Looking for a new way to enjoy the winter? Try fat tire biking! These bikes with extra wide tires make it possible to cruise over the snow. The newest place for fat tire biking is Pearrygin Lake State Park and the adjacent WDFW/Llyod Ranch. This system, with generous 30-inch groomed trails is designed specifically for fat tire bikes, although other non-motorized users are allowed on some of the trails. It includes flat trails, rolling hills, and some sustained climbs. It was developed and is groomed by volunteers including Methow Cycle and Sports and, starting in 2021-2022, is funded by the Washington State Parks winter recreation program. The nearby Methow Trails Alliance also allows fat biking on selected trails in its system.

Another new riding opportunity is the Ferry County Rail Trail and the Golden Tiger Trail. This 30-mile-long trail along an old railroad corridor runs from Republic to Danville on the Canadian border. It is groomed with classic Nordic tracks on both sides and a center deck that is open to fat bikes, snowshoes, and walkers.

Other places to ride include selected trails groomed by the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club, selected trails at the White Pass Nordic Center, groomed snowmobile trails in the Chelan, Entiat, Wenatchee River and Cle Elum Ranger districts of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, groomed dogsled trails out of Crystal Springs Sno-Park, and selected trails at Mount Spokane State Park. Fat tire bikes are not allowed on most ski trails groomed by the Washington State Parks winter recreation program, or on any groomed trails in Colville National Forest or the Methow and Naches Ranger Districts of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Know of other places that allow fat tire bikes? Let us know!

Fat bike, ski, snowshoe, or walk on the groomed Ferry County Rail Trail.

Leavenworth Winter Sports Club Trails.

White Pass Nordic Center has trails open to fat bikes.

Upper Kittitas County Trails. Access and facilities filtered to show access to fat bike trails.

If you want to find places to ride and navigate while on the trail, use the Snow NW web map or app for Apple and Android. You can use the Activities filter to show trailheads with trails open to fat bikes.

Fat tire biking is best when there is firm, set snow, and it is generally best to ride very early or after dark, to avoid the softer snow mid-day. Conditions in the Methow Valley are particularly good for this sport, while riding in the generally warmer 1-90 corridor can be more hit-and-miss.

Fat tire etiquette: to protect the trails, it is important that fat tire bikers ensure that they are not damaging the trails. The most important rule is do not leave a rut. If the snow is too soft to support the bike, turn around and try again later. Also make sure that you do not ride over tracks that have been groomed for classic Nordic skiing (parallel tracks). Other important considerations: make sure that your tires are at least 3.8” wide, adjust your air pressure to conditions (lower psi on soft surfaces), and don’t ride on freshly groomed trails. For more information about using fat bikes on the snow, check out this article on Singletracks. Another important consideration if you are riding on groomed snowmobile trails is to make sure you are easy to see: Snowmobiles move fast and may not be expecting non-motorized users on their trails. Your bike should have front and rear visible lights; you should wear bright colors; and if you are riding on busy snowmobile trails such as those on the I-90 corridor, you may want to consider riding mid-week and avoiding the weekends. If you are riding out of a snowmobile Sno-Park, make sure to be courteous. Do not park in trailer parking spots; leave those for the snowmobilers who need them. And be prepared for the noise at those Sno-Parks.

While you are out enjoying the trail, stop by one of our sponsoring businesses and let them know you saw them on Snow NW. These organizations allow us to keep the maps and apps free for users. If you are riding in the Pearrygin Lake/Winthrop area, Three Fingered Jack’s offers great food and drinks, and the Twisp Information Office can help you find everything you need to enjoy your winter getaway. And if you want to rent a bike, or just enjoy riding the trails near Pearrygin Lake, stop by Methow Cycle & Sport to let them know you appreciate their support for the trails.

Our thanks to the folks at Methow Cycle & Sport, the Northwest Fatbike Facebook page, and the Central Cascades Winter Recreation Council for sharing pictures and information about this sport.