Lewis River Singletrack - 5 Day Guided Mountain Bike Trip

DAY 1

After packing up in Hood River, we will head to Surveyor’s Ridge, one of the most well known mountain bike trails in Oregon. As with most ridge trails, the constant and unpredictable ups and downs are quite exhilarating and challenging. We will meet up with the van for lunch, before heading down the Dog River Trail (called The Dog by locals). This is an amazing descent so check your brakes and hold on tight! We will meet up with the van and shuttle to our Lewis River campsite, our home for the next two nights. TOTAL MILEAGE: 14 - 16 miles

DAY 2

Today we ride the famous Lewis River Trail through old growth cedars and Douglas fir. It is an almost perfect trail with a beautiful surface through the shade along the bright blue river. There are several short, steep climbs thrown in at regular intervals to keep your heart rate high, but we are in no hurry to leave this wonderful place. The trail flows along the length of fallen trees for what seems like a quarter mile per tree, giving you new appreciation for how tall these giants really are. We zip along flat sections which turn and twist through side drainages, giant ferns and bigleaf maples. This is one of the all-time best mountain bike trails in the US. We finish with a smile and cruise back to our lovely camp. TOTAL MILEAGE: 22 - 24 miles

DAY 3

Today we’ll give our rear ends a little break and embark on a different adventure. After breakfast we’ll drive up to the flanks of Mount St. Helens to explore the farthest reaches of a lava tube formed from an eruption 1,900 years ago. Mount St. Helen’s Ape Cave Lava Tube is a popular attraction in the Mount St. Helens National Monument and the longest lava tube in the continental United States—it is over two miles in length! This lava tube formed when the surface of a lava flow cooled and hardened, but the molten lava beneath the surface continued to flow. It will take us 2-3 hours to hike Upper Ape Cave and then we will return on an above ground trail. This hike is fairly adventurous as we must climb over approximately 27 boulder piles and scale an 8 foot high lava fall. Everyone will need a headlamp, sturdy shoes or boots, and warm clothing as the cave averages 42 degrees Fahrenheit.

DAY 4

Today we will pack and get an early start since we are headed high up on Mount St. Helens. No camping is allowed on the mountain itself, so we must shuttle to the trailhead. Here we have great views of Lava Canyon. We begin the ride up the forested trail at a very moderate grade. We have five miles to climb and 1,300 feet to gain. The trail travels along the edge of the massive mudflow and we go in and out of the forest on its edge. Several gentle switchbacks bring us up to a forested ridge with views back towards Mount Adams. At last we reach tree line! From here pumice slopes rise up the snowy peak above us. It is easy to imagine the lava flowing through the deep cuts in the earth which surround us. The views leave no doubt that the climb was worth it, and the awesome flowing descent which follows is the icing on the cake. We’ll shuttle to our new campsite at Paradise Creek. TOTAL MILEAGE: 10 miles

DAY 5

After fueling up and breaking down camp, our final day begins with a shuttle to Oldman Pass Sno-Park. Get ready for a fun day of riding before we say our goodbyes! We start our ride at the top of the pass and pedal through beautiful forests on the fun descent to the Wind River. We climb back up and meet up with McClellan Meadows Trail, which was originally built in 1852 from the George McClellan railroad survey and offers a fun, challenging ride. Then we connect with the Falls Creek Trail which includes two creek crossings, gorgeous ponds, and spectacular waterfalls. After our big descent, we meet up with the shuttle and head back to town. TOTAL MILEAGE: 10-20 miles

Be sure to bring everything on this list. We have carefully developed this list to ensure your comfort on the tour regardless of the weather. If you are prepared for extreme weather, it is an adventure. If you are not prepared it can be a serious problem.We recommend the layering system, including a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer and a weather barrier for wind and rain. This list reflects that philosophy. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

HOW TO PACK: The bulk of your gear and clothing will ride in the Western Spirit support vehicle (preferably in a large duffle bag) and will not be accessible during the day.

For this trip, you will need a riding pack and optional day bag:

Your riding pack may be a hydration pack, but needs to carry 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, other warm clothing, and food for the day. You may be away from camp and the support vehicle all day and need to be self-sufficient.

