Description

This rugged out-and-back ride along the banks of the White River used to be an IMBA Epic back in the day, but in 2014 it was [removed from the list](https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-trails/your-trail-is-no-longer-epic-imba-retires-epic-rides-to-hall-of-fame/).

Whether or not IMBA gives it the “Epic” label, Skookum Flats is a beautiful cross country ride that’s well worth putting on your bike-it list! The Skookum Flats trail is most often ridden as an out-and-back in this 10.6-mile combination.

While almost 1,500 feet of elevation gain and loss will give you a respectable workout, this ride feels quite moderate overall. Located just outside the entrance of Mount Rainier National Park, the natural scenery along this trail is truly stunning! Skookum Flats gives riders a tour "through old-growth forest, past mossy rocks and fallen trees, with plenty of river views,” according to [WTA.org](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/skookum-flats).

The route also brings you close to Skookum Falls.

If you want to visit the pounding waterfall, you might consider parking your bike and walking up the water-slicked path to the base of the falls. The trail itself consists largely of black, loamy dirt on the floor of the deep forest.

It’s punctuated by roots (slick when wet!) and rocky sections, especially closer to the river.

While Skookum Flats "as had a reputation in the past for its roots and rocks, recent maintenance on it by the Washington Trails Association and the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance has smoothed out some of the rough spots,” according to [VisitRainier.com](https://visitrainier.com/skookum-flats-2/). Sources: https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-trails/your-trail-is-no-longer-epic-imba-retires-epic-rides-to-hall-of-fame/ https://visitrainier.com/skookum-flats-2/ https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/skookum-flats