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Great Rides

before you head to the high country come here... to do a little planning. Please assume that you are in Washington unless noted otherwise.

click here to find out more - Adventures.

This page now just contains 40+ bike trails with some insight on some of the local places  we've been, how they rate for difficulty and endurance as well as what is offered.  Some of these areas require off trail travel, if you need help or need a refresher in route finding please read  Bushwhacking 101. Need help on training? click for info.

Tried of the same old same old, want an idea for something new to do? Try riding an old railroad grade:

McCoy & Sproat Lake loop - 13.6 miles - intermediate, Qualicum Beach/Englishman Falls loop - 24.6 miles - more difficult, Denman Island loop - 14 mile - intermediate, or ride from Victoria to Port Hardy - insane! - mega miles. See middle SSS to bottom of page SSSSS for details.

Our rating scale here is the same as hikes/climbs.

(it's in either drops of sweat or blood... whichever flows from your soul)

Easy rides:

Washington - Duvall to Carnation  S /kids/spring/summer/fall/winter - 8.2 miles, out & back (wide dirt road, gravel trail), 1 - 3 hours, flat. Skill level - beginner, user density - medium; equestrians, bikers. * Hazards - crossing HWY 203, horse droppings, little people.

Washington - Goldmyer Hot-springs  S /summer/fall - 10.5 miles, out & back (dirt trails, dirt roads), 1 - 2 hours, moderate climb, a few steep sections. Skill level - beginner with some rough sections of road, user density - medium; bikers, motorized vehicles. * Hazards - fording the river, cars on the road.

Oregon - Portland/Gresham - Springwater Corridor  S /spring/summer/fall/winter - 20 miles of easy trail multi location starts and stops, paved trail, some unpaved area, flat. Skill level - beginner, user density - medium; bikers, walkers, runners, skaters. * Hazards - other people, cars at all intersections.

Oregon - Portland/Willamette river - Springwater on the Willamette  S /spring/summer/fall/winter - 5 miles of easy trail, paved trail, some unpaved area, flat. Skill level - beginner, user density - medium/high on weekends; bikers, walkers, runners, skaters. * Hazards - other people, cars at all intersections.

Oregon - Portland/Willamette river - Eastbank/Natio loop  S /spring/summer/fall/winter - 5 miles of easy trail multi location starts, paved trail, flat/short rolling hills on bridges. Skill level - beginner, user density - medium; bikers, walkers, runners, skaters. * Hazards - other people, cars at all intersections. This loop takes you from one side of the Willamette to the other; up over The Hawthorne bridge down one side and over the Steel Bridge and down the other. Great loop for starting riders. This loop can be extended just a bit if you go past each bridge down Natio Parkway either direction, and along the east bank.

Washington - Snoqualmie Tunnel  S /kids/summer - 6.4 miles, out & back (wide gravel rail-trail), 1 hour, flat. Skill level - beginner, user density - medium; hikers, bikers. * Hazards - kids as well as adults getting spooked, cold in the tunnel.

Washington - Spruce Railroad trail  S /kids/spring/summer/fall - 8 miles, out & back (dirt), 2 hour, flat. Skill level - beginner, user density - heavy; hikers, bikers. * Hazards - kids as well as adults getting easily sidetracked by the latke, narrow trail with not much room to move. Please no pets on this trail. This trail runs along Crescent Lake in the Olympic Penn. The beautiful trail crosses small bridges and meanders around part of the lake. Its a great place to bring the kiddies on a good "new experience" outing, you usually can't go wrong. To get to the east end take HWY 101 from Port Angeles, turn north just before Crescent Lake onto East Beach Road. About 3 miles turn left and follow signs to Spruce Railroad Trail. West end drive on HWY 101 past Lake Crescent and turn north on Camp David Jr. Road, Stay left ate the U and go about 5 miles to the end of the road, trailhead is at the end of the road.

Washington - Tanner to Rattlesnake Lake  S /spring/summer/fall/winter - 10.6 miles, out and back (wide gravel & dirt rail-trail), 1 - 3 hours, easy. Skill level - beginner, user density - medium; equestrians, bikers, hikers. * Hazards - dangerous bridges.

