FATMAP by Strava

Cedar Springs -> 15-Mile Loop

A backcountry mountain biking gem.

Mountain Biking Difficult

Distance
17 km
Ascent
668 m
Descent
668 m
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
841 m
High Point
1.4 km
Gradient
Cedar Springs -> 15-Mile Loop Map

Combining the Cedar Springs Trail and the 15-Mile Trail together creates a logical loop along opposite sides of 15-Mile Creek. What’s less logical is the elevation profile: in order to access the trails, you begin at the high point of the ride and descend down the stream, before turning around and grinding back up to your car. While this is never ideal for a mountain bike ride, most people who’ve ridden this loop still rave about it!

Description

The singletrack descent into the ravine "a perfect medley of rock, root, needle-pack, volcanic moondust, and black gold,” according to local mountain biker Chris Daniels. According to Daniels, the final section of the descent gets much rockier, over pumice and baby head rocks.

The climb back out on the 15-Mile Trail begins mellow and approachable, but gets absurdly steep in a hurry! "Shortly after the mellow grade ascent, we were met with long stretches of hillside hike-a-bike, punctuated by more outcroppings of rock where we would catch our breath and rest our limbs,” writes Daniels.

This ride is located in a network known as the 44 Trails, which is higher in the mountains and more remote than most of the other trails in Hood River. Consequently, these trails generally open later in the summer, as it takes the snow longer to melt, and it’s also common for downed trees and other winter damage to further delay trail opening. But if you’re willing to brave the brutal climb back up to your car, you’ll get to enjoy a true backcountry mountain biking gem!

Source: https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-trails/the-hood-report-seeking-solitude-on-cedar-creek-and-15-mile/

Difficulty

Difficult

Mostly stable trail tread with some variability featuring larger and more unavoidable obstacles that may include, but not be limited to: bigger stones, roots, steps, and narrow curves. Compared to lower intermediate, technical difficulty is more advanced and grades of slopes are steeper. Ideal for upper intermediate riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between June and October

Features

  • Technical
  • Singletrack
  • In the forest
  • Rock Gardens

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area