A Roadtrip Worth Taking

Whether you’re driving in from the rainy side of the state or the rolling hills of the east, getting to the valley is half the experience. Since the goal is to be settled in Chelan by Friday night so you’re ready for the Cycle Chelan start line on Saturday morning, these routes are designed to make the most of your travel day.

Here are two ways to turn your drive into a pre-ride highlight reel.

Route 1: The Cascade Crossing (From Seattle)

If you’re coming from the Westside, Highway 2 is the most iconic way to get here. It takes you from the Puget Sound greenery straight through the heart of the Cascades.

  • Stop 1: Index & Mt. Index: About an hour in, pull off at the Espresso Chalet. It’s the best view of the sheer face of Mt. Index. Grab a coffee, take a photo with the 14-foot wooden Sasquatch, and breathe in that crisp mountain air.
  • Stop 2: Leavenworth for a “Leg-Stretch”: Skip the long sit-down lunch and head to Argonaut Coffee & Biscuits. Grab a breakfast biscuit to go and take a 20-minute walk through Waterfront Park. It’s the perfect way to keep your joints from locking up before Saturday’s ride.
  • Stop 3: Pybus Public Market (Wenatchee): As you descend into the high desert, stop at Pybus. It’s right on the river and perfect for stocking up on local snacks for your rental. Grab some artisan cheese, fresh fruit, or a quick taco at South before the final 45-minute push to Chelan.

Route 2: The Golden Plateau (From Spokane)

Coming from the East, Highway 2 takes you across the rolling wheat fields of the Palouse and into the dramatic channeled scablands.

  • Stop 1: Banks Lake & Steamboat Rock: About 90 minutes from Spokane, the landscape shifts dramatically. Pull over at Steamboat Rock State Park. The massive basalt butte is incredible to see from the road, and the views of the blue water against the desert canyon are a preview of the Chelan scenery.
  • Stop 2: Grand Coulee Dam: It’s worth the short detour to see one of the largest concrete structures in the world. Even a quick stop at the Visitor Center viewpoint gives you a sense of the scale of the power that fuels the Pacific Northwest.
  • Stop 3: Dry Falls: Just south of Coulee City, stop at the Dry Falls Overlook. At one point, this was the largest waterfall in the world. It’s now a massive, dry cliffside that is one of the most unique geological sites in the state.
  • Stop 4: Mansfield to Chelan: As you take the “back way” through the town of Mansfield, you’ll drop down into the Columbia River gorge. The descent into the valley offers one of the best “reveal” views of Lake Chelan as you approach from the east. Plus, Signature 100 riders will get a sneak peek at their biggest climb: McNeil Canyon.

Friday Night in Chelan

Once you roll into town Friday afternoon, or earlier in the week if that’s your jam, it’s all about the pre-ride ritual.

  • Packet Pickup: Head over to the Cycle Chelan HQ to grab your bib and swag early so you can skip the Saturday morning lines.
  • Prep Your Gear: Every route this year features a lake crossing, which is the perfect chance to give your legs a short break mid-ride and take in the incredible views from the water. So gather what you need in one spot to make your morning run smoother.
  • The “Final Supper”: Grab a high-carb dinner in downtown Chelan or Manson. We recommend an early meal so you can get plenty of sleep before the morning start.

Saturday Night: Post-Ride Celebrations

After you cross the finish line and wrap up at our post-ride party, the day doesn’t have to end. You’ve earned a night out in the valley to celebrate those miles.

  • Dinner with a View: Head over to Tsillan Cellars for an outdoor dinner on their stunning patio. It’s the ultimate way to toast to the hills you just climbed.
  • Bistro Dining at Vin du Lac: Head over to Vin du Lac Winery to wind down. Their farm-to-table bistro patio offers a beautiful, relaxed setting to enjoy a great meal and an award-winning glass of wine after a long day in the saddle.
  • Manson Pourings: If you find yourself over on the Manson side, swing by Callan Cellars. It’s a fantastic spot to taste some award-winning, 100% Washington-grown wines and celebrate the weekend with fellow riders.
  • Sunset Views at Chelan Ridge: Take a drive up to Chelan Ridge Winery. Their modern tasting room and expansive outdoor patio offer sweeping, elevated views of the lake giving you the perfect backdrop for a relaxing sunset toast to cap off your big day.

Pro Tip: This is a highlight weekend for the valley. To make sure you get your preferred dinner reservations or that specific boat rental for Sunday afternoon, it’s important to book your spots now to secure your preferences.

We can’t wait to see you at the finish line!