July 19: While the Yakima Valley started a slow broil, Phil Mattoon, Kelley Connally, Jack Maris and Greg Nelson escaped the heat for a spin up the Little Naches on Chinook Pass. Taking “Howard” the bus up to Whistling Jack’s, the four some warmed up with a ride along the highway. At the entrance to the Little Naches, the group was towed along in the cool evening air by Phil. The occasional bug in the mouth was the only nuisance to be experienced, and the nearly abandoned roadway was perfectly smooth black top. A rare campsite dotted the roadway, while apparently rampaging Elk darted across and along the roadway.
The group had opined that the distance from the start to the end of the pavement “couldn’t possible be over 9 miles”. Wrong. Greg launched an attack up the increasingly steeper roadway as the 4 rounded what was thought to be the last corner, at 8.5 miles up the road. Mistake. As the 10 mile mark ticked by, the attack was reeled in by Phil, and the two continued up the fairly steep and seemingly lengthened road. Finally, the pavement ended at mile 14, a total of 18 miles from Whistling Jack’s and the party regrouped in the fading light.
As the pavement was smooth, the descent proved exciting; even more so when rounding a corner to find 2 healthy appearing Elk out for a walk across the road. A fast pace-line brought the group back to the highway in nearly half the time it took to ascend, and a short 4 miles down the highway back to the start. Total ride time was just over 2 hours, and the total distance was 36 miles and some change. There is no obvious water, although Im sure some of the campsites have potable water. Insects were palatable, so it might be a good idea to bring some insect repellant. A light jacket for the descent is a good idea as well. If the ride is going to finish after 9pm, bring some clear glasses for the ride back to the start. Although we didn’t get back into town until after 10pm, lack of traffic and the wildlife made this a most enjoyable night out.
Greg Nelson