Devils Gulch Tr1220 and Mission Ridge Tr1201
Twitter Search
#DevilsGulchTrail
Overall: 9
Aerobic: 7
Technical: 7
Steepness: 6
Flow: 8
Singletrack: 100%
The Wenatchee Washington Devils Gulch Trail and Mission Ridge Tr1201 are valley and ridgeline rides which descend from the Mission Creek headwaters, considered to be two of the best rides in Washington.
Type
Loop
Length
Avg: 16.5mi
Ascent
Intense
Elevation Change
TH:1750'
Avg Ascent:3800'
Ascent Incline
6%
Duration
Avg: 5hr
Weather
Forecast
NOAA
popup
USFS
Trail
Review
The typical Devils Gulch Tr1220 'ride' consists of 11mi of forest road ascent, returning on Devils Gulch Tr1220.
Avid road bikers could continue on FR9712 to Tronsen Ridge Tr1204, further minimizing trail time.
The relatively smooth Devils Gulch Tr1220 is a doable 6% grade ascent, actually less steep than climbing FR7100. As a rule, forest road ascents are usually avoidable for a trails which are less than 7% grade.
If ascending Devils Gulch Tr1220, expect to hike-a-bike through the switchback section and 8mi of sustained singletrack ascent (in excess of a 5% grade) is clearly not for everyone.
Those wishing to avoid an 8mi Devils Gulch Tr1220 ascent could try shuttling to the upper TH, rather than tackling an 11mi forest road ascent.
The Mission Ridge FR7100 TH
View of the Mission Ridge FR7100 TH also serves Red Devil Tr1221.
Although Devils Gulch Tr1220 contains some classic Northwest singletrack, the more technical Mission Ridge Tr1201 is arguably even better, with basalt formations and technical, rocky terrain. The sloping ridgeline descent helps maintain a constant pace.
Most riders would find Mission Ridge Tr1201 would be far too steep to climb, with a Devils Gulch Tr1220 or FR7100 ascent as the best option for a loop ride.
The best non-shuttle option is the 16.5mi Devils Gulch Tr1220 to Mission Ridge Tr1201 CCW loop, for those willing to use Devils Gulch Tr1220 as an access trail to Mission Ridge Tr1201.
Directions: NW Forest Pass required right at the Mission Ridge FR7100 TH. From Cashmere, take Division St to Pioneer Street, then go left on Mission Cr Rd. In .5mi turn right at unmarked intersection, cross Mission Creek, then take the first left...back onto Mission Cr Rd. The road turns to gravel, then go left at the fork onto FR7100. Go 3mi and park at the Mission Ridge FR7100 TH. View Larger Map. No Map?.
Loop Directions
devils mission
- TH: Ride from the western side of the parking area, to the Red Devil Tr1221 corner intersection and go left onto Mission Ridge Tr1201. Ride alongside Mission Creek then cross the creek at .3mi.
- .3mi: Go right onto Devils Gulch Tr1220, passing the Red Hill Spur Tr1223.1 intersection on the right at 1mi. Cross tributary creeks at 1.3mi, 2.2mi and 2.4mi, then cross Mission Creek at 2.8mi, the first of several Mission Creek crossings.
- 4.3mi: Cross to the Mission Creek west bank, then cross several smaller creeks, followed by a more substantial creek crossing at 5.2mi and 6.3mi.
- 6.7mi: Cross to the Mission Creek east bank, then hike-a-bike through a series of steep, sharp cornered switchbacks, with a few rideable sections as well.
- 8.7mi: Go left onto Mission Ridge Tr1201 at the 4way intersection and continue the ascent to the 9.3mi ride summit, including some hike-a-bike sections. Descend along the rocky Mission Ridgeline.
- 12.8mi: After 1mi of relatively flat ridgeline terrain, switchback descend through an open pine forest for 1mi, then ride out to the next series of switchbacks and descend the steep slope to the Devils Gulch Tr1220 intersection, ending in a series of very tight switchbacks which require some caution to navigate and which will be hike-a-bike for many riders.
- 16.3mi: Pass the Devils Gulch Tr1220 intersection, cross Mission Creek and ride back to the TH.
Trail Index
This Ride
Devils Gulch Trail 1220, Mission Ridge Trail 1201
Area
XC Ski
Squilchuck 'Pipeline' Tr1200
Trail Rankings
Ranking consistently applied to all of the listed trails.
- Overall Rating: Ride quality and challenge
- Aerobic: Ascent challenge
- Technical Difficulty: Terrain challenge
- Steepness: Average incline
- Flow: Uninterrupted riding
- Elevation Change: Total elevation gain
- Ride Difficulty: Terrain challenge
