Lewis Butte loop from Lewis Butte Trailhead

If you're looking for a rewarding mountain biking experience with expansive views and a fun descent, the Lewis Butte loop from Lewis Butte Trailhead is an excellent choice. This easy 5.2-mile (8.4 km) route features 940 feet (286 metres) of elevation gain and can be completed in about 58 minutes, making it a perfect early-season ride or a quiet alternative to more crowded trails.

What to expect on Lewis Butte loop from Lewis Butte Trailhead

The route is best ridden counter-clockwise, starting with a moderate climb on singletrack and some primitive doubletrack. You'll traverse hot, open slopes that can become brushy later in summer, but the effort is rewarded with excellent views of the Methow Valley, including the Pete Creek valley and the snowcapped peaks of the Pasayten Wilderness and North Cascades. In spring, the meadows burst with wildflowers, especially a breathtakingly beautiful carpet of balsam root around late April or early May. The climb, while short and stiff, is mostly rideable for strong cyclists, leading to a fun, flowy descent back to the trailhead. The trail is generally rated as intermediate (Blue difficulty) for mountain biking.

Planning your visit

This trail is known for being one of the least traveled in the area, offering a peaceful riding experience near Winthrop. It's also one of the first trails to melt out in the spring, making it an ideal early-season destination. However, due to its sun-baked nature, it's not recommended during the heat of a summer day. A Discover Pass is required for parking at the Riser Lake Trailhead, which provides access to the loop. If you're bringing your dog, remember they must be leashed from April 1 to July 31.

Trail details

• Distance: 5.2 miles (8.4 km)
• Elevation gain: 940 feet (286 metres)
• Difficulty: easy
• Estimated time: 58 minutes