Ripplebrook Backroads v1

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Clackamas County, OR, US

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Route Overview

Unpaved

Picking up where the Goonies left off

77 mi.

7,019 ft.

A beautiful route combining smooth forest roads, gravel and singletrack.

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Route Details

Starting from the Ripplebrook Store on the Clackamas River, this route winds up back roads and trails to experience some of the best riding between Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson. You start by taking the lovely gradual climb to Timothy Lake, skirt around the smooth singletrack, then head off up Rhododendron Ridge, which is an underrated destination in this area. It's unlikely you'll see anyone up there, but you might still see the tire tracks from our bikes skidding down to @point[Graham Pass](d,93159.85). This route can be ridden on anything from a road bike with 25's to a mountain bike with 2 inch tires. I think somewhere in between is best. I would favor a cross or large clearance bike with a smooth 40mm tire.

For the most part everything is very smooth. One exception is the second half of the Timothy Lake trail after it junctions with NF 4280. If you are riding smaller tires, I recommend bypassing this trail section and ride NF 4280 straight to NF 42. You will thank me for this advice.

Bring your camera and plenty of water and food. If you are feeling tired midway through the route, by all means bail out. It's quite simple at the @point[junction of NF 42 and NF 46](d,68055.46) to roll back NF 46 to the Ripplebrook store and skip the epic climb up to Mt. Lowe. You will however miss a really great descent on the other side!

This route can be ridden in either direction. Both ways have their merits!

# HIGHLIGHTS

* @slice[Timothy Lake Trail](d,25138.15,38501.84)
* @slice[NF 42](d,55601.45,68015.56): One of the best paved descents in Oregon
* @slice[NF 4670](d,70640.5,87976.68): Climbs to the top of Mt. Lowe on over 11 miles. Graded 5-10%. Starts paved, turns into white gravel about 3/4 of the way up. Views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson.
* Rhododendron Ridge Trail ([optional 14 mile single track & gravel addition to the route](http://ridewithgps.com/routes/9895279)). Bring bigger tires for this.
* @slice[NF 6350](d,93100.97,108268.7): A flying 9 mile gravel descent to the Collawash river

# More resources

* [Mt. Hood USFS Current conditions.](http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mthood/alerts-notices)
* [Timothy Lake Trail](http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recarea/?recid=75335)
* [Rhododendron Ridge Trail](http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/null/recarea/?recid=53006&actid=24)

# Important Reminders

There is limited potable water on the main portion of the route. Aside from the convenient water fountain at the @poi[old Clackamas Ranger station](1420932) and the @poi[Clackamas Campground](1387548), you will need to filter or pack your own. There is little to no cell phone coverage.

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Ripplebrook Backroads v1

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