Lewis River Singletrack

MEETING TIME AND PLACE

This trip meets at 8:00am PST at Best Western Hood River Inn, 1108 East Marina Way, Hood River, OR 97031, 541-386-2200 http://www.bestwesternoregon.com/. You will need to spend the night before in Hood River, which is 60 miles east of Portland, OR.

ENDING TIME AND PLACE

We will return to the hotel in Hood River between 3:00-4:00 pm on the last day.

ITINERARY

TRIP DAY 1

After packing up in Hood River, we will head to Surveyor's Ridge, one of the most well known mountain bike trails in Oregon. As with most ridge trails, the constant and unpredictable ups and downs are quite exhilarating and draining.    We will meet up with the van for lunch, before heading down the Dog River Trail, (called The Dog by locals). This is an amazing descent so check your brakes and hold on tight! We will meet up with the van and shuttle to the Lewis River campsite, our home for the next two nights.
Total Mileage 14-16 miles

TRIP DAY 2

Today we ride the famous Lewis River Trail through old growth cedars and Douglas Fir. It is an almost perfect trail with a beautiful tacky surface through the shade along the bright blue river. There are several short, steep climbs thrown in at regular intervals to keep your heart rate high, but we are in no hurry to leave this wonderful place. The trail flows along the length of fallen trees for what seems like a quarter mile per tree, giving you new appreciation for how tall these giants really are. We zip along flat sections which turn and twist through side drainages, giant ferns and Bigleaf Maples. This is one of the all time best mountain bike trails in the US. We finish with a smile and cruise back to our lovely camp.
Total Mileage 22-24 miles

TRIP DAY 3

Today we'll give our rear ends a little break and embark on a different adventure. After breakfast we'll drive up to the flanks of Mount St. Helens to explore the furthest reaches of a lava tube formed from an eruption 1,900 years ago. Mount St. Helen’s Ape Cave Lava Tube is a popular attraction in the Mount St. Helens National Monument and the longest lava tube in the continental United States---it is over two miles in length! This lava tube formed when the surface of a lava flow cooled and hardened, but the molten lava beneath the surface continued to flow. It will take us 2-3 hours to hike Upper Ape Cave and then we will return on an above ground trail. This hike is fairly adventurous as we must climb over approximately 27 boulder piles and scale an 8-foot high lava fall. We'll need sturdy shoes or boots and warm clothing as the cave averages 42 degrees Fahrenheit.

TRIP DAY 4

If you liked the Lewis River Trail, you're in luck because today's ride on the Siouxon Trail has the makings of another classic. Siouxon is a trail for riders of many skill levels. The upper section is good for intermediate riders. The middle section is a comfortable ride for the advanced beginner, and the end sections offer obstacles and challenges for the intermediate to advanced rider. No matter what your level, the trail is a scenic delight with an incredible fern and moss covered understory, the beauty of Siouxon Creek and several waterfalls thrown in for good measure!

Total Mileage 18 miles

TRIP DAY 5

Our final day begins with an early start since we are headed high up on Mount St. Helens. No camping is allowed on the mountain itself, so we must shuttle to the trailhead. Here we have great views of Lava Canyon. We begin the ride up the forested trail at a very moderate grade. We have five miles to climb and 1,300 feet to gain. The trail travels along the edge of the massive mudflow and we go in and out of the forest on its edge. Several gentle switchbacks bring us up to a forested ridge with views back towards Mount Adams. At last we reach tree line! From here pumice slopes rise up the snowy peak above us. It is easy to imagine the lava flowing through the deep cuts in the earth which surround us. The views leave no doubt that the climb was worth it, and the awesome flowing descent which follows is the icing on the cake. It is a great way to end our wonderful week.
Total Mileage 10 miles

TERRAIN

Road Surface: Singletrack dirt, gravel, pine needles. Double track and some pavement.
Technical Difficulty: Difficult.
Physical Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult.
Altitude: 1,300 - 4,500 feet.

Please Note: Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety, and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

GETTING THERE

-Driving
Hood River is located approximately 60 miles East of Portland on Interstate 84. Take exit #64 toward OR-35 White Salmon/Govt Camp. Before crossing the Columbia River you will see the Best Western sign on your right. You will be able to leave your car at the Hotel while on your tour.

-Flying into Portland, OR
Airport Code: PDX
Hood River is the closest airport and there are two options from there.
1. Blue Star provides shuttle service from the Portland airport to Hood River. $83-90 Call 800-247-2272
2. Rental car rates from the Portland airport range from $184 (Thrifty) to $275 (Avis & Hertz), these prices do not include tax. If you rent a car you will be able to park it at the meeting place hotel while you are on your tour.

TAXI SERVICE

Hood River Taxi & Transportation 541-386-2255

LODGING

Hood River is a gateway city to Mt. Hood and the windsurfing on the Columbia River is very popular during the summer months. It is a good idea to book you rooms several months in advance if possible; here are a few recommendations.

Best Western Hood River Inn
$110-170
541-386-2200
This is where the trip will meet. Mention Western Spirit and you will receive a 10% discount for the Sunday night before the trip. Due to popularity, they are unable to offer a discount for the following Friday. Please show the front desk something with our logo on it for verification.

Hood River Hotel
$90-165
541-386-1900, 800-386-1859

Oak Street Hotel
$129-149
541-386-3845

Vagabond Lodge
$60-115
541-386-2992, 877-386-2992

Riverview Lodge
$70 & up
541-386-8719, 800-789-9568

Comfort Inn & Suites
$180-200
541-308-1000

Above rates are approximate.

WEATHER

There are really just two kinds of weather: weather you like and weather you do not like. Come prepared for both and you won't care what the weather does.

If you have questions about temperatures for your specific trip please feel free to give us a call 800-845-2453 or email us at biking@westernspirit.com. We will be happy to give you packing suggestions and help you with ideas for things to do before and after your bike trip.

PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP

You will receive a tour packing list with your tour confirmation package. Be sure to bring everything on this list. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed! Please pack all of your gear in a medium to large duffel, it will ride in the trailer. If you have questions about anything on the list, please call us.

SHIPPING YOUR BIKE

You are welcome to ship your bike to us in advance of your trip. For a moderate fee we will unpack it, build it, and ship it back home to you afterwards. Bikes can be insured to $4,000. Domestic shipping only. If you decide you want to go this route, you must call us in advance of your trip so we can inform the shop that your bike is on its way. We highly recommend having your bike tuned up before your tour. Our guides are fine mechanics, but there aren't any bike shops in the backcountry!

To ship your bike UPS, send it to Dirty Fingers Bike Repair, 1412 13th St. Ste 100, Hood River, OR 97031; 541-308-0420. It is critical that you include your name, "Western Spirit Cycling" and tour date on the outside of the box. Check with your local UPS people for the number of days needed for it to arrive in time. It is imperative to have your bike finely tuned and cleaned before your tour so you know it is in top running condition.

If you have any other questions about trip logistics, please feel free to send us an email or, better yet, to call us at 800-845-2453. We will be happy to try to help you answer any other questions you might have about our bike trips.

THINGS TO DO

MAPS

Your guides will have all the maps necessary for your trip. If you would like your own copy for a souvenir, here is all the info:

Go to http://www.adventuremaps.net/, then to Oregon, and choose Hood River.