Washington - Lake Wilderness  S /kids/spring/summer/fall/winter - 4.6 miles, out & back (dirt & gravel trails), 1 hour, flat. Skill level - beginner, user density - medium; equestrians, bikers, walkers. * Hazards - loose gravel, little people. Perfect ride for newbie's.

Intermediate rides:

Washington - Blake Island park SS /spring/summer/fall/winter - 3.9 miles, loop (wide dirt trails), 1 hour, rolling hills, several that may  need to be walked. Skill level - beginner, user density - medium; hikers, bikers. * Hazards - blow-down, salt water. Make sure you wash off your bike immediately after your ride or the salt will start wearing at your gears. This is a great island ride, sites and views of the water and surrounding islands make this ride a very peaceful one.

Washington - Drunken Charlie Lake SS /spring/summer/fall/winter - 8.5 miles, out & back (dirt roads), 1 - 2 hours, gradual climb to lake, several steep hills, walking possible. Skill level - beginner, user density - low; bikers, walkers, a few vehicles. * Hazards - hunters, occasional logging vehicles. Watch the road signs, they aren't always what they should be.

Washington - Issaquah to Tiger Mountain SS /spring/summer/fall/winter - 7.5 miles, loop (paved roads, dirt roads & trails), 1 - 2 hours, steep climb with some walking between first & second mile. Skill level - intermediate, user density - high; hikers, runners, bikers, equestrians. * Hazards - creek crossing under I - 5, motorized vehicles on Sunset Way.

Oregon - Lief Erickson trail SS /spring/summer/fall/winter. 11 miles one end to the other (packed rock/dirt road), 1.5-2 hours, flat rolling hills. Skill level - beginning, user density - moderate; hikers, runners, bikers. This trail offers great introduction to mountain biking. This trail is mainly flat with a few welcome rolling hills, a little mud when it rains but not too much. Munson Madness 04 & 05, Ken, Karin & Tonya training 04, 05

Washington - Glacier - Maple Falls trail   SSS /spring/summer/fall - about 16 miles, out & back (wide dirt & gravel rail-trail), 3 - 5 hours, easy grade on undeveloped rail trail. Skill level - intermediate, user density - low; bikers, hikers, equestrians. * Hazards - loose gravel, puddles, mud, snow in winter. This is one of those rough deep forest experiences that you'll never forget. For the backcountry user at heart, this is one for you. 2007 brought some maintenance for this trail, but I wouldn't go at it alone, trail can be a little rough depending on time of year and few peeps go the whole way out on this one. This trail will someday be the Bay to Baker trail which will extend much further distance. The "Bay to Baker" trail will eventually run from downtown Bellingham to the Mount Baker ski area, covering approximately 74 miles, making it one of the most unique trails in the country. This one is located at the foot of Mt Baker. Trailhead is off of I-5, exit 255 Sunset drive and head east on Mt Baker HWY to Maple Falls. The trail is just behind the general store.  

Washington - Markworth Forest SS /spring/summer/fall/winter. 10.3 miles, loop (dirt road), 1 - 2 hours, gradual climbs with a few short, steep hills throughout the loop. Skill level - beginner, user density - low; bikers, walkers, a few vehicles. * Hazards - hunters, occasional logging vehicles. Watch the road signs, they aren't always what they should be.

Washington - Mt St Helens - Plains of Abraham SS /spring/summer/fall - A must do... space holding for future review.

Washington - Novelty Hill SS /spring/summer/fall/winter - 6.4 miles, loop (dirt trails, jeep trails), 1 - 2 hours, easy rolling hills. Skill level - beginner, user density - medium; equestrians, bikers, hikers. * Hazards - primordial horse soup, mud, blow-down. If you like mud.... this is where its at, this is a great mud trail especially after a little wet weather, then it gets really heavy - have the hose ready.

Washington - Rattlesnake Lake SS /kids/spring/summer/fall - 13.2 miles, out & back (dirt & gravel rail-trail, single track), 2 - 3 hours, one steep hill then easy grade. Skill level - intermediate, user density - medium; bikers, pedestrians, equestrians. * Hazards - trestle vertigo, snow in winter, little people.