A small day bag is optional and may be used to store things you’d rather not ride with, but would like to have access to during the day. This day-pack will remain with the support vehicle and may not be accessible, depending on the day.

WHAT WE PROVIDE: ✓ meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks ✓ camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware ✓ 1 cycling water bottle ✓ camp chairs ✓ solar showers ✓ sunscreen & bug spray ✓ bike stand and lube ✓ guides bring their own tools ✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

• Bike (Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.)
• Helmet (gratis w/rental bike)
• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad

CYCLING CLOTHING

• cycling shoes
• 3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
• 3 - 5 cycling shirts
• long sleeve cycling shirt
• long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
• cycling socks
• windbreaker
• tights or leg warmers
• 2 pair cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth)
• rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
• rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
• warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long sleeve fleece shirt)
• sunglasses or other eye protection

CAMP CLOTHING

• camp shorts
• shirts
• warm socks
• long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
• 2 pair warm long pants
• long sleeve fleece or sweater
• pile or down jacket (insulating layer)
• warm gloves and hat
• brimmed hat or visor
• bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip and at the hotel before/after your trip)
• hiking shoes
• sandals
• rain gear to wear in camp

PERSONAL

• toiletries
• medication (daily and emergency)
• towel
• biodegradable soap
• wet-wipes
• flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
• sunglasses
• optional day bag
• stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag
• cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10-20% of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides when you return to civilization is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

OPTIONAL

• camera, extra batteries
• binoculars
• alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (your guides will pack these)
• books or maps
• we encourage you to turn your devices off, but if you cannot, please bring a way to charge them. We recommend a portable USB charger with 1-2 charges. Also, putting your phone on airplane mode to save power is recommended.

Driving Hood River is located approximately 60 miles east of Portland on Interstate 84. Take exit #64 toward OR- 35 White Salmon/Govt Camp.

Flying into Portland Airport Code: PDX

Portland is the closest airport and there are a few options from there:

1) Blue Star provides shuttle service from the Portland airport to Hood River. Call 800-247-2272.

2) The CAT bus offers public transportation from Portland to the Gorge.

3) Rent a car.

TAXI SERVICE

Gorge Yellow Cab: 541-490-2497

Hood River is a gateway city to Mt. Hood, and it is very popular during the summer months. It is a good idea to book your rooms several months in advance if possible. Here are a few recommendations:

Vagabond Lodge 541-386-2992, 877-386-2992

Hood River Hotel 541-386-1900, 800-386-1859

Oak Street Hotel 541-386-3845

Riverview Lodge 541-386-8719, 800-789-9568

Comfort Inn & Suites 541-308-1000

Best Western Hood River Inn 541-386-2200

We love biking and traveling as much as you do! For over 30 years, we’ve been in the business of bike guiding and we’ve honed every little detail to give you the highest quality bike trip on the market. We’ve cherry-picked the best mountain bike trails and road rides so you can immerse yourself in the stunning landscape of the American West. We go the extra mile to make sure you have the most fun on your bike!

At Western Spirit, our staff is the heart of our company. Our guides love what they do, and are dedicated to providing you with a memorable vacation. Each of them has received extensive training in backcountry travel, cooking, natural history, and first aid, not to mention their cycling and mechanical skills. They are committed to helping people experience the outdoors and have a wealth of knowledge to share. Their attention to every detail leaves you free to enjoy the riding.

It’s our philosophy that everyone in our busy world needs to get outside more. We know it’s tough to squeeze it all in, but with Western Spirit we’re here to make it as easy as possible. Our friendly office staff is just a call away to help you find the perfect trip for you. We believe in getting away from it all, spending rejuvenating time in nature, and most of all, having a lot of fun!

The trip price includes food and drinks for the trip, guides, support vehicle, campsites, permits, and any entry fees into national parks and public lands.

Not included are: rental fees (bikes and camping gear), alcoholic beverages, gratuities for your guides, and applicable sales tax. If you would like to bring alcoholic beverages we will store them for you at the appropriate temperature.

