WABDR Section #5: Chelan to Conconully

  • Start: Chelan, WA

  • End: Conconully, WA

  • Distance: Approximately 163 miles

  • Time: 6-8 hours

  • Technical Difficulty: Moderate. This section features long, winding climbs and some potentially sandy stretches. The descent from Cooper Mountain is notorious for its many switchbacks and occasional loose gravel.

Forecast: Conconully

Fuel Note: Ensure you gas up in Chelan; Conconully fuel availability varies by season.

Highlights

  • Cooper Mountain: Shortly after leaving Chelan, you’ll climb to nearly 6,000 feet. The views from the top are spectacular, offering a look back at the southern end of Lake Chelan.

  • The Methow Valley View: As you traverse the ridges above the Methow River, the landscape opens up into vast, golden valleys and pine-scattered hills.

  • Loup Loup Pass Area: The route crosses Highway 20 near the Loup Loup Ski Bowl. This area is characterized by dense forest and flowy, high-speed gravel roads.

  • Ruby Grade: A scenic, historic descent that leads you down toward the Conconully area. It feels like stepping back into the 1800s mining era.

  • Note: Section 5 takes you away from the lakeside crowds of Chelan and deep into the rugged Okanogan Highlands. This section feels like a true Western frontier, with vast rolling hills, high passes, and plenty of range cattle.

Gas & Refueling

  • Recommended Minimum Range: 170 miles.

  • Primary Fuel: Refill in Chelan and Conconully.

  • Mid-Route Fuel (Bail-out): If you are running low on fuel near the middle of the section, you can drop down into the town of Carlton or Twisp via Highway 153/20.

    • Note: Conconully is a small town, but the general store typically has a single pump with premium fuel.

Where to Stay

  • Chelan (Start):

    • Hotels: Campbell’s Resort, Lakeshore Inn.

    • Camping: Lakeshore Park (City).

  • Mid-Route (Forest Camping):

    • Junior Point Campground: 47.9733, -120.1388. A primitive campground at high elevation with incredible sunset views.

    • Loup Loup Campground: A developed USFS campground near the ski area, great for a mid-section stop.

  • Conconully (End):

    • Hotels: Liar’s Cove Resort (Very motorcycle-friendly with lakeside cabins).

    • Camping: Conconully State Park is right in the center of town and is the social hub for riders finishing this section. Open April 6th-October 31.

Pro-Tip for Section 5

Watch for Cows. Much of this section passes through "Open Range" territory. It is very common to find cattle standing in the middle of a blind corner.

Dust & Visibility: The Okanogan is high-desert country. In late summer, the dust can be fine and "silky," hanging in the air for minutes. If you are riding in a group, increase your following distance significantly. Also, check for Active Fires—this region is prone to forest fires in August, which can cause road closures or heavy smoke. The official WABDR site offers an active fire map. Check this before heading out.

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