Finally got it together to get out and do some exploring in the Mt. Hood National Forest. I’m super pumped about it and can’t wait for more! Operating on a few tips from a customer who overheard me talking about wanting to do it (thanks Mike!), I drove out to Ripplebrook ranger station on Hwy 224 east of Estacada to start my ride.
Free day parking is allowed at the far end of the parking lot of the ranger station, where there is a little store, restroom, and general services. They don’t open till ten, so depending on how early of a start you want to get, you may want to stock up on any last minute items in Estacada.
A good percentage of the riding out there is gravel, but of the improved variety for the most part, so you can get away with road bike, but I would suggest at least a 28mm tire as there were some looser and rougher sections. If you have the option to ride a touring bike, cyclocross bike, or something with wider tires, I’d recommend it.
I mapped out an 80 mile loop up FSD 57 & 58 around Timothy Lake, then around Clear Lake, up to Hwy 26, then down FSD 42 &46, then back onto Hwy 224. Awesome roads, fantastic scenery, and maybe 10 cars the whole day.
Timothy Lake, improved gravel, Clear Lake lunch stop.
Old school GPS & new school GPS, both came in handy. The descent down 42. Awesome!
