As a mountain biker who prefers his riding filled a major helping of go-fast descending combined with a small side of uphill, finding a ride that solidly fulfills the thrill-seeking fix is always a big score. Whether it’s on a dedicated DH bike or my Super D bike, I’m always on the lookout for epic trails that allow for shuttle access. I do plenty of XC rides where pedaling up is a requirement to earn the descents, but when it comes down to it, being able to shuttle a trail simply means I can get more of the riding experience I came for.
A few of the more epic shuttle-friendly rides I’ve done in recent times include the Downieville downhill, the Ashland Super D course, (riding Missing Links as opposed to the fire road of course), the Lunch Loops in Grand Junction, South Mountain in Phoenix, Post Canyon, the McKenzie River Trail, the Whole Enchilada in Moab, (which includes the most epic Porcupine Rim trail), and of course, much of Oakridge, Oregon.
Typical signage on the Dog River Trail
Having recently moved back to the Portland area after over seven years away, I’m on a mission to re-explore old favorites, as well as discover as many new ones as possible. Our most recent (re)discovery is the Dog River Trail.
The Dog River Trail is one of those gems that is way less popular than it really should be. This spring the trail was the course of the Fluid Ride Cup Enduro DH. We didn’t make it out to this event, and I’m still kicking myself for not making the extra effort to do so (next year for sure).
Although the trail is obviously popular, based on the traffic at the exit of the trail head, (where we dropped our fetch vehicles) I’m actually surprised at how few people I know (in Portland) have ridden this trail.
Located on the Hood River side of Mount Hood, the Dog River Trail is just one section of a trail system that features enough single track riding that one could feasibly get lost for days trying to ride it all. The trail system also includes the Surveyor’s Ridge Trail. I’m not sure why more people don’t ride out here, but it is entirely possible that there simply is so much epic riding in the area, that it is overshadowed by the internationally renown Post Canyon trails.
The author's brother, Izaak Van Horn, negotiates a short rock garden on an exposed section of trail.
Riding trails like this simply makes me jealous of the residents of the Hood River area. Whereas Portland is fighting just to get a fitness loop on genuine single track trail approved in city limits, Hood River has so much riding that a trail like this doesn’t even make it on the radar for many. With at least 1.5 hours of drive time to reach the trail, it’s a stretch to make it out here, but if you love riding big travel trail bikes down ripping single track, you owe it to yourself to check this trail out. Eight miles of a ripping descent awaits you, with some seriously epic views.
A solid climb a few miles in eliminates the desire to bring a heavier freeride bike, but on my 6″ travel Trek Remedy and high volume single ply tires, I was a happy little clam with the wind in my hair all the way down this excellent piece of trail goodness.
A typical piece of the single track in store.
To find the trail, I recommend picking up a copy of the Hood River Trail map, which is available at any local bike shop. I remember riding many of these trails years ago, in my XC days, and if I recall correctly, it is entirely possible to do an even longer all mountain option, starting from a higher point on Lookout Mountain. Half of our riding group had to split after two laps down the trail, so we followed it up with a quick spin up 7 Streams at Post Canyon before heading home.
Almost to the bottom.
For XC purists, the trail can also be ridden sans shuttle. For this option, you have the choice of riding up the trail as an out and back, or riding the road up and descending the trail. If you go this route, those of strong fitness might also look into connecting to Surveyor’s Ridge.
To check out an extended gallery of the ride, click here.
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