Indian Heaven

Development Route / Portland, Washington / Published: Apr 2021 / Directions

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Mt Adams

Gravel cycling outside of portland oregon near Indian Heaven Wilderness

Cyclist near water on gravel cycling route, washington, indian heaven wilderness

Cyclists exploring gravel roads near indian heaven wilderness

Rolling into the finish on the last paved sector.

Route:

Loop | 54 mi

Gain:

4,300 ft

Surface:

70% gravel, 30% paved

Technical Difficulty:

Moderate

Navigation:

Straightforward

Locale:

Remote

Tire Suggestion:

40 mm+

Options:

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A highly scenic route that circumnavigates the Indian Heaven Wilderness. It is a medium-long gravel route with a few moderate climbs. There are limited, but big views of Mt St Helens and Adams and you pass by several wilderness lakes on the way.

The 20,784 acre Indian Heaven Wilderness is a forested high plateau, dominated by fir (Pacific silver, noble, subalpine), with numerous open meadows and more than 150 lakes. Many of the lakes are stocked with rainbow and brook trout.

Lava once flowed from the numerous volcanic cones that rise above the plateau which reach their highest point on Lemei Rock (5,927′), where a broad crater now contains Lake Wapiki. Originally known as “Sahalee Tyee,” the area is culturally important to Native Americans. Periodically over the past 9,000 years the Yakima, Klickitat, Cascades, Wasco, Wishram, and Umatilla tribes gathered here for berry picking, fishing, and hunting. [US Forest Service]

The Dirty Freehub Team rode the original version of the route and has since made some significant changes. The ride direction is now counter-clockwise and two new sectors have been added: (1) Lone Butte Wildlife area, miles 13.5 to 19.5 and (2) miles 36.5 to 46.5 that includes several wilderness lakes. We have not ridden the new sectors, thus we have kept the Development Route designation.

Caution, this is a Development Route. It has not been fully vetted or ridden by the Dirty Freehub Team. Go prepared and expect a bit more adventure. Any feedback you have would be much appreciated. You can leave it below in the comments block.

Map

Brown = gravel / dirt road

Blue = single track

Red = paved road

Purple = paved bike path

GPX Download Version 0.2

Credits & Acknowledgements

The original version of the route was contributed by David S in March 2021.

Ride Details

When We Like to Ride This

Late spring to early fall. Snow at elevation needs to be melted off to manage loop. (Elevation tops out at 4095 feet.)

“Indian Heaven is known for wildflower color and swarms of biting insects in the summer. The snow melts away in the area around mid-July. Fall is a good time to visit due to the brilliant fall colors and the winding down of mosquito season.”[US Forest Service]

Terrain & Riding

The ride starts with a two-mile paved warm-up section followed by a gravel climb with some cobble rock. This is the longest climb of the day at 5 miles and 1300 feet of gain. Roll, then descend to NF-30 on a single single-lane gravel road, lined with trees giving a canopy of shade. About half-way along in the descent you get some of the best view views of Mt St Helens in the region.

At mile 12, take a right onto NF-30. Soon make a left into the Lone Butte wildlife area. This section we have not ridden, just mapped and looked at via satellite imagery. It looks promising.

At mile 20 rejoin the paved road. It will be two-lane for a bit, then go to single-lane with pull outs. Most of the paved will be downhill and fun. At mile 26, pull into the parking lot to get a nice view of Mosquito Lake. At mile 29.1 make the turn into the Basket Tree Old Growth loop. This is very short, but fun bit of wide single-track.

At mile 31.5 pick up the gravel road and begin to gradually climb. At mile 36.5 make a 90-degree right and pick up a second section of gravel that we have not ridden. This should climb a bit further, than meander and pass by several small lakes.

At mile 46 you come to Goose Lake. A frequent destination for weekenders. Highly scenic. From the lake, climb a bit, get a big view of Mt Adams and then finish up with a fast grave descent back to the start.

The Start

Lat / Long: 45.9015410, -121.838026

Makeshift dirt parking area at the intersection of NF-65 and NF-60. We have also marked two alternative parking areas on the map for those coming directly from the east or west.

Food & Water

None.

Notes & Options

Route Options

At mile 22, there is an option to go right on NF-22 (gravel) and rejoin the mapped route at mile 35.

Comments

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Help Make this Guide Better!

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