The Ride: Timber Logjam, an uncommon loop through Portland’s backcountry
Posted by Gabriel Amadeus (Contributor) on February 15th, 2016 at 1:43 pm
(All photos: Gabriel Amadeus Tiller)
The latest entry in our The Ride series comes from none other than master of creative endeavors (on and off the bike), Gabriel Amadeus Tiller. Gabe joined RideWithGPS Ambassador “Unpaved” and a few dozen other intrepid souls for the “Timber Logjam” ride this past Saturday.
Full details at RideWithGPS.com.
Unpaved has been putting together some fantastic rough and dirty routes in the countryside surrounding Portland and recently hosted an open-invite to ride some of the many gritty logging roads surrounding Timber, Oregon. I dragged my lazy winter legs out of bed and took the light rail out to Hillsboro early last Saturday to see what kind of sadistic torture they had pieced together for us. It was just what you’d expect of the Oregon Coast range in mid February: wet, cold, steep, muddy, foggy, and tough.
We started off at a quick pace on the Banks Vernonia Trail, but soon spread out on the long climb up Bacona Road. Just when I thought we were smack dab in the middle of nowhere, we ran across Alison Hill and Jay Graves staffing a surprise coffee and homemade cookie stand for us. Now caffeinated, we grinningly descended the slimy trails of Stub Stewart and traversed remote logging roads across Highway 26 and through the small enclave of Timber—nestled right at the the headwaters of the proposed Salmonberry Trail.
After an exhilarating descent out of Timber we climbed a steep grade up Wildcat Mountain and into the fog before a rolling descent back into Banks. All-in-all a great way to spend a rainy day in the mud with friends.
Below are a few more images, followed by some tips to keep in mind when you head out there on your own:
What you should know about the Timber Logjam route
- There is parking, food, and a bike shop near the Banks Vernonia Trailhead
- There are no services on the route
- During the summer months there are water spigots at Stub Stewart and Reehers Camp
- There are several bail options but they involve busy highway riding
- Wildcat mountain involves about 1/4mi of bushwhacking at the top along an abandoned road, don’t miss your turn
- These are remote roads and trails, some gated to vehicle traffic, rarely signed, and no cell service. Be prepared with reliable navigation, tools, and ample snacks.
– Gabriel Amadeus Tiller
You can join Gabe for an adventure as a guest on one of his legendary guided trips via his company, Limberlost.
Browse more great routes and photos in The Ride archives.
Awesome!
RecommendedThis route is fantastic. I’ve ridden it a few times. Oh how I wish there was a group people willing to organize such rides midweek. Many service industry folks have to work weekends, and miss out on much fun.
RecommendedThose are very nice photos…
RecommendedGreat shots and very nice write-up!
RecommendedGreat ride with a huge mix of terrain! Thanks Gabe for the pics and writeup.
RecommendedThat route is so fun! Bummed I couldn’t make it out with the group.
RecommendedRides like that are the reason I’m in Oregon. My backyard has thousands of miles of forest roads that are sometimes even paved. I may not explore all of them, but not for lack of effort.
RecommendedSo cool. I’m always delighted when people share trip reports *and* the route.
RecommendedLooks like a lot of people on the ride…are these announced ahead of time for others to join? Thanks 🙂
RecommendedYes, there is a google group for this purpose. Check the Join the Fun link here: https://ridewithgps.com/ambassadors/98-unpaved
RecommendedLooks like fun and thanks for sharing. I always enjoy BikePortland write-ups on new places to explore. Oh, pictures were above average!
RecommendedJay+Alison=Awesome!
Recommendedsuperb images… can’t wait to try this ride myself.
RecommendedSome of those roads look way too dangerous to ride – not a protected bike lane to be seen.
Recommended