Mount Hood, located just 50 miles from Portland, Oregon, is a mountain biker’s paradise, and it’s getting even better in 2019. Already offering everything from award-winning single track to incredible lift-assisted trails, this summer Mount Hood will be gaining another mountain bike park at Timberline Lodge. Here are the newest trails and upgraded hot spots to bike this summer.
Timberline Bike Park
Phase 1 of the lift-assisted Timberline Bike Park is scheduled to open this summer and will include a skills park, a trail system, natural features, built features and jump lines. This phase of the bike park will offer approximately eight miles of green, blue and black trails. The green flow trail will be lower grade and easy. The blue trail will be steeper and faster, with some technical terrain jumps. The black trail will be the steepest and feature the largest jumps. Other Timberline Bike Park facilities slated to open include a full service bike shop offering repairs, rentals and sales, food and beverage concessions and a bike school. The Timberline Bike School will offer lessons and bike park orientation. Students will learn about safety and etiquette in a skills park area before hitting the trails with an experienced instructor. Construction on Phase 2 will also begin summer 2019.
Mt. Hood Skibowl Mountain Bike Park
Riders can take in incredible views of Mount Hood as the 1,500 foot chairlift transports riders and their bikes up Skibowl’s Mountain Bike Park. There are numerous trails to choose from, totaling more than 40 miles of two-wheeled adventure, with plenty of options for beginners and experts alike. The trails are well-marked and wide, and consist of packed dirt, gravel and wooden sections. Riders looking to further test their skills may want to check out the freestyle park, where they can catch some serious air. Recently added to the mix is their Bike Learning Center (BLC). Their trained staff will instill the skills riders need to hit the trails with confidence and safety. NEW TRAIL: One of the newest routes is the Sunrise Trail, which is a 1.5-mile single-track from the top of Upper Skibowl. The views here are as amazing as the ride.
Sandy Ridge Trail System
This trail system was designed in part by the International Mountain Biking Association with great attention to detail in order to provide high quality experiences year round. With 17 miles of trails ranging from beginner, with ample opportunities to play on mountain bike features, to double black diamond expert trails characterized by narrow technical terrain, there is a course for every experience level. NEW UPGRADES: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) continues to invest in numerous upgrades and expansions. They have increased the parking situation from 36 standard parking spaces to 151 large standard spaces, plus six large vehicle spaces for RVs, trucks with trailers or converted vans. Additional improvements also include a new vault restroom, new changing rooms, a bike wash station, 10 tailgate bump-outs/picnic sites and two spots that will have power and water that can accommodate food trucks.
Lodging and Transportation
Mount Hood also offers some of the best places to stay in the state. From a premier resort to a historic lodge and vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, cabins, traditional hotels and dorm/hostels. No matter your preference, you’re sure to find the perfect room on Mount Hood. And getting to the best trails is easy with the Mt. Hood Express. This public shuttle runs from the city of Sandy east to Government Camp and Timberline, with multiple stops along the way. From the end of May through October, the Express is equipped with a trailer for hauling bikes up the mountain. One-way fare is $2 and an all-day pass is $5.
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