When the near-winter blues start dragging you down there is only one thing to do. Get out your rain jackets and leg warmers — because fall cycling in the Pacific Northwest has just hit its zenith. Read on for my top three rides at the top of the country.
1. Hurricane Ridge
Prep your lungs and legs before you try this one on for size. It’s a 17-mile ride entirely uphill. But before you throw in the towel, hear me out. The climb offers some of the most stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. Starting just above sea level, this ride takes you a mile skyward in a relatively short distance. It’s some of the best climbing in the area, and well worth the work.
You start at the Ranger Station of the Olympic National Forest near Port Angeles, WA and start the tough climbing right away. The first four and a half miles are the steepest, which is nice to have out of the way first. But it doesn’t get much easier after that — you’re still climbing the rest of the twelve and a half miles until you finally reach the top. Happily, taking breaks at the pullout areas offer panoramas that make the entire thing worth the trip. And never forget the way down — rip it all the way to the bottom for one of the sweetest descents you can imagine.
The Deets: Hardcore ride; 37.5 miles; 5,100 feet of elevation; $5 per cyclist.
2. Crater Lake National Park
Okay, so maybe heart-stopping climbs and descents aren’t for you. If that’s true, head over to Oregon for a 33-mile cruise around a national jewel: Crater Lake National Park. This unusual lake was formed when a massive volcano shot into the air and then collapsed back upon itself 7,000+ years ago. The massive scar in the earth filled with water over the years until it became what we know today. With a maximum depth of 1,943 feet, this is a sight you can’t miss.
The ride itself offers some tough climbs that reward you with epic views throughout. Plus, it’s really the coolest way to see this National Park.
The Deets: Rowdy ride; 33 miles; 3,800+ feet of elevation; $5 per cyclist.
3. Ape Canyon, Plains of Abraham, Smith Creek
If you’re like me and your mountain biking has taken a turn for the “more” this season, throw your bike in the back of your car and get over to this loop ASAP. From steep single track to crazy looking, surface-of-the-moon style riding, this trail packs it all in. Plus, man-eating mosquitos and tons of snow in spring and summer make fall the only time to hit it.
Start at Ape Canyon trailhead or Smith Creek trailhead. Ape Canyon will take you up through a forest for views that just keep getting more fabulous before flowing down through the volcanic ash and pumice of the bizarre Plains of Abraham (created by the explosion of Mount Saint Helens). Smith Creek will take you down drainage and up a ridge with wicked drops on either side before dropping you onto a logging road back to Ape Canyon.
The Deets: Yowza!; 23-26 miles; 4,000+ feet of elevation; $30 NW Forest Pass Required; check it.
Just keep spinning. — Arielle