Da Gulch + Black Bear

One key piece of data all Seattleites should know is that just over the mountains there lurks a drier, sunnier land. That proved true yesterday when Konrad and I left the rain and drove over to Cashmere for a September gulch ride. Sunny and 70 when we started, and greeted by a black bear cub on the road not 2 minutes from commencing the ride! After a good look for momma bear, we continued on.

We rode up the trail and gave kudos to the Evergreen team for doing some fantastic trail work - widening the trail where needed on the steep slopes of Devil's Gulch.

We only rode up to the intersection with the Mission Creek trail as it was getting cold and there were heavy clouds hanging out. Back down then up the Red Devil for a fantastic finish. Down below 4000' it was warm and sunny again. Good way to wrap up the Eastern Wa rides - I don't hold out hope that I can squeeze in another this year!

Starvation Mountain - North Cascades

This used to be one of the better mountain bike rides in the state. While it still has great views during the 4000' of climbing, much of the smooth downhill is gone. A forest fire swept through the area in about 2006 and the upper section of Blue Buck is now exposed to the elements. The result has turned a smooth and fast trail into a sandy mess, and where high speeds are no longer possible. The second half of Blue Buck is unchanged, still a skinny trail on a steep hillside, and a good challenge.

On this day I ran into several black angus cows on the Cathedral Stock Driveway, and a few friendly bluegrouse hunters.

Overall I would suggest Lightning Creek as the better quality dowhill in the area.