Ride Overview

The Mt. St. Helens and Mt Adams Backcountry is located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Southwest Washington State and is one of the most remote regions in the Cascade Mountain Range.  We like to spend at least 4 – 5 days in here so we can capture a majority of the best trails within the region and also have the opportunity to enjoy swimming in the Lakes, standup paddle boarding, fishing and relaxation on the river side banks with a cold beers in hand.  This region takes and effort to get into, with the nearest town is 1 hour from our campground, it’s worth staying longer so we can capture everything this forest has to offer.

On the Mt St Helens side, you’ll be entering an area left dormant for years, recently re-opened and full of endless backcountry single-track.  You’ll be riding within the 1980 Mt St Helens Blast zone where you’ll still find remnants of the historic blast that blew 1,300’ off the top and absolutely desecrated the surrounding environment for decades.   We’re lucky to be riding here, as there is limited access to this area and a short window to ride.  Expect huge views of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier as we explore this incredibly unique volcanic rainforest.

The Mt Adams side of the forest has motorized access, so the dynamic of the trails changes.  Slightly more rugged, you get more technicality from the exposed roots, natural berms and robust amount of organics churned up into the perfect mix of soil and plant matter… it’s the mountain bikers powder day.

We get to experience the Alpine on a couple of our rides, providing exceptional views of the surrounding area and a chance for us to put into perspective the region we are exploring. All that work to get up isn’t without reward, the descents here are huge.  All these trails lead down from ridge line to valley floor on what seems to be endlessly long single track runs.

We end each day at camp, with our own Chef cooking us some of the best food we’ll eat all year.  Family style dinners, drinks and a bunch of games and toys to get in trouble with… there’s a lot to do back at camp post ride.  This adventure is a chance to escape from connection, detach from the devices and spend some time in the woods with your friends.  It’s a nice break and we invite you out anytime on this epic PNW Adventure!

TRIP DATES:
Your Choice
5 Day Trip

$2000

Per Person
(6 Person Minimum)
BOOK NOW

Distance

(PER DAY AVG.)

Ascent: 3,500’
Decent: 5,000’
Estimated Mileage: 20 Miles

We discuss each day’s ride together, and we have the ability to adjust our rides based on how the group is feeling.

Your Trip Includes:

  • A Mountain Bike Adventure
  • Hosted By Professional Guides on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
  • Shuttles and Airport Transportation
  • A Collaborative Menu Prepared by Your Personal Chef – All Meals Included
  • Tent and Sleeping Pad – Unites States Forest Service Fees Included
  • Beer, Cocktails, Wine, Lacroix and other tasty beverages
  • Campfires, Chairs and a whole bunch of Camp Games
  • Hot Showers

Meeting Spot 

Portland, OR
Shuttle Departure Location : TBD
Shuttle Departure Time : TBD

MULTI-DAY TRIP

ALL INCLUSIVE DETAILS

All of our multi-day private trips include full service so you can just focus on the ride.

PRIVATE GUIDE AND TOUR

Our guides are all professional riders, certified in First Aid/CPR, and outfitted with Satellite communication.  They’re also just fun people to be around, they make a good cocktail and will show you some of the best damn trails you’ve ever ridden.

AIRPORT / SHUTTLE TRANSPORTATION

We’ll arrange plans to pick you up from the airport and drop you off.  We’ll also take care of all transportation in between.  All you need to do is make it to the airport, all logistics otherwise are handled by us.

MSR TENT WITH SLEEPING PAD

We supply each rider with their own roomy MSR tent and Thermarest sleeping pad.  Bring your sleeping bag and a pillow and we’ll dial the rest in.  

HOT SHOWERS

We have an on demand hot water shower we set up for each tour.  We also camp by pristine natural bodies of water, so depending on the weather, the nearby lake or river may be the way to go.  Regardless, we’ll make sure you have a place to clean up each day.

Trans Cascadia Mountain Bike Excursions

CAMPFIRES AND GAMES

We’ll make sure we have plenty of firewood to get us through the trip, have big fires and make plenty of smores.  We’ll also make sure the Red Rider BB Guns, the Tomahawks’ and the Cornhole is packed and ready to go.  After a good days ride and some time by the lake, we’ll inevitably need to apply our compulsive competitive behavior to a friendly game of medieval weaponry.   GAME ON!

FOOD AND DRINKS

We partner with a number of Oregon’s Top Chefs to provide you with an incredible culinary experience throughout your trip.  Carnivorous, Vegetarian and Vegan menus are available.  Each morning you’ll wake up to a hot or cold breakfast of your choice.  Lunch and Snacks are prepared for you to take on your ride each day.  After a good day of riding the bike, we’ll sit down by the table to eat a well prepared meal with each other.  The menu also includes beer, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages to quench your thirst.  We want to get this right, so please let us know what you’d like to see so we can make it happen.  

SAMPLE MENU

Breakfast
Coffee and Tea
Cold: Yogurt, Assorted Fruit, Granola
Hot: Eggs, Bacon, Pancakes, Fruit

Lunch
Sandwiches, Cookies, Snacks, Fruit

Dinner
Appetizer, Main Course, Salad, sides and desert. This is a collaborative menu, so if anyone in your group has eating preferences, make sure we know about them so we can accommodate.

Snacks
CLIF Bar and Trail Snacks are also included.

 

Our History

with Mt. St. Helens

This was a huge project during the summer of 2018. Over 3000 hours of volunteer labor that uncovered 52 miles of newly logged out and brushed out backcountry singletrack. Our friends at Santa Cruz Bicycles come up at least once a year to attend a 4 day work party to help the cause and throw a shovel in the dirt. They wrote about their experience attending this year’s work party along with some great photos that highlight the area. Click here for the full details.    

Mt St Helens Backcountry

35° Humidity:32% Clouds:100% Wind (N):25mph overcast clouds
Tuesday, 03/19 32°FWednesday, 03/20 36°FThursday, 03/21 37°FFriday, 03/22 31°FSaturday, 03/23 36°F