The Five BEST trails in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest

[@rockford417]

Very impressive riding. I used to ride all those trails for three decades on motorcycles. I can not believe how fast you kids are doing these on bicycles. Incredible. And yes the Devil’s Staircase was one of the most feared places on the hill. A truly magnificent abusive experience not for the faint hearted. In my 60’s now and the days of the Boundary Trail and Jumbo Peak are behind me. Kudos to you kids on mountain bikes. Those trails are far from any staging area for the most part. Well done.

[@VoiceOverTrailReviews]

Thanks! I LOVE descending moto trails! It’s easier to zip down the trail when your bike weighs less than you do!

[@oregonxyz]

We need to separate the motos from the bikes. You guys need your trails too. But the motos make biking a nightmare.

[@richardbrooks1737]

I have enjoyed and maintained these trails since 1984.

[@DaveBroTube]

Thanks for the introduction to an area I knew little about! Nice job.

[@VoiceOverTrailReviews]

Thanks!

[@KahluaBomb]

I rode up the road to get to the top of Falls Creek and then road through and down and It was one of my least favorite rides I did last year. I think if I had shuttled it may have been slightly better, but there was only one small section with a bunch of root drops that was really fun. The viewpoint and the collapsed lava tube was neat, but for a ride, it wasn't that great. I'm glad I did it, but I probably wouldn't go back. I think the Toutle trail is one of my favorites. The contrast in all of the terrain, lava flow, forest, canyon, moonscape riverbed, old growth forest, running water everywhere, salmonberries and huckleberries. Excellent. Going to the top part after the upper bridge is only worth the view as the ride down is not enjoyable because it's so steep and tight that you're just on the brakes for 1 mile clearing 1000' of elevation dealing with downed trees and other annoyances. I'd say ride across the bridge, fill up your water, then ride back.

[@VoiceOverTrailReviews]

I could see a case for replacing Falls Creek in this list with Sheep Canyon. Falls Creek is a "Legacy Ride" for sure. Popular because it's been popular for a long time.

[@DavidLaburglier]

for me, it's Hammy #3, Wright/Craggy #2 and Juniper/Tongue #1. When Juniper or Craggy are in peak conditions, they're right on par with literally any trail on Earth!

[@outsider1733]

Great list! I think I would rate the Goat Mtn epic loop high on this list, but only if you ride it counterclockwise. Thanks!

[@oregonxyz]

Such a great forest with a good mtn bike gradient, but illegal trails are off limits and too much logging. I do Souxion, Falls creek (part of it kind of in the middle) and the Lewis. I think the best aspect of this forest is the potential for awesome river snorkeling in the summer. This forest is the kind of place where you can find a place to forget about the world. It is the exact opposite of the Mt Hood nat forest to the south. I always tell myself that I need to explore more out here, but usually just go to Bend instead.

[@jaywalk6628]

Good video, I recommend Hamilton Butte down to Cat Creek Campground because almost zero peddling. Juniper ridge north has a section right before rd 2904 that you can reach stupid speeds, Tongue Mountain trail is a must do as well. Another of note would be Boundary from Elk pass to Wright Meadow to Road 90, Epic views and miles of downhill.

[@VoiceOverTrailReviews]

Boundary to Wright is a good one! Kinda awkward to access, though.

[@jaywalk6628]

@@VoiceOverTrailReviews That is tough to access but a guy could drop off an ebike or dualsport near lower falls then leave the shuttle rig at Elk pass. We ran into a group of mtb ers last year that staged at 90 and peddled all the way up to Elk pass then came back on trail, pretty hard core. I like the shuttle idea.

[@VoiceOverTrailReviews]

@@jaywalk6628 I’ve shuttled up to Blue Lake and connected to it on Craggy Peak a couple of times. Honestly, with all the hassle of jockeying shuttle vehicles, I think I’d rather just pedal up the road.

[@thedirtyPIE]

How is strawberry ridge not on this list???

[@VoiceOverTrailReviews]

This is the “general” list. Strawberry Ridge will be mentioned on a more specialized list. Also, as awesome as it is, it gets docked points for the 1000 foot road descent and the long shuttle.

[@ryanstewart1521]

Gifford is getting more crowded every summer due to social media, sucks!

[@VoiceOverTrailReviews]

I think crowded is a relative term. It's crowded on certain trails, while other places still feel pretty lonely and remote. It is still a long way from everywhere.

[@PNW_Trials_Adventures]

Can often ride on weekdays without seeing anyone else.

[@czthor1]

search What attacked them in the forest defies explanation

[@frankblangeard8865]

Math is off a lttle. Gifford Pinchot is not point seven times the size of Texas. Actually it is 0.007 times the size of Texas. Texas is 132 times the size of Gifford Pinchot. Math is off for Rhode Island and for Connecticut as well. Thumbs down.

[@VoiceOverTrailReviews]

Ha! Good catch! I realized I screwed it up after I'd already posted the video! Obviously I need to fire my fact checker! :-P