Lewis River Singletrack

RIDING TYPE | ◆︎ Advanced

TRIP DURATION | 5-Days

SEASON | July – August

On this trip we ride through the incredible country between Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens. These massive volcanoes are surrounded by beautiful old growth forests with great, buff, singletrack trails weaving through them. We begin on the Mt. Adams side with incredible views and beautiful forest camps. Then we head to the famous Lewis River Trail where we swoop and zoom in and around the giant Douglas firs following the course of the river. No trip to Mount St. Helens would be complete without a visit to the Ape Cave Lava Tube, the longest lava tube in the United States. We take a break from our bikes mid-week to explore this amazing geologic feature. We finish with the Ape Canyon ride to the Plains of Abraham right on the slope of Mount St. Helens. This is an incredible mountain bike ride through the forest on the edge of the lava flow with stunning views of the peak and the pumice fields around it. While some of the singletrack is quite technical, the mileage is very reasonable, and the climbing is fun and do-able.

ITINERARY

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 challenging. 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 our Lewis River campsite, our home for the next two nights.
TOTAL MILEAGE: 14 - 16 miles

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 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

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 farthest 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. Everyone will need a headlamp, sturdy shoes or boots, and warm clothing as the cave averages 42 degrees Fahrenheit.

DAY 4

Today we will pack and get 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. We’ll shuttle to our new campsite at Paradise Creek.
TOTAL MILEAGE: 10 miles

DAY 5

After fueling up and breaking down camp, our final day begins with a shuttle to Oldman Pass Sno-Park. Get ready for a fun day of riding before we say our goodbyes! We start our ride at the top of the pass and pedal through beautiful forests on the fun descent to the Wind River. We climb back up and meet up with McClellan Meadows Trail, which was originally built in 1852 from the George McClellan railroad survey and offers a fun, challenging ride. Then we connect with the Falls Creek Trail which includes two creek crossings, gorgeous ponds, and spectacular waterfalls. After our big descent, we meet up with the shuttle and
head back to town.
TOTAL MILEAGE: 10-20 miles

TRIP NOTES

This is a technical singletrack trip. A high level of fitness is necessary and singletrack experience is highly recommended. We will be without vehicle support during all of the singletrack sections of the ride.

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

Road Surface: Singletrack dirt, gravel, pine needles, double track and some pavement.
Overall Rating: Advanced
Technical Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Physical Difficulty: Moderate to difficult.
Altitude: 1,300 - 4,500 feet

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

MEETING PLACE AND TIME

Hood River, OR

This tour will begin at 9:00 AM PST at Tsuruta Park on the corner of 13th St & State St, Hood River, OR. You will need to spend the night before in Hood River, which is 60 miles East of Portland, OR.

ENDING TIME

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

GETTING TO HOOD RIVER, OR

Driving
Hood River is located approximately 60 miles east of Portland on Interstate 84. If you’re driving, you can park across the street from Dirty Fingers Bike Repair
at the Tsurta Park parking lot for the duration of the trip.

Flying into Portland
Airport Code: PDX
Portland is the closest airport and there are two options from there:

1) AAA Airport Shuttle provides shuttle service from the Portland airport to Hood River. Call 503-544-9949. If you are flying with your bike, please call ahead of time to reserve space for your bike.
2) Rent a car.

TAXI SERVICE

Hood River Taxi: 541-905-8296 or 541-399-9954
Gorge Yellow Cab: 541-490-2497

LODGING BEFORE YOUR TRIP

Hood River is a gateway city to Mt. Hood, and it is very popular during the summer months. It is a good idea to book your rooms several months in advance if possible. Here are a few recommendations:

Sunset Motel
541-386-6332

Hood River Hotel
541-386-1900, 800-386-1859

Oak Street Hotel
541-386-3845

Riverview Lodge
541-386-8719, 800-789-9568

Comfort Inn & Suites
541-308-1000

Best Western Hood River Inn
541-386-2200

PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP

Be sure to bring everything on this list. We have carefully developed this list to ensure your comfort on the tour regardless of the weather. If you are prepared for extreme weather, it is an adventure. If you are not prepared it can be a serious problem. We recommend the layering system, including a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer and a weather barrier for wind and rain. This list reflects that philosophy. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

HOW TO PACK: The bulk of your gear and clothing will ride in the Western Spirit support vehicle (preferably in a large duffle bag) and will not be accessible during the day.

For this trip, you will need a riding pack and optional day bag:

Your riding pack may be a hydration pack, but needs to carry 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, other warm clothing, and food for the day. You may be
away from camp and the support vehicle all day and need to be self-sufficient.
A small day bag is optional and may be used to store things you’d rather not ride with, but would like to have access to during the day. This daypack will remain with the support vehicle and may not be accessible, depending on the day.

