Cascade Summer Backcountry Rides: Stafford Creek

The Cascade Summer Backcountry Rides are a series of Evergreen led mountain bike rides in the High Cascade Region for strong mountain bike riders. The rides all vary in nature but do have one thing in common. Great trails in great scenery. Some involve miles of flowy single track; others are quite rocky. Occasionally we have to hike a bike up steep trails. They usually require a full day commitment with anywhere from 4 to 6 or sometimes more hours on the trail.

You should be a strong rider, meaning you enjoy the climb to the top of Tiger Mtn or riding the full lollipop at Raging River.

You should be self sufficient and comfortable with varying weather.

And you should be prepared to do emergency bike fixes on the trail or prepared to turn a ride into a hike.

If so, then the rewards make these rides worth the effort. Fun rides, good friends, amazing jaw dropping scenery and always a memorable adventure.

Our first ride is on Sunday, June 17. We’ll be riding Stafford Cr trail, which is located in the North Teanaway Mtns. off highway 97 outside of Cle Elum. Not long mileage wise (OAB, slightly less than 10 miles total), the trail is rocky in spots and fast and smooth in others. Most people do have to hike their bike on small sections. The scenery is outstanding, and prepare to have your mind blown by amazing views of the Stuart Mtn range when we reach the saddle at the top of the trail. There are also several options folks can add on for more mileage. Hike up to Navajo Peak and/or ride up towards the Stand Up Creek saddle. The WTA has an excellent description of the trail here: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/navaho-pass

We’ll meet at the Preston Park & Ride (H 90, exit 22) at 7:30 am to carpool, which will get us on the trail by 9:30 am. Folks can also meet us at the trailhead. After the ride we can stop in Cle Elum for some food before heading back over the pass. Expect to be gone most of the day. You can email me if you have any questions ().