Palmer Mill Expedition

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Springdale, OR, US

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Route Overview

Unpaved

Picking up where the Goonies left off

36 mi.

4,009 ft.

Meandering up the old dirt roads of Larch Mountain in the Columbia Gorge.

2019 UPDATE: IMPORTANT UPDATE…PALMER MILL ROAD NO LONGER CONNECTS THROUGH TO THE LARCH MOUNTAIN WINTER GATE. BRIDAL VEIL CREEK HAS BEEN REROUTED OVER THE FORMER ROADBED AND PALMER MILL IS NOW IMPASSIBLE BEYOND THE CREEK CROSSING.

Gearing: 34 x 28
Tire: 25c+
Bike: Road or Cross

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Route Details

I've always been fascinated by old roads. Roads that are being reclaimed by nature. Roads that once cut off from cars become paths again. The reversal of time in this scenario is visual and immediate. The concrete crumbles to earth underneath. The Northwest has left us many ghost towns and the roads that used to connect them.

The Columbia Gorge contains some of the most iconic of Portland's cycling destinations. Despite this, not very many people have explored the hidden roads just out of sight. Many look at @photo[Alex Barr Road](817671) with intimidation, a windy gravel ramp leaving the beauty of the waterfalls and old highway traffic below.

I've chosen to start the mapped portion of this route from Dabney State Recreation Area on the Sandy River. There is parking (with a day use fee), bathrooms, fresh water and a river to jump in (if it's summer). I do this route riding from Portland, however since there are multiple ways to do the commute to the start, that portion of the route isn't needed to include here. Two good options include the Columbia river bike path or going out Stark Street from SE Portland. If you're doing the full ride from Portland, mileage will be between 65 - 80 miles round trip depending on where you start from.

There are actually plenty of services in and around this route before you hit dirt, so you're never really that far from water or food. Follow the old Columbia highway up to the @photo[Vista House](817784), then drop down the windy descent to [Latourell Falls](https://www.google.com/search?q=latourell+falls&safe=off&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=961&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=LDw1Vc2FBcLkoATwl4CIBA&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ). This is your big waterfall for the ride, so have a look if you aren't in a rush. Just after the falls take a right turn on Alex Barr Road. This is the start of the gravel and a tough climb regaining all the elevation you just gave up. The grade averages about 12% for around 2 miles. Tough. The road is almost always in great condition and cool forest and views make up for the suffering. At the gravel summit, you'll head left back onto pavement and continue the climb up. At this point you're on fairly remote unused roads and you can enjoy the peaceful ride. You'll come to NE Brower road, heading left on a lovely descent which will turn into gravel part way down. The grade will steepen as you pass a rock quarry and you'll begin to watch for the junction with old Palmer Mill road on your right. Just after you cross Bridal Veil Creek, you'll bear right past the @photo[Road Closed barrier](817676).

Old Palmer Mill road will climb steadily next to Bridal Veil Creek for the next 6 miles. It's a good place for mushroom hunting, dog walking, and bike suffering. While it doesn't look steep, it somehow is harder than it looks. The ground can often be wet in the rainy season which can add to the resistance. It's important that you have a bit of clearance on your bike in this section. Pine needles can get jammed into your fenders or fork and make things that much harder. For this reason, I prefer to do this route on a cross bike. You can't really get lost here, so simply follow the path up. At one point the road is washed out and this more or less marks the transition to Forest Road 1520. The surface after that becomes firmer and more road-like. Continue up until you emerge at the snow gate on Larch Mountain road.

If you still have energy, you can complete the climb to the Larch Summit on pavement, or find some hidden trails off the beaten path. Both options exist, but I will leave this part of the adventure up to you.

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Palmer Mill Expedition

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