When We Like to Ride This

This is a ride we like to do June through October. Earlier than June you may run into snow. There is a significant amount of tree canopy, making it good option for warmer summer days, especially with an earlier start.

Terrain & Riding

The ride leads out with a 2 mile warm up on a small paved road. Big trees, ferns and moss. At the first right hand turn, the climbing begins — a sustained climb at 7% for 1850 feet over 5 miles. The key word here is sustained. The climb offers up few breaks and some hits up to 12%. We misjudged the difficulty of this climb from the elevation profile. It appears less demanding that it really is. At the summit, you cross over the Pacific Crest trail.

For the next 17 miles, the ride meanders up and down with an net elevation loss of 1000 feet. The descents are short and stair stepped, but you attack them aggressively (and safely) if that is your choosing. On a clear day, you get big views to the south of Mt. Hood and the hills of the Columbia River Gorge.

At ~ mile 24 (after climbing 3000+ ft), make a left hand turn onto NF-66, a paved forest service road. For the next 10 miles, you will be riding along the eastern edge of the Big Lava Bed. The lava field is filled with in growth of conifers, primarily lodgepole pine but also noble fir, ponderosa pine, and mountain hemlock.

NF-66 climbs at 2 to 4% for the most part, but there are several short pitches of 9%. After 8 miles of pavement the road changes back to gravel. Its flat and racey until you hit a beautiful meadow, South Prairie. Turn left turn onto a slow going gravel road with numerous dips / pot holes that crosses over the top (north end) of the lava field. You can always find a line, but need to pick and choose carefully. pump and chunk section.

At mile 39 make a left turn onto NF-60, a good gravel road. Shortly thereafter, Goose Lake will be to your right. A nice surprise. Expect a bit more traffic.

After a little more climbing and grand view of Mt. Adams, there is a short, flat traverse and then it is all downhill. Gravel for 2 miles and then pavement for 6.5 miles. The paved section is fast, swoopy, and narrow. Will need a little bit of brake, but not mutch. Watch for cars, watch for broken pavement.

Stop at the Panther Creek Falls trailhead. Make the short trek to the falls, maybe .25 to .5 miles, you will not be disappointed! Then, pin the last 2 miles back to the parking area / campground.

The Start

Panther Creek Campground. Water, pit toilets.

Food & Water

• None.

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