Started in downtown Darrington at the IGA and took the Whitehorse Trail past the fairgrounds to Swede Haven Rd. There, you head north to the beginning of Forest Service Road 18 and begin the climb up the east, then west, flanks of the Segelsen Ridge. The 17 and 18 roads only have gates blocking timber cut spurs so vehicles can also drive the full length. The road is in great shape also. You climb to about 3500' initially and then the rest of the ride is fun downhill glides or long flats. During the rainy or melt seasons, there are some great waterfall drainages for pictures and Round mountain is pretty in the distance.

I had two memorable moments on my ride today. First, while descending, I came around a corner and startled an owl who swooped down towards me and then made an immediate right turn alongside me and flew with me for about 40 feet, it was cool! It was 8 feet away from me for a couple seconds. The other memory was a Camaro passing oncoming cars on SR-530 going like 90. It was a straightaway along the Sauk River and I saw 5 oncoming cars in the distance. Then one darts out and I hear the engine and it flashes by me. If the Lord wanted me he would've taken me then. I have never had such a fast car go right by me, in my lane, in the opposite direction!  He must have been enjoying his ride too I guess.

The ride is a great escape and full of sights to see if you're looking around for them. GPS track and pictures are here.

Back in 2017, I went up to the tower on Segelsen Ridge on this ride here.