Washington - Saint Edwards park SS /kids/spring/summer/fall - 2 miles, loop (dirt trails), 1 hour, short rolling hills. Skill level - intermediate, user density - high; bikers, hikers. * Hazards - little people, definitely highly used trails. This is a popular area for the whole family. A great place to go ride around and the the feel for the trails as well as take in the views and enjoy the park.

Washington - Snoqualmie Valley trail   SS /kids/spring/summer/fall/winter - 22.8 miles, out & back (dirt & gravel rail-trail, paved roads), 2 - 5 hours, easy. Skill level - beginner, user density - medium; hikers, bikers, equestrians. * Hazards - motorized vehicles on Tokul road, vertigo on high bridges, little people. You can do a little or a lot. Nice and easy ride, good training route too. This trail can go much further if you wish. This joins in with the John Wayne trail that can take you clear to the other side of Washington state (see John Wayne trail under the extreme heading).

Washington - Westside road   SS /summer/fall - 19 miles, out & back (dirt road), 3 -4 hours, long, fairly rigorous climbs, never too steep. Skill level - beginner, user density - low; bikers, hikers. * Hazards - water over road. This washed out road makes for a great day trip. However whenever you are in the Mt Rainier National Park you can't go wrong - this place is amazing. Old growth trees, dense forests and nothing but good clean fresh air.

Difficult rides:

Washington - Annette Lake Trail to Easton   SSS /summer/fall - 22.9 miles, one way (dirt & gravel rail-trail, dirt trail), 4 - 7 hours, easy down hill grade except for walk up Annette Lake trail. Skill level - first mile advanced, remainder intermediate, user density - medium; bikers, pedestrians, equestrians. * Hazards - exhaustion, feeling lost, getting spooked in the Snoqualmie tunnel.

Washington - Crossover Road   SSS /spring/summer/fall/winter - 11 miles, loop (dirt roads, gravely jeep trail), 2 -3 hours, steep up & down, some walking. Skill level - intermediate, user density - medium; bikers. * Hazards - occasional trucks on road.

Washington - Lake Desire   SSS /summer/fall - 7.6 miles, loop ( dirt trails, dirt roads, paved roads), 1 - 3 hours, several difficult hills. Skill level - advanced, user density - medium; equestrian, bikers, hikers. * Hazards - power lines, wet logs, mud puddles, getting lost.

Washington - Fat Hand Trail   SSS /spring/summer/fall - 3.8 miles, loop (dirt trails, dirt roads) 1 - 2 hours, steep ups and downs, some walking. Skill level - advanced, user density - high; bikers, hikers. * Hazards - technical trail.

Washington - Grand ridge   SSS /spring/summer/fall/winter - 5.8 miles, loop (dirt trails, jeep trails, gravel rail-trail), 1 - 3 hours, steep up & down. Skill level - advanced, user density - medium; primarily bikers, also equestrians, hikers. * Hazards - development, rough trails, mud.

Washington - Green River Watershed   SSS /summer/fall - 5 - 50 miles, loops (dirt roads), 2 - 10 hours, moderate & steep climbs, some walking. Skill level - intermediate, user density - low; bikers. * Hazards - vehicles, getting lost.

Oregon - Hagg Lake street bike, Forest Grove/Portland area SSS 15 miles /spring/summer/fall/winter paved roads, 4 - 8 hours, multi grades, endurance needed. Skill - intermediate and parts beginner, user density - medium; cars, bicyclists, * Hazards - fatigue, loose gravel on side of road, cars on paved roads as well as intersecting areas along loop. Trail map

Washington - Humpback Mountain   SSS /spring/summer/fall - 26.8 miles, out & back (wide dirt & gravel rail-trail), 3 - 5 hours, steep hill near start, then easy grade. Skill level - beginner, user density - medium; bikers, hikers, equestrians. * Hazards - trestle vertigo, snow in winter.

