FCH1_The Falls Creek Hinterland V1 |
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Route Overview
Picking up where the Goonies left off
A wonderland introduction to the southern Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Tire: 38c+ for the complete route including the Falls Creek trail. Overall road conditions are very smooth except for the trail which contains some technical features.
Red: Pavement
Brown: Gravel
Yellow: Singletrack
Route Details
A mixed terrain adventure route on pavement, gravel, dirt, singletrack and possibly snow. There are so many variations possible in this corner of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Within moments of turning onto Bear Creek Road, you are emersed in the mountains, and don't return until the end of the route. If you have time and lights - be sure to explore some of the Lava Cave. There are also plenty of camping spots along the way should you wish to take more time with your journey.
Highlights include:
- Bear Creek Rd / NF 68 : An endless smooth gravel climb up to Grassy Knoll with lovely views of Mt. Hood.
- Crossing the Panther Creek Experimental Forest and the PCT
- Panther Creek Falls and the lovely paved Panther Creek Road
- The Falls Creek Lava Cave
- The Falls Creek Mountain Bike Trail - Advanced riders only!
- Falls Creek Falls
- Trout Creek Experimental Forest
Notes
- The higher elevations of the route will be under snow until about April
- Many shorter bailout options in the cuesheet
- Tires: 28c+ for short route, 38c + for long route with the Falls Creek Trail. Overall road conditions are very smooth except for the trail which contains some technical features - especially on tires as small as 38c. If you'd like to bypass the singletrack, I recommend taking NF 60 (Carson Guler Rd.) down to the Wind River Rd instead. This is an epic journey in itself and mostly smooth pavement. Mostly. That said - the trail journey is really the highlight of the route.
- Be prepared to filter your own water from the many fresh streams
Additional Pictures: #fallscreekhinterland
Other routes by Unpaved
