The climb to get above treeline is fairly reasonable, but it still isn't an easy ride: you'll have to gain over 1,000 feet of elevation just to reach the junction with the Engineer Mountain Trail. The climb up Pass Creek alternates back and forth from riding to hiking through steep, rocky pitches. True badasses may be able to clean all of the rocks, but most riders will have to push through a few sections. But even so, Pass Creek is at least 95% rideable on the way up, making it the easiest alpine climb in the area—hence the popularity.

Once at the Engineer Mountain Trail junction, take a right to pedal through some more meadows, then drop down a short but fast descent to reach the left turn onto Engine Creek.

Engine Creek receives much less traffic than the Engineer Mountain Trail, and as such, it is beautifully narrow and natural. The singletrack drops quickly down the mountainside into a narrow valley thick with wildflowers in the meadows and towering pines when you enter the timber. While the descent is fast, be sure to pause and appreciate the stunning environment you're riding through. As you look around, you won't be able to find a single indication of humanity's impact on this area aside from the trail you're riding. This isolation is a blessing, providing a true backcountry mountain biking experience.

The narrow, twisty trail tread leads to short sightlines in places. At times, you'll roll up onto difficult features blind and be forced to improvise on the fly. Sometimes this is due to sharp switchbacks with drops in the middle, and other times, the density of the undergrowth is to blame. While many sections of the trail are smooth and fast, others offer up rock gardens, roots, and even a few blocky boulders. This is classic backcountry riding with a true mixed bag of challenges.

At the bottom where the trail hits the Cascade Creek Trail, for the best-quality riding, it's recommended to ford the stream and pedal the trail on the opposite bank. The section of trail on the south side is reportedly much more rideable than the trail on the north side, although you'll still need to negotiate some short but steep climbs and descents that are choked with rocks. But before you know it, you'll pop out onto the dirt road and coast down to your waiting car!