Alsea Falls |
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Epic Rides in an Epic Valley
Berms. Rock gardens. Jumps. Booters. More berms. If it’s fun to ride on a mountain bike, then it’s part of Alsea Falls, a trail system set in the thick, green forest of the Oregon Coast Range. A parade of top-notch pro and volunteer trail builders have labored in the dirt here for your riding pleasure, and with an easy road climb to the top, you’ll want to do two loops — because once is just not enough.
The trail starts with an asphalt road climb behind a locked gate. Brisk at first, the grade levels out after 1.5 miles. Approximately 2 miles from the trailhead, you’ll turn right off the paved road and head onto Road 14-7-27. (A signpost also guides you to Whistlepunk Trail). This climb is a bit more effort given the gravel surface. You’ll pass by Gutrobber Trail on your left, then arrive at the top of Whistlepunk.
Whistlepunk is a heck of a warm-up, providing plenty of rocks and roots that you can either roll or air. Comfy berms conserve your energy and allow you to roll fast. The trail crosses a gravel road and quickly flows into Sexy Tree, accelerating you through more rollers and some final, large berms.
A short logging road is the only wasted vertical in this trail’s entire 1,600-foot descent. It’s a needed break before you rally into upper Highballer with its tight, twisty flow that rewards smooth riding and quick acceleration. Watch for gnomes! Lower Highballer stretches it out with lots of jumps packed into the trail. There are no gaps, but the trail is narrow — so keep your airtime in check and work on your scrubs. Solid berms allow you to keep your mo’ all the way down.
The last trail is Springboard. Catch your breath and put your bike in warp-speed mode, because this is one of the fastest trails around. Hard-packed conditions reward micro-sprints and pump-track skills, or you can just hold on for the ride. Again, there is plenty of opportunity for airtime and laying into the turns. Springboard dumps you right back at the trailhead. With the grin still on your face, turn your bike back onto the road and enjoy a second lap of some of the best trailaround.
You can ride Alsea Falls from late spring to fall. While the soil’s high clay content can be problematic in the spring, it does mean that the trail holds up better than others in summer heat, providing "blue groove" conditions.