Your total tour cost will include your trip fee, appropriate rental fees and applicable sales tax

We provide water, coffee, teas, electrolyte drinks, and assorted soft drinks. We cannot provide alcohol. You are welcome to bring your favorite alcoholic beverages and our guides will store them at the appropriate temperature. We’ll keep the beer cold while you’re out riding!

Yes! From lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day, we’ve got healthy and delicious food to fuel your fun. Food is one thing we take pretty seriously and we get rave reviews from our guests.

Our guides are amazing backcountry chefs and will prepare all your meals. All snacks are included. We’re sponsored by Clif Bar, and provide you with plentiful bars, snacks and electrolyte drinks. If you have specific favorite riding snacks, however, please bring them with you.

Yes, no problem! We are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions, and we do it frequently. Our guides are masters at making sure everyone is satisfied. Please let us know when you fill out your forms so our guides can accommodate you and your needs. It is good to be specific (e.g., vegetarian but prefer tempeh over tofu) to help the guides with meal planning.

We wish we could tell you exactly, but Mother Nature is quite unpredictable as you may know. Our trips are designed with the best weather in mind, and follow the seasons—desert trips in spring and fall, and mountain trips in the summer. By sticking to our packing list that we’ve designed for you, you’ll be prepared for whatever comes our way (bringing rain gear almost assures it won’t rain, right?).

Most of our permits allow us to take 13 guests and 2 guides, although many trips are smaller than our maximum allowed. Our Maze permit in Canyonlands National Park is more limited with only 7 guests and 2 guides to maintain the remote wilderness experience.

For mountain bikes, we use the Specialized Stumpjumper ST 29ers. For road bikes, we use the Specialized Diverge E5 Elite. All our rental bikes come with flat pedals, a helmet, and one water bottle cage. We provide the water bottle and all the bike repair gear.

If you’re renting a bike from us, you do not need to show up early. Please meet at the scheduled time and we will fit you to your rented bike then.

All Western Spirit rental bikes come with flat pedals. If you have clipless pedals (e.g., SPD, Crank Brothers, etc.), you’re welcome to bring them along with your shoes. We swap out pedals all the time!

The packing list will tell you how to pack, since it depends on which trip you are on. Overall, we use a 3-bag system:

Camping gear and personal items for camp (gets packed away in the morning and is inaccessible throughout the day), Small daypack (stays in vehicle and is accessible throughout the day, e.g., extra layers, prescription medications, extra snacks, etc.), Hydration pack you wear (all things you readily need, right there on your back). We recommend a 2-liter hydration system (e.g., Camelbak) to carry the things needed during the day (water, snacks, lunch, rain gear, extra layer, sunscreen, camera, etc.), and to easily hydrate without stopping.

Nope! We provide spare tubes (for 26”, 27.5” and 29” wheels), lube, tool kits, and pumps.

Certainly! If you bring camping gear, please bring a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. We’ll provide everything else you need. Don’t worry about the camp chairs—we bring those too!

Please make sure all your gear is in excellent, working condition before you head out on your trip. If you’re bringing your own bike, please make sure it has been tuned up and is in excellent riding condition before the trip.

Yes! We rent tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads. Sleeping bags are thoroughly washed between trips. The following prices are for the whole trip:

2-person tent – $40 Sleeping bag – $35 Sleeping pad – $15 Total $90

We offer solar showers which are a nice way to rinse off and refresh yourself, but it is not enough water to take a full-fledge shower. The showers are not private, so please bring a swimsuit and your own towel. Showers are dependent on water resources, which may be restricted if it’s a hot desert trip. Some campsites have streams and lakes available for swimming. We also recommend wet-wipes to refresh after a fun day on the bike.

It’s not a glamorous topic, and we know this can be a subject of concern and embarrassment for some. We make it as easy and sanitary as possible! If we’re camping in designated campsites, we use the pit toilets available in the campgrounds. If we’re camping in the backcountry, we obey by the pack-it-in-pack-it-out rule. We set up a portable toilet lovingly called “the groover,” and put it in a private location with a stunning view. We provide a hand wash system for clean up.

Please join us! We get solo travelers all the time and going on a bike trip is a great way to meet like-minded people. Many of our guests end up as lifelong friends after a Western Spirit trip.