Banks to Vernonia trail

[lazlo]

Anyone know the condition of the Banks to Vernonia trail? I heard there is a 3-4 mile section that is unpaved, but I'm curious as to the condition. My wife and I are considering joining a ride on our tandem, but the leader recommends mtb and I'm wondering if that's really necessary.

[Axel]

Last rode the BV trail from Vernonia to Banks a couple of months ago. The trail was in fine shape and completely rideable from start to finish on a cyclocross bike with 32c tires. A great trip!

I would not advise doing the full trail on a tandem. There is a section of deep gravel doubletrack that is a couple of miles long, along with with some steep, mildly technical rocky descents near the Tophill trailhead off of Highway 47. I walked my bike down this section, since I didn't feel like risking a fall so far from home.
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[lazlo]

Exactly the feedback I just got from someone else. Thanks for the response.

[bikieboy]

Laz, there's also a pretty useful Banks-Vernonia trail map/brochure:

http://www.oregonstateparks.org/images/pdf/bv.pdf

[lazlo]

Cool, thanks for the link.