Current FKT: 39hr52min, Kenny Rizer
Please email egrcollective@gmail.com before attempting the route as I may have intel regarding rerouting and/or conditions that you may find helpful.
The Dark Divide 300 is a self-supported 300 mile mixed terrain endurance cycling route/race that will take riders from Olympia, WA to Portland, OR through the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Named for the Dark Divide Roadless Area, the route traverses the spine of the Gifford Pinchot, skirting the rim of Mounts Tahoma and Pahto on a mixture of gravel and paved forest roads, as well as 12 miles of single track traversing Juniper Ridge, which connects the volcanoes of the east and west. Resupply along the DD300 route is sparse in some stretches, challenging riders to plan ahead and be self-sufficient.
The terrain is steep and in many places unforgiving. This route will push the limits of even the most experienced gravel & endurance cyclists and bikepackers. Preride report here: evergreengravelracing.wordpress.com/dark-divide-300-official-preride-2022
Things to make note of:
-Resupply is sparse in places, it's recommended to carry at least 2 days worth of food with you at all times on route. Absolutely carry a water filter. The many roads on the route are exposed and are very hot during the summer months. Filter opportunities are plentiful, but it's easy to run out of water out there.
-This route uses many roads that are decommissioned and unmaintained. This means they are very rough, rutted, washed out, and dangerous if you aren't picking the right lines. Pay attention and stay alert.
-All roads and trails are public and open to other traffic. Stay on the proper side of the road/trail and exercise courtesy to other users.
-The trail section (miles 152-162) is extremely challenging. The trails are deeply rutted from motorized use, and the climbs and descents are steep, exposed, and unpredictable. It took the scouting party 8 hours to go 10 miles due to snow and unexpected trail conditions. If you want to bypass this section, continue on FR-23 at mile 146 to ride straight to Trout Lake.
-You are riding on stolen and colonized Indigenous land. Keep that at the front of your mind and treat the landscape with respect. Do not leave trash, do not gather forest materials that you do not need. Use your best judgement.