Sleeping Beauty

5 Star Route / Hood River, Washington / Published: Jul 2019 / Directions

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Cyclist on paved forest service road in Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Trout Lake.

Leading out through the forest.

Gravel cyclist on NF-8810 near Trout Lake campground in Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Dropping into the gravel sector, NF-8810.

Gravel cyclist just after crossing Trout Lake creek near White Salmon, Washington.

Some peekaboo views to be had.

Distant view of Sleeping Beauty peak from NF-8810, a gravel road near Trout Lake, Washington.

Sleeping Beauty in the distance.

Gravel cyclist on NF-8810 in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

On the ridge, with views every so often to the left.

Distant view of Steamboat Mountain from gravel road near Trout Lake, Washington in Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

The eastern flank of Steamboat mountain.

Bike rider on gravel road nearing intersection of NF-8810 and NF-8860 in Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

The last of the "up" for the day.

Cyclist on gravel road NF-8810 nearing intersection with NF-23 in Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Trout Lake, Washington.

Descending down towards NF-23 and pavement.

Pacific Crest Trail junction across NF-23 in Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

The Pacific Crest Trail at the intersection of the last gravel / paved sectors.

A viewpoint for Mt. Adams from NF-23 near Trout Lake, Washington.

This is a great spot to stop and view Mt. Adams. Really!

Mt. Adams from near Trout Lake and NF-23.

This is what you will see on a clear day!

Flowers in bloom along NF-22 near Trout Lake, Washington and White Salmon, Washington.

Flowers in abundance in early July.

Cyclist descending NF-23 in Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Trout Lake, WA.

The fun, rolling descent back into Trout Lake.

Yellow flowers.

Cyclist on paved road NF-22 in Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

The last of the forest...

Cyclist on NF-22 heading towards Trout Lake, Washington.

... giving way to bigger views.

Cyclist standing on bridge in front of Trout Lake Creek near Gifford Pinchot National Forest on NF-23.

Stop here! The creek is amazing.

The General store. Food & Drink.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest ranger station in Guler, Washington near Trout Lake, WA.

The parking area. No fee.

Gravel Girl's ride metrics.

Route:

Loop | 34 mi

Gain:

3,000 ft

Surface:

40% gravel, 60% paved

Technical Difficulty:

Moderate

Navigation:

Straightforward

Locale:

Rural

Tire Suggestion:

40 mm

Options:

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You will need mind altering drugs or a tremendous vision to think the rock formation on this ride looks like sleeping beauty, but this ride is still very much a fairytale … with a magnificent climb up and through the Gifford Pinochet National Forest, with peekaboo views of Mt Adams, then “a Full Monty” display at the midway point, followed by a blasting downhill into Trout Lake.

Map

Brown = gravel / dirt road

Blue = single track

Red = paved road

Purple = paved bike path

GPX Download Version 1.0

Ride Details

When We Like to Ride This

Spring to Fall

Terrain & Riding

The route starts at the Mt Adams Ranger Station which has bathrooms (pit toilets), good parking and rangers at the information desk who really know the road conditions and weather forecasts. We recommend you stop in and say hello.

The route starts with good pavement and a slight uphill grade for the first 4.5 miles, making for a good warm up. When you turn onto NF-8810 (gravel), the climb becomes a consistent 4-6% grade. As you climb up and through the serpentine curves you will spy Mt Adams, Sleeping Beauty, Steamboat Mountain and other ridge lines. Smaller gravel roads intersect 8810. And you cross over streams … along with the Pacific Crest Trail.

At the lower elevations, the forest is thick and green with canopy over the road. As you climb higher the lush green gives way to more alpine forest. At mile 17, the climbing for the day is done!

Just before mile 19, you “T” into NF-23 (paved). With any luck, you will enjoy a full view of Mt Adams looming above you.

NF-23 is a magical downhill, twisting and turning through lush forests and then, when you are close to Trout Lake, lovely farms. Trout Lake is just a mile from the finish, enjoy the historic homes, quilt shop, and general store.

The Start

Lat / Long: 46.000188, -121.541437

Mt. Adams Ranger Station. Pit toilets.

Food & Water

~ Start/finish: Trout Lake General store.

Notes & Options

Comments

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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.