Central Washington
Biking
Cooper River Trail
What a great little trek through the Cooper river trail outside of Roslyn. It undulates along for 10.8 miles, through the Wenatchee National Forest. It uses about two miles of paved and gravel roads before it heads onto the Cooper River Trail. It runs alongside a beautiful mountain river that sports a healthy population of hungry trout.
De Roux Campground
De Roux Campground is on North Fork Teanaway Road & FS Road 9737, 29 miles north of Cle Elum. Activities include camping, picnicking, fishing, hunting, hiking, horseback riding, and motorcycle riding.
Double Loop Cemetery Road Ride
This is a fun one, even if you are just taking a break while you are here in town for an afternoon. This one begins at the West Ellensburg Rotary Park west of Ellensburg. It follows the trail behind the park, past Irene Rinehart Park and pops out onto Umtantum Road near the Yakima River.
Esmeralda Basin
This scenic loop around Esmeralda Peaks is an excellent “mini” Cascade alpine sampler. It is a nice shorter backcountry ride with a solid long single track climb and a technical descent full of tricky switchbacks, plenty of root systems and even a bit of exposure to keep you honest.
Fishhook Flats
No epic views from this route, but the forest and creek are beautiful in their own right. Wildlife sightings of grouse, deer, and elk aren’t uncommon and there’s always the possibility of spotting the more elusive black bear or cougar.
Gunsmoke Creek
This excellent access trail leaves you wanting to climb it to access other trails! Difficulty rating: Green, Trail Usage: Biking Primary, Direction: Both Directions, Physical rating: Moderate
Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park
Here you may enjoy a peaceful picnic, wade or swim in the lake, take an inner tube out in the pond, or just enjoy a little sunbathing. This is a great spot for all ages as well as for bird watching (check out the First Saturday Birdwalk at 8am each month), hiking, and biking.
