When We Like to Ride This

Fall (i.e. October) when the colors explode. Spring when Fish Lake is full of water.

Terrain & Riding

The West Cascade Mountains are characterized by steep, heavily forested slopes. At lower elevations, Douglas-fir and western hemlock are most common, while higher up, Pacific silver fir, mountain hemlock, and subalpine fir take over. At the highest points alpine meadows and rocky areas appear.

The terrain is largely volcanic in origin, with deep river valleys carved through the mountain ranges, often containing lakes and streams due to heavy precipitation in the region.

Leading out of the parking lot at Clear Lake, it is a STEEP opening pitch on pavement, 8% average gradient for 0.5 miles with bursts of 12%+.

Starting at mile 15.5, the (majority of the) remainder of the route is a mix between double-track and single-track. Thus, the first half of the ride is uphill, but not technically demanding. The second half of the ride is mostly downhill, but technically demanding. Note that the route does not ride fast.

The Start

Clear Lake Day Use Area. Store (seasonal). Toilets.

Parking Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass, America the Beautiful Pass, or Day-Use Pass ($9 as of summer of 2024). Day-Use pass can be purchased on site.

If the Day-Use Area parking is filled, an alternative spot to park is just across Highway 20. Exit the Day Use area and proceed as if you are exiting. But don’t turn onto the highway, go across it. Make shift dirt lot.

Food & Water

• ~ mile 12 / Clear Lake Resort (seasonal)

Route Notes

1. Share the trail. Around Clear Lake, especially on busy weekends, you should expect hikers along the trail.

Route Options

Hackleman Old Growth Hike
Not a ride option, but an after ride option. About

Have you ridden this route? Got a question? Join the discussion!