gonesh9

I'm planning on meeting a friend from Seattle for a ride somewhere in Washington on Sunday, and was wondering if anyone had some recommendations? It would have to be somewhat between Portland and Seattle, which made me think St. Helens area. I got some reviews from MTBR for Ape Canyon, Smith Creek, and Quartz Creek.
We were leaning towards Ape Canyon. Anyone have any experience there? Seems to have lots of good reviews, but the description seems a little shady, and I am sort of wondering what the best route would be, and if the roads and/or trail is still open there?
Thanks

bertt

gonesh9, Ape canyon has probally got snow on it with the rain we are getting this weekend. The trailhead is about 2800' elevation with the max elevation around 4500'. I think I would wait on this one till mid to late spring. You can try Lewis River Trail it is fairly close to Ape Canyon/Mt. St. Helens but lower in elevation not real sure sure on exact elev. but probally around 1000-1500'. this trail is about 19-20 miles out and back and is a fun trail when it is dry. I have not been on it when it is wet. How about Siouxon Creek Trail this is another one of my favorites but for a good ride start from the upper trailhead.

Kodama

Hey a perfect place more or less between Portland and Seattle is the Capital State Forest. It is south of Olympia (so a bit further from Portland) and is a very large place with a lot of trails. I wasn't riding trails myself when I lived in Olympia but my MTB pals loved this place. I hiked there several times and it was really nice, though I find logged out places a little depressing. Lots of logging roads, variable terrain and I think there are singletrack trails. Check out this (large) map here: Capital State Forest Map Only downside is that I think dirt bikes are allowed there, but I don't recall seeing any when I was there.