Trail Highlight: Bob's Trail, Echo Ridge (Central Chapter)
This Trail Tuesday we are featuring Bob’s Trail in the Echo Ridge trail system in Chelan.
Trail Name: Bob's Trail
Local Chapter: Central Chapter – Echo Ridge in Chelan
Trail Length: 5.0 miles
Trail Difficulty: Blue / Intermediate, two-way trail
Trail Description:
Built from 2018-2020, including some recent updates, this 5-mile trail rides well in both directions with some fun, small jumps in the counterclockwise direction. This non-technical trail winds through the trees and includes lots of flow with well-built berms. The southern exposure opens up and offers big views of the valley. Although this trail is listed as a blue, it can be enjoyed by users of all levels, but it does involve close to 600 feet of climbing.
Trail Builder Bob Knuass tells us, “What I enjoy about Bob's trail is the flow and variety of the terrain and views. Views from Bob's trail range from expansive easterly views to southern views that give territorial views of the Lake Chelan Valley to the Enchantments. The trail route was established by Paul Willard of the Chelan Ranger District.
What is special to me about riding Bob's trail is the memories I have from building the trail. Each section of trail has a bit of a story for me. Two memories stand out: One of the coldest days of my life was when we shut down construction for the season in Nov. I had to get the excavator to an area to move the machine which took about 2 hours of traveling on other trails in about 10 degree weather. The other memory that stands out is one rainy morning I got to the machine and as I stepped around the back of the machine to check the oil I noticed bear prints on the top of the engine cover. A bear had climbed on top of the engine compartment then into the operator's seat.”
If you haven’t ridden in Chelan at Echo Ridge then make future plans for a visit. Not only are there staggering views of the lake and surrounding mountains and plateaus but the ever-growing trail system will keep beginner and intermediate riders with smiles for miles.
The Echo Ridge trail system boasts more than 35 miles of riding with close to 40 named trails zigging and zagging along the ridge crest all the way down to the Echo Valley Ski Area. Originally created as a Nordic skiers paradise, it’s the perfect place for beginner and intermediate mountain bike riders to spend some hours on trails that are well-maintained and well-conceived with plenty of signs to help prevent them from getting lost. Intermediate riders looking for a longer route that hits most of the popular trials can check out the Echo Ridge Super Loop. Many thanks to Paul Willard for spearheading Central Evergreen’s efforts at Echo Ridge and Bob Knauss for countless hours of building trails up there.
