Bike tour maps published for northwest's Selkirk loop

A scenic auto tour through Washington, Idaho and British Columbia is seeing new life as a 280-mile bicycle touring route.

The International Selkirk Loop links the small towns and recreation spots around the base of the Selkirk Mountains. Because the route follows river and lake valleys, the grades are gentle to moderate with only a few steep climbs.

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The newly published “A Cyclist's Guide to the International Selkirk Loop” includes 52 route and elevation maps divided into 50 to 70-mile sections. In addition to the 280-mile main loop, the bike tour maps include six side trips encompassing another 450 miles of riding.

2 states and 1 province

The loop swings through northwestern Washington, northern Idaho and southern British Columbia.

Although I haven't seen the set of maps, I can recommend that “Forgotten Corner” of Washington for bicycling. We traveled up there several years ago for the Cascade Bicycle Club's Ride Around Washington. I remember the views and the light traffic on the roads.

While the Selkirk promoters emphasize the somewhat easy-going terrain, mountain goats will be glad to know there is a harrowing 4,000-foot climb to 5,577-foot Kootenay Pass in British Columbia. It's on the shortcut between Salmo and Creston.

Landmarks

The bicycle map is available online for examination. It includes the routes, elevations and side routes. You can order a copy of the cyclist's guide to the Selkirk loop map on all-weather paper at the website.

Much of the route winds through land controlled by the National Forest, National Wildlife Refuge, Wildlife Management Area, or Provincial Park. The public lands are said to be home to the widest diversity of wildlife in the lower 48 states, supporting more than 50 mammal and 265 bird species.

In addition to the main loop there are six side trips routed on the bicycle maps. They are Flowery Trail – Little Pend Oreille, Lake Pend Oreille-Kootenai River, South Lakes, Orchards Galore, North Kootenay Lake-Silverly Slocan and Rivers, Dams and Mines. 

Bike ride

The area's Rotary Clubs have just wrapped up the five-day WaCanId charity bike ride that covered 350 miles of the Selkirk Loop.

Bike riders could choose to begin as any one of seven starting points: Creston, Nelson, Fruitvale or Castlegar in British Columbia; or Newport, Washington; and Sandpoint or Bonners Ferry in Idaho.