow Valley Ranger District, Methow Trails and community volunteers to enhance the recreational opportunities at Sun Mountain for mountain bikers, runners, hikers and equestrian users.

The Chickadee project builds on continuing work to advance the development of a cohesive and sustainable trail system. Project goals include increasing the diversity of trail experiences, emphasizing singletrack connector trails, and mitigating current maintenance and erosion challenges.

The Chickadee project has received support from Methow Trails and Sun Mountain Lodge, and is endorsed by the Methow Valley Trails Collaborative. The Chickadee location was chosen because of the existing network of trails, the close proximity to the communities of Twisp and Winthrop, and nearby local accommodations and services.

Project highlights include the new multi-use Thompson Ridge trail, offering sweeping views of the Methow Valley, Thompson Pass climbing trail offering a safe alternative to dirt road travel and vehicular traffic conflict, and Wild Turkey serving up a fun, one-way descending trail.

In partnership with...