Planning rides for Mt. Hood area

[pnelson]

I'm looking forward this spring to exploring the open forest service roads around Mt. Hood. The last time I did this was 40 years ago and you could go wherever you wanted to. Times are different now and the entire forest is closed except areas explicitly open to motorized vehicles. That info is published here.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mthood/recreation/ohv/?cid=stelprdb5292058

My goal is to figure out rides/routes in the open areas and publish them for my own use and for future use for other riders. Anyone else want to help out?

I'm stuck I Texas this week but next week I'll be mounting my Kenda Big Blocks and will start doing my best to use them up this summer on these roads. ;-)

 

[digitalmoto]

I'm looking forward this spring to exploring the open forest service roads around Mt. Hood. The last time I did this was 40 years ago and you could go wherever you wanted to. Times are different now and the entire forest is closed except areas explicitly open to motorized vehicles. That info is published here.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mthood/recreation/ohv/?cid=stelprdb5292058

My goal is to figure out rides/routes in the open areas and publish them for my own use and for future use for other riders. Anyone else want to help out?

I'm stuck I Texas this week but next week I'll be mounting my Kenda Big Blocks and will start doing my best to use them up this summer on these roads. ;-)

As time allows, YES!!!

 

[pnelson]

I have Wednesday afternoon and the rest of the week off. The weather looks great and I'm studying my Mt. Hood National Forest map tonight. I'll be heading up on Thursday and Friday if not as soon as Wednesday afternoon. Join my if you can.

Has anyone ridden up Still Creek road lately? The last time I road by the road to Trillium, it was still gated. That was a week ago though. Map to Mt. Hood roads: http://goo.gl/maps/k1AjX

;-) Paul

PS... Big Blocks mounted so I'm looking to have some fun!

 

[pnelson]

This ride around Timothy Lake looks good. 69 miles and up to 5000 in elevation. I wonder if the snow's gone?

http://rideoregonride.com/road-routes/timothy-lake-challenge-long-route/

 

[krussell]

Week before last it didn't work, but you may have a shot given the warm weather. Stopped at 4000ish in several places. Couldn't make High Rock from the south or the east. Made it just a bit past 140 from the South, couldn't go more than about 200ft down 140 before it was blocked. 5830 stopped with snow about 4000 feet as well, and had a couple of gooey spots. Nothing serious, but slippery if you aren't paying attention. Headed in from the east side after riding around Timothy lake and stopping at little crater lake, but hit snow from that side too.

Let us know how it goes.

 

[FertileLies]

I slipped the bike into a ditch trying to get to Little Crater Lake a few weeks ago. That was not fun. Won't go up there again until I hear ALL the snow is gone. So many roads, so little time. I'm in if I can find the time.

 

[pnelson]

Headed up US 26 and turned off on Still Creek road. It's about 20 miles along that road to Trillium Lake but I only made it halfway. At about 3500 ft in elevation there were too many snow banks. It's melting fast though so maybe in another week or two it will be open.

I found this forest Service site that lists the roads and whether they are open or not but it looks like it's not being updated.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mthood/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5191108

This was my first forest road ride with the Kenda Big Blocks and they did great. It makes roads like this effortless and inspires confidence in the bike. I'm sure I'll be all over the place when I try doing this again on my 80/20 tires.

 

[krussell]

The snow is gone, at least to 4500ish.

Still creek, high rocks, etc. are all clear.

Went up Barlow yesterday, but not on the Tenere. I don't think I would made it on the Tenere without dropping it. The water bars and 4x4 ruts would definitely be clearance issues.

http://advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=24346265&postcount=2995

 

[pnelson]

Great writeup on the ride with awesome photos Kevin.

The next time you ride right by my house on a good day like this, stop in and tell me to put the sanders and paint guns away and join you!

;-) Paul