WHAT WE PROVIDE:
✓ meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks
✓ camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware
✓ 1 cycling water bottle
✓ camp chairs
✓ solar showers
✓ sunscreen & bug spray
✓ bike stand and lube
✓ guides bring their own tools
✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

o bike (Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.)
o helmet (gratis w/rental bike)
o tent
o sleeping bag
o sleeping pad

CYCLING CLOTHING

o cycling shoes
o 3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
o 3 - 5 cycling shirts
o long sleeve cycling shirt
o long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
o cycling socks
o windbreaker
o tights or leg warmers
o 2 pair cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth)
o rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
o rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
o warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long sleeve fleece shirt)
o sunglasses or other eye protection

CAMP CLOTHING

o camp shorts
o shirts
o warm socks
o long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
o 2 pair warm long pants
o long sleeve fleece or sweater
o pile or down jacket (insulating layer)
o warm gloves and hat
o brimmed hat or visor
o bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip and at the hotel before/after your trip)
o hiking shoes
o sandals
o cheap PVC rain gear (to wear in camp)

PERSONAL

o toiletries
o medication (daily and emergency)
o towel
o biodegradable soap
o wet-wipes
o flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
o sunglasses
o optional day bag
o stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag)
o cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10-20% of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides when you return to civilization is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

OPTIONAL

o camera, extra batteries
o binoculars
o alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (your guides will pack these)
o books or maps
o we encourage you to turn your devices off, but if you cannot, please bring a way to charge them. We recommend a portable USB charger with 1-2 charges. Also, putting your phone on airplane mode to save power is recommended.

Print This

Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping and FAQ page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by subscribing to our newsletter.

Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732

Lewis River Singletrack

PRICE | $1,645 pp

Private Departures Available
Call 435-259-8732

A Day With Western Spirit

Rise & Shine
How do you like to start your day? If you like waking up to hot coffee and unforgettable sunrises you’re in luck. Delicious cowboy coffee, fresh fruit salad, pancakes, bacon, granola, yogurt and more.

>>> Read More

Hit The Trail
Whether your trip includes: riding
the Rainbow Rim Trail; enjoying breathtaking views of the
Grand Canyon; leading your
friends on the White Rim Road in Canyonlands; or ripping down.

>>> Read More

Apres
We base our itineraries around the trails that we love to ride, but also around great camp locations. We love to find the perfect place next to rivers or lakes , or by vistas
and sunset spots.

>>> Read More

BIKE TRIP TESTIMONIALS

“Very accommodating of me being vegan, very cheerful and nice.”

~ Jason

“I had been to Canyonlands two years prior so knew scenery was outstanding but it takes on even more magnificence when seen from seat of bike. The guides were awesome and supportive. Food was better than in most restaurants and more than you could eat.”

~ Michael

“This was our 3rd trip with Western Spirit, so we knew what to expect from the guides and the support they’d provide. The trip itself was spectacular – the scenery was unbeatable and the weather was perfect.”

~ Jennifer

“To begin with the landscape and scenery was majestic and awesome. The guides were all instrumental in enhancing the experience with their knowledge, skills, and out of the goodness of their character.”

~ Edward

The guides made the trip totally beyond awesome. They were fun, the food was WAY better than I expected, the rides could be were tailored, guiding was superb, trails were a blast, our campsite was sweet. I have zero complaints.

~ Wendy

“Warmth, humor, seriously good people skills,professionalism, competence. They execute their very serious responsibilities with confidence-inspiring grace.”

~ David

“Food was WAY better than I expected. I like to eat healthy and was worried about “camping food.” The guides prepared amazing food. The trip was a blast in general with gorgeous scenery and good campsites. Guides were very friendly, patient and helpful”

~ Erika

“I was worried riding and camping with a group… could I keep up?… would I “fit in”? I was able to keep up and push myself and was challenged by the terrain, I loved it! The group was great I had nothing to worry about, everyone was friendly and supportive.”

~ Robin

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been on any organized event and this one was simply amazing. My skill and fitness level were not up to those as others in the group but never once did I feel intimidated…”

~ Nick

The food was fantastic! I didn’t expect such meals. The guides were so friendly, helpful, and entertaining. They really worked well together. Also, they made sure that everyone in their various skill levels enjoyed the rides and that there was enough for everyone.

~ Nichole

Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!

~ Teri

Your guides are your ambassadors, they are fun, energetic and very knowledgeable. I would not do anything different.

~ Paul

“Normally I do self supported but having someone else make excellent food makes me want to do it again”

~ Christl

“I was tired at the end of each day and to have everything taken care of as far as dinner and cleanup, it was so nice to have that not be my issue. The guides were amazing, simply amazing….the food was always excellent, their personalities are different but blended with everyone perfectly!”

~ Pam

“Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!”

~ Teri

“The trip was one of the most incredible experiences of my life… the scenery, the views, the guides, and the food! I loved how great the meals were!!! The guides were unbelievable cooks! After biking all day, to be able to sit down and eat a great meal & drink a beer …man, it was great!”

~ Gary

========= More Trips Like This =========

Start | End: Hood River, OR, USA