Big Lava

5 Star Route / Hood River, Washington / Published October 2019 / Version 1.0 / Directions

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Two cyclists on paved forest service roads near Panther Creek campground in Washington state.

The lead out - big trees, ferns, and moss.

Cyclists climbing gravel road near Panther Creek campground near Stabler, Washington.

The beginning of the first climb, 7%.

Gravel cyclists on NF-68 in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

As you near the summit of the climb, the views open up.

Cyclists descending gravel road NF-68 near the Big Lava Bed.

It meanders like this for the ...

Cyclist on gravel road in Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Carson, Washington.

... next 17 miles.

Two bike riders on gravel road approaching NF-66 near Stabler, Washington.

The road flattens and widens as you approach NF-66.

Cyclists on paved road NF-66 near the Big Lava Bed in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

NF-66, pavement for the next 8 miles.

The overgrown lava in the Big Lava Bed near Stabler and Carson, Washington.

The overgrown lava bed.

Cyclists on gravel road approaching South Prairie and the disappearing lake in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Nearing South Prairie and the disappearing lake.

Information sign for South Prairie in Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

South Prairie info.

Cyclists on gravel road on the north side of South Prairie and the Big Lava Bed in Washington state.

The start of the slow going gravel section.

Goose lake

View of Mt. Adams from NF-60 Carson / Guler road in Gifford Pinchot National forest.

Views of Mt. Adams on the final climbing pitch.

Cyclists descending NF-65, paved road near Panther Creek falls in Washington.

The beginning of the paved descent.

Panther Creek falls

The parking area for the falls. The trail is to the right.

Solo cyclist descending NF-65 below Panther Creek falls.

More descending!!

Flowers in bloom in Gifford Pinchot National forest in Washington state.

The entire ride has abundant flowers.

Cyclist on NF-65 near Panther Creek campground near Stabler, Washington.

Relaxing and rolling into the finish.

Captain O's ride metrics.

Route:

Loop | 54 mi

Gain:

5,200 ft

Surface:

65% gravel, 35% paved

Technical Difficulty:

Moderate

Navigation:

Attention Required

Locale:

Remote

Tire Suggestion:

40 mm

eBike Friendly:

Yes

“Big Ku” of the Dirty Freehub team considers this one of the best gravel rides he has done. What makes this ride so special? Fun to ride roads and several “one of a kind” natural features: the Big Lava Bed, the magical disappearing lake within South Prairie, Goose Lake and one of the most impressive falls in the Columbia Gorge region, Panther Creek Falls.

The ride is known for and named for the “Big Lava Bed, located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in the southwestern area of the State of Washington. The Big Lava Bed is the youngest feature of the Indian Heaven volcanic field. The 0.9-cubic kilometer lava flow erupted from a cinder cone about 8200 years ago.

Lodgepole pine, alder, and other pioneer plants struggle to grow, seen sparsely growing between and amid towering rock piles, caves, and strange lava formations. Access into the interior of the lava bed is difficult, since there are no roads or trails crossing the lava field. Explorers who wish to venture deep within the lava flow are advised to choose their route carefully. Compasses are not always reliable, since local magnetic influences affect their magnetic performance in the vast expanse of rock.”

Map

Brown = gravel / dirt road

Blue = single track

Red = paved road

Purple = paved bike path

GPX Download

Ride Details

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.

Lat / Long: 45.819602, -121.88013

Food & Water

None.

Notes & Options

Comments

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

Ridden and Reviewed by:

KevinE / Team Dirty Freehub

He should have “Never Stop Exploring” tattooed on his chest! He loves adventures on bikes and is a Co-Founder of Dirty Freehub.

LindaE (aka Gravel Girl) / Team Dirty Freehub

She loves a good day of gravel, like most people like a good book. She’s always amused by the outdoors and the wild adventures. Gravel Girl is a Co-Founder of Dirty Freehub.