Featured Ride: Sandy Ridge Trail System, Oregon
Originally posted on March 9, 2016 at 16:27 pm
The Sandy Ridge Trail System provides directional singletrack opportunities specifically designed for mountain bikers in the foothills of the Cascade Range. Located on a ridge just west of Mount Hood and above the Sandy River, the trail system winds through a typical Western Oregon forest of Douglas-fir, western hemlock, western red cedar, and various hardwood species. The system is about a 45-minute drive east of Portland.
The 15-mile tour of the trail system doesn’t hit everything, but will give you a taste of what is possible when mountain bikers are allowed to build and design their own trails on public land. Part of this system tour includes the double-black diamond “Follow the Leader” with rock drops, tight and technical sections and massive berms. Also part of this route is “Two Turntables and a Microwave” offering a variety of terrain and gorgeous views through occasional breaks in the lush foliage.
A half-mile beginner trail through this stunning landscape loops off the parking lot for kids and anyone not accustomed to trail riding.
The trail system was named of the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) “Backyard to Backcountry” treasures. The trails were developed by IMBA and the local Salem, Oregon, BLM office to provide world-class riding experiences.
Photos and video courtesy of MTB Project (photos: Leslie Kehmeier; video: IMBA)
Sandy Ridge Trail System, Oregon | 2013 from IMBA on Vimeo.