Washington/Oregon border - Klickitat Trail - Columbia River Gorge  SSS/spring/summer/fall/early winter possible - 31 miles, one-way (dirt & gravel rail-trail), slight gain. Skill level - beginner to intermediate, user density - med to low; bikers, hikers. * Hazards - trestle vertigo, snow in winter, mud, rough un-maintained trail, remote area and fire hazard in summer. Just out of Lyle off HWY 14 on the Washington side, you'll pick up this old abandon rail road line is excellent for hiking, biking and to see a bit of great nature. The total trail is 31 miles with break and access points at miles 10, 13, 16, 28.5 and future access at mile 31. Pick a section at a time or just camp on through. The trail itself starts along the river and then heads up through the Swale Canyon. Though they have proposed paving part of the trial, mile mark 12 through Swale Canyon are the most remote and less accessed. This trail will for the most part remain 'unimproved' and you will have a number of rail road trestle crossing, be prepared for a good ride or hike over some of these areas. Summer time does pose some access issues due to fire hazard in the Canyon, these will be posted or you can check the website at www.klickitat-trail.org. Part of the trail is maintained by USFS the rest is maintained by Washington State Parks and Klickitat Trail Conservancy.

Washington - Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River   SSS /summer - 13 miles, loop (dirt trails, dirt roads), 2 - 4 hours, rolling with a number of short, steep sections. Skill level - advanced, user density - high; hikers, bikers, equestrians. * Hazards - slippery bridges, sensitive trail.

Washington - Olympic National Park - Queets river SSS /summer, spring, fall - 7 miles, l gravel, dirt roads, 2 - 3 hours, rolling with a number of short, steep hills. Skill level - intermediate, user density - low; hikers, bikers. * Hazards - road washed out, sensitive trail, possible bear, cougar & other critters. The road itself is about 14 miles in off 101, however at mile 7 the road is closed due to a washout just about ½ mile past the closure. You park your car where the road is closed, then you will have 7 miles to go to the abandoned camp area. The ride isn't bad itself... but if you plan on doing it like we did... with packs, then it is tough. Queets river story. Ken, Karin 2005

Washington - Rattlesnake Ridge/Carey Creek   SSS /spring/summer/fall - 5 - 20 miles, loops, out & backs (dirt roads, dirt trails), 2 - 8 hours, moderate & steep climbs. Skill level - intermediate, user density - low; bikers. * Hazards - motorized vehicles, getting lost.

Washington - Snohomish Arlington Centennial trail  SSS /spring/summer/fall/winter - 29 miles, out & back (gravel, paved), 3 - 5 hours, this one is here because of its trail but it is a long and varied trail. Skill level - beginner to intermediate, user density - medium; walkers, hikers, bikers. * Hazards - people, varied trail, blind corners, cars. This trail give a varied of surfaces and area. It starts next to the streets and then toward the other end its runs past your trees, a lake, grassy area and a ridge. Take your pick of what you will get... because you will get it all. To get here, I - 5 to Smokey Point, exit 206, go east 4 miles on 172nd/Edgecomb rd, at intersection with 67th Ave NE/Stallaguamish HWY, turn right. At Hilltop rd turn left. The trailhead passes across the road where the road rises suddenly and there is a horse stables on the right.

Washington - Taylor River   SSS /summer/fall - 13.4 miles, out & back (dirt trail, dirt road), 2 - 4 hours, a gradual but technical climb, some walking. Skill level - advanced, user density - low; hikers, bikers. * Hazards - rocky trail, walking over washout.

Washington - Wallace Falls State Park   SSS /spring/summer/fall - 19 miles out & back (dirt trails, dirt roads), 3 - 5 hours, long steady climb. Skill level intermediate, user density - high; pedestrians, bikers. * Hazards - vertiginous cliffs above Wallis river, water on trail. Absolutely beautiful.

Most Difficult:

Oregon - 40 mile loop, Portland area SSSS /spring/summer/fall/winter - 40 miles, loop (dirt trails, paved roads, paved trails), 5 - 8 hours, multi grades, endurance needed. Skill - advanced and parts beginner, user density - medium; walkers, hikers, bicyclists, rollerbladers. * Hazards - fatigue, loose gravel on dirt trail, cars on paved roads as well as intersecting areas along paved trail.

