Surveyors Ridge

Hood River County, OR, US

Route Overview

24 mi.

3,750 ft.

This is one of the top routes in the state, offering a bit of everything: tough climbs, scenic traverses through flower-laden alpine meadows, and a fast, hair-raising descent to finish the ride. The highlight, though, is the unparalleled views of the backside of Oregon’s iconic Mt. Hood, seldom seen by most visitors to the state.

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Route Details

# Route Details
Park at the Oak Ridge trailhead and take an easy spin south on @slice[Highway 35](d,619.79,6796.52) towards the Dog River trailhead. Most of Highway 35 has good shoulders and motorists are used to seeing cyclists along this stretch of road.

The first couple pedal strokes up @slice[Dog River trail](d,6900.22,10433.81) seem easy enough, but then you hit a couple switchbacks and wonder what the heck you’re doing. Don’t worry, the trail soon levels out again into a mellow rolling climb that immediately transports you deep into the woods. A thick carpet of wildflowers and ferns is punctuated by huge Douglas fir trees towering overhead.

You’ll hopefully be warmed up by the time you cross a small bridge over Dog River because then the climbing starts in earnest. @slice[Up, up, and away!](d,10373.04,16298.71) As your legs start to give out you’ll be rewarded with a modest descent through massive fir and pine trees, signaling one final push ahead. This segment of trail does get high-speed descending so it is best to start the ride early to minimize the likelihood you’ll see other people.

The @slice[Surveyors Ridge trail](d,16298.71,34152.03) starts at the top of the Dog River climb. Take it to a short segment of Road 1720, pedal through the recently built Super Connector trail, and then start the ridgeline traverse in earnest. The wildflowers and stunning views of Mt. Hood will give you plenty of reason to rest between the punchy climbs and driftacular descents. As you crest one of those short climbs at MP 18.5, stop and walk out to the old fire lookout to see if you can spy the rest of the Cascade Range peaks northward across the Columbia River.

After your break you’ll start descending down a fast, rocky section that may be the highlight of the ride. These jagged basalt rocks have destroyed plenty of rims but it’s hard not to push your limits. Keep your eyes peeled for the left onto the @point[Oak Ridge descent](d,34152.03); take the opportunity to rest your forearms at the top because you’re about to drop it like it’s hot. It’s a short but steep plunge that will have your brakes squealing in protest as you burn through thick forest down into the exposed scrub oak. Chattering over talus and through tight switchbacks (blasted into the hillside with dynamite), you’ll be one of the few if you can make it though without dabbing.

You’ll get a brief respite as the trail hits the valley floor and twists around at speed before spitting you back out to your waiting car. You may need to rest your hands before you can grip the steering wheel, but food and drink are just downhill in Hood River.

## Riding Season
Spring through fall.

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Route Overview

Route Details

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