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Trip

Angels Staircase MTB

Bike

Trip Angels Staircase MTB
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Advanced riders rejoice - this PNW backcountry trip is for you.

Ride the best of the backcountry in central Washington’s Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest on this guided adventure with our partners at Trans Cascadia Excursions. Experience Angels Staircase, a Pacific Northwest Epic -- we’re glad you made it here! Because of the pristine environment, guides are entered into a lottery for access here, and Trans Cascadia was fortunate enough to gain access this year. Expect big mountains, we’ll be riding at the wilderness boundary line as high as 8,000 ft in elevation, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, sapphire blue alpine lakes, and a beautifully rugged landscape weathered by millions of years of seasonal change.


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Itinerary
Itinerary
  • 1
    Day number 1
    Meet at Crater Creek Trailhead just outside of Twisp, WA by 9:15AM for a shuttle departure at 9:30AM (more meeting details will be confirmed after registration). Hop in the shuttle and go over the plan for the day’s riding.
  • 2
    Day number 2
    Get ready to ride the famed Angels Staircase, featuring the highest singletrack in Washington State at 8,000 feet. Guided access here is extremely limited and fortunately Trans Cascadia’s lottery access gives us the ticket we need. Nestled in at high elevation, we have a tight window of opportunity to ride this trail. These big mountains are surrounded by high alpine scenery with snowy peaks, azure lakes, and the rugged terrain classic of the drier eastern slope of the Cascades. We’ll be riding a loop on this day, clockwise around the most notable peak, Martin Peak (8,350 ft). To complete our loop, we’ll need to climb up and over the crest of this small chain of mountains. To the south is Switchback Mountain, we’ll throw our bikes on our shoulders and go for a little hike. This peak out is breathtaking, there is no better word. This is the place to reflect, appreciate and enjoy our surrounding world. Not to mention the descending credits you’ve built up, it’s time for us to have some fun. We’ll make our way to Horsehead Pass and from here, you’re cashing checks, your work is done and you have a huge payback right back to the Trans Cascadia van and some ice cold beverages.
  • 3
    Day number 3
    After an epic day of riding in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness, we’ll shuttle back to Methow as our time together comes to end, at least for now!
Trip Package Includes:
  • Professionally guided tours of remote single track
  • Shuttles (to and from meeting location)
  • 10% off bike rentals at evo stores
  • 20% discount code at evo.com (exclusions apply)
Trip Package Does Not Include:
 
  • Flights or transportation into Methow, WA (trip start location)
  • Any lodging before or after the trip 
  • Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads)
  • Medical evacuation insurance (see FAQ)
  • Mountain bike
  • Flat repair kit

Questions? Call or email us!
Area Information

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

This vast region comprises 3.8 million acres along the eastern slopes of Washington’s Cascade Mountain Range. The landscape here is diverse, from western boreal forest to eastern high-elevation steppe, and including hundreds of thousands of acres of old-growth forest. Within the National Forest lies the 153,000 acre Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness.
Trip Planning

Trip Planning

For this backcountry adventure, as we’ll be deep in the forests and mountains we recommend being prepared for the elements. Expect colder temps at elevation, with highs averaging in the upper 50’s in September. In the Lake Chelan area, it will be warmer with average highs in the upper 70s and lows around 50. We are often riding in exposed area without much forest cover so be sure to wear sun protection. Rain while less common on the eastern slope, is possible so make sure you bring some rain gear as well!

Gear
Clothing
Other
FAQ
FAQ
  • Is the trip guaranteed to run?
    This trip has a minimum number of guests to run, please do not book travel or flights until Trans Cascadia has confirmed your departure.
  • When and how should I meet up with the group?
    Meet at Crater Creek Trailhead just outside of Twisp, WA by 9:15AM for a shuttle departure at 9:30AM (more meeting details will be confirmed after registration)
  • What skill / experience level is required for this trip?
    This trip is geared towards advanced level riders, with many trails rated black diamond. Riders should be comfortable riding a mix of ground conditions, soil, rocks and roots, as well as varying steepness. On a given day we will ascend around 3,500’ (with some longer climbs as well) and descend around 6,000’ over the course of approximately 20 miles (note: these are averages).
  • Do I need to purchase trip insurance? What about medical evacuation insurance?
    While neither is required, we strongly recommend purchasing both trip insurance and medical evacuation insurance. We partner with World Nomads for trip insurance. As for medical evacuation insurance, since we’re in remote places and you never know what can happen, we like to err on the side of safety. For the cost, we think it’s more than worth having. Trans Cascadia recommends Life Flight, for $65 annually, you're covered for a year in OR, ID and WA. Another good option is Global Rescue, we use both and it depends on where your travels will take you this year.
  • What gear should I bring? Do you offer rentals?
    Please see the packing list above. The best bike for this trip will be a full suspension XC bike. All participants are required to have their bikes in excellent working order before the trip begins. Rental bikes are not available through Trans Cascadia, please inquire with evo about possible rentals (you’ll get 10% off).
  • What is the maximum number of guests on this trip?
    Trans Cascadia will cap this trip at 6 guests to ensure everyone gets as much riding as their hearts desire.
  • Is there a minimum age required for this trip?
    No, but any minors must be accompanied by an adult on the trip.
  • Who builds and supports the remote trails we will ride on this trip?
    Trans-Cascadia Expeditions partners with Trans-Cascadia Incorporated a non-profit whose larger mission is to promote and build sustainable trails in the Pacific Northwest. Trails are supported by Trans-Cascadia, Santa Cruz Bicycles, Evergreen Mountain bike Alliance and more. If you are interested in trail stewardship in the Pacific NW please visit Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance or check out Trans Cascadia’s page for trail fund donation information or volunteer opportunities.
  • What if I need to cancel?
    Should you need to cancel for any reason, evo will default to Trans-Cascadia’s following cancellation policy: For cancellations prior to 60 days before departure, a $50 fee per person is retained and the remainder of your trip cost is refunded. For cancellations 60-31 days before departure, 50% of your trip fees are refunded. For cancellations 30 days or less before departure, no refunds. Trans-Cascadia must adhere to their cancellation policy, no exceptions. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance to protect your investment, we recommend World Nomads. Trans-Cascadia Excursions reserves the right to cancel any trip. Full refunds will be made in these instances. Trans-Cascadia Excursions is not responsible for non-refundable airfare.
Testimonials
I don’t think I’ve ever posted a company review in my life but Trans Cascadia Excursions is deserving of all 5 stars. Nick and Jessi made our trip to Oakridge a fantastic 72 hours of riding. Not only did they provide top notch shuttles, but gave great trail recommendations, camping suggestions, and were super friendly and fun. I most definitely plan to return to Oakridge and recommend these guys to anyone looking for a guaranteed good time!
Michael B
Trip Guest
In summary - the best mountain biking excursion trip I have been on. Having hosted an annual mtn bike weekend for a school event of up to 50 pp., I understand the complexity and hard work in pulling this off (camping, shuttles, guiding, cooking, setup, cleanup, entertainment...). It is not easy and the Trans Cascadia team nailed it.
Mike B
Trip Guest
We had a blast with Trans Cascadia! Super knowledgeable and friendly staff. They went above and beyond what we asked for and couldn’t have been nicer about it. We will be back for sure!
David A
Trip Guest

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