Oregon - Hagg Lake Mtn bike, Forest Grove/Portland area SSSS 15 miles/spring/summer/fall/winter - single track, loop dirt trails, 2.5 - 4 hours, multi grades, endurance and strong legs needed. Skill - advanced and intermediate. user density - medium/low; walkers, hikers, bicyclists. * Hazards - fatigue, short quick steep hills, loose gravel on dirt trail, slick bridges when wet, deep ruts, thick mud during wet time, people on trails, sticker bushes, tree limbs, roots etc., cars on paved roads as well as intersecting areas along paved trail. If you like a good fun challenging trail... this is for you! Ken, Tim 05, Ken, Karin May 06 Trail map

Washington - Lewis River Trail  SSSS /summer/fall-22.1 miles, old growth forest, (dirt, rocks, and paved sections), 3 - 5 hours steep up and down grades, a few hike-a-bike sections. Skill level advanced to intermediate. User density- medium; Bicyclists, hikers, equestrians. *Hazards - Steep drop off's and wash outs. Breath taking views along the entire ride.10/06 Aaronn Nelson

Washington - Middle Fork - Extended   SSSS /summer - 23.1 miles, loop (dirt trails, dirt roads), 4 - 6 hours, consistent climb to Goldmyer, many short walks. Skill level - expert, user density - medium; hikers, bicyclists, motorized vehicles. * Hazards - river & log-fall crossings, motorized vehicles.

Washington - Preston Railroad Trail   SSSS /spring/summer/fall - 11.6 miles, loop (dirt trails, dirt roads), 2 - 4 hours, steep 3-mile climb to start, other short steep hills. Skill level - expert, user density - high; bicyclists, equestrians, hikers. * Hazards - jarring washboards on trail, water on trail, dark forest.

Washington - Tahuya State Forest   SSSS /spring/summer/fall/winter - 21.4 miles, loop (dirt trails, dirt roads), 4 - 7 hours, continuous rolling hills. Skill level - intermediate, user density - medium; motorbikes/ATV's, regular bikers.

Washington - Windy Pass    SSSS /summer/fall - 11/5 miles, loop (dirt & gravel roads, dirt trails), 2 - 4 hours, long, steep, difficult climbs & descents. Skill level - advanced, user density - medium; hikers, bicyclists, vehicles on parts. * Hazards - motorized vehicles, steep descents, rough trails.

Extreme or Insane:

Washington - John Wayne trail & the old railroads  SSSSS /summer/fall - 75.1 miles, one way (dirt & gravel rail-trails, paved roads), 7 - 14 hours, easy. Skill - level beginner, user density - medium; equestrians, bicyclists, hikers. * Hazards - High trestles, fatigue.

Washington - Kachess Ridge   SSSSS /summer/fall - 19.3 miles, loop (dirt trails, dirt roads), 4 - 8 hours, extremely steep grades, much walking. Skill level - expert, user density - medium; hikers, equestrian, bicyclists. * Hazards - extreme riding.

Washington - Middle Fork road   SSSSS /summer - 43.9 miles, loop (dirt trails, dirt roads, paved roads), 5 - 9 hours, steep first mile, many other climbs, some walking. Skill level - advanced, user density - moderate; hikers, bicyclists, equestrians. * Hazards - overgrown trail, vehicles, fatigue.

Oregon - Reach the Beach SSSSS spring - apx 103 miles. This traditional ride starts in my new home town of Beaverton Oregon and spans to the Coast ending at Pacific City some 104 miles away. There are several start points for those that would like to do the ride but not quite the miles. However for those of us that know better we just go for the whole thing. Karin & Tonya 05 Story and photos

Washington - Son of the Last Dirt Trail   SSSSS /spring/summer/fall/winter - 39.5 miles one-way, trails & road (both dirt & paved), 5 - 8 hours, rolling hills with steep sections, some walking. Skill level - advanced, user density - low; equestrians, bicyclists, hikers, vehicles. * Hazards - mud, getting lost, private property, fatigue.

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