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Trip

Mount Saint Helens Backcountry

Mountain Bike

Trip Mount Saint Helens Backcountry
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Questions? Let us help! Call us at 1-866-386-1590
Ride freshly reclaimed singletrack deep in the Cascade Mountains

Experience the Mount Saint Helens blast zone and the amazing trails that inhabit the area with our partners at Trans-Cascadia. On this one day trip, we’ll relive a day of the 2018 Trans-Cascadia mountain bike race, and ride through the Mt. St. Helens Backcountry. Located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Southwest Washington, this ride takes place in one of the most remote regions in the Washington Cascade Mountain Range. Lucky for you, Trans-Cascadia has navigated this remote area extensively and has timed this trip in order to maximize the limited access granted to bikers. On this guided Mount Saint Helens mountain bike trip, expect huge views of Mt. Saint Helens, Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier, and some intensely demanding and rewarding singletrack!

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Itinerary
Itinerary
Subject to change based on conditions.
  • 1
    Day number 1
    Arrive - Meet by 9:15 am in Randle, Iron Creek Campground, roughly 20 minutes south of Randle and depart by 9:30 am. We will go over the plan for the day on the way to the trails and get ready to ride when we arrive.

    We’ll begin with a ride down the South ridgeline, a nice warmup and a chance to get right in front of Helens. After a brief/stiff 10 minute hike a bike out of the parking lot, we begin our descent on a spiny ridge. A creative line down the landscape, we’ll eventually work our way onto the broad part of the ridge and a playful forest with some fun corners and fast descending. There will be some "Oh crap" moments, and some hoots and hollers, we’ll eventually make our way down to Bear Meadows.
  • 2
    Day number 2
    From Bear Meadows, we’ll hop back in the Shuttle Rig and head back to the top of Strawberry, this time heading North from our drop. We’ll gain the high point of the ridge and descend into our first trail junction. From here we’ll descend West on the scrappy 213 trail, a diamond in the rough, and a real gem of a trail. This is a primitive yet sporty representation of PNW Backcountry trails that include pumice chutes and water crossings, and incredible patches of the darkest dirt. We’ll land on the 26 road with open doors, hop back in the van and head back up to the top one last time.
  • 3
    Day number 3
    We do save the best for last. Strawberry North is a sweet way to end the day. A thorough look at the Strawberry Ridgeline as we undulate our way across the landscape, small fun descents and small fun climbs along the way. Jaw dropping views and rock formations, a wild landscape. We’ll eventually reach our high point and what many coin as the best descent EVER, Strawberry North! This Northern Strawberry Descent was mostly logged within the last century, the replanted mix of tree species is a nearly perfect mix of leaves and pine needles. Each season these leaves and needles fall to the ground and feed the cycle that replenishes our duff. Pair this with a North Facing Aspect, and we have an environment that breeds some of the greatest soils and one of the best trails around.

    Depart - After an epic day of riding in the shadows of Saint Helens, Adams, and Rainier we’ll load up the van and head back towards Iron Creek Campground around 8pm. Make sure you have enough phone battery (or bring a charging brick) so you can share your pics from the day with your new riding buddies.
Trip Package Includes
  • Professionally guided tours of remote single track
  • Shuttles (starting from Randle, WA)
  • 20% discount code at evo.com (exclusions apply)
Not Included
  • Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads)
  • Transportation to/from Randle
  • Any lodging before or after the trip
  • Any meals before during or after the trip
  • Mountain bike and any related gear
  • Questions? Contact us!
Area Information
Mount Saint Helens Backcountry

The Mt. St. Helens Backcountry, located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Southwest Washington, is one of the most remote regions in the Washington Cascade Mountain Range. You’ll be riding within the 1980 Mt. St. Helens Blast zone, where you’ll still find remnants of the historic blast that blew 1,300’ off the top and absolutely desecrated the surrounding environment for decades. When riding the newly maintained mountain bike trails near Mount Saint Helens, you’ll be reminded of the old as you pass by Spirit Lake, which still holds a massive amount of logs and debris from the eruption.

Trip Planning

Trip Planning

For this one-day St. Helens mountain bike trip, we recommend bringing a riding pack with water and snacks as well as a day pack with any layers or additional gear you may need for a day on the trail. The Mount Saint Helens area typically sees highs of the upper 70’s and lows of mid 50’s in July. There is not much forest cover so be sure to wear sun protection. Rain also comes and goes so make sure you bring some rain gear as well!
Bike Gear
Clothing
Food
Other
FAQ
FAQ
  • When and how do I meet up with the group?
    Meet by 9:15 AM atIron Creek Campground, roughly 20 minutes south of Randle. Detailed instructions will be sent in your confirmation email. Please arrive at 9:15 as the shuttle departs at 9:30. Hood River Riders: Inquire about a shorter drive option.
  • What about COVID-19?
    Both evo and our partners at Trans-Cascadia take COVID-19 very seriously and with the utmost caution. Please bring your mask and expect to wear it at times when social distancing is not possible, such as during rides in the Trans-Cascadia shuttle. Please check evo.com/adventure-travel/covid-19 for evo's policy on travel and COVID-19. If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach us at [email protected].
  • Do I need travel insurance?
    We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips, and especially considering the current COVID-19 pandemic. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, theft and/or accidental damage while traveling. We recommend World Nomads, which unlike most providers does offer policies that cover pandemics and epidemics. Please note that travel insurance generally only covers unforeseen events. Most insurers classified COVID-19 as a 'known event' starting in late January 2020. Lastly, please note that concerns or fear of travel is not a covered reason for cancellation relating to COVID-19. For additional questions, please contact evo or World Nomads directly.
  • What skill/experience level is required for this trip?
    This trip is for intermediate and advanced riders.
  • What gear should I bring? Do you offer rentals?
    Please see the packing list above. The best bike for this trip will be a full suspension XC bike. All participants are required to have their bikes in excellent working order before the trip begins. Rental bikes are not available through Trans-Cascadia, please inquire with evo about possible rentals.
  • Is the trip guaranteed to run?
    This trip requires six guests to run, please do not book travel or flights until you have confirmed your departure with Trans-Cascadia.
  • What is the maximum number of guests on this trip?
    Trans Cascadia will cap this trip at 12 guests to ensure everyone gets as much riding as their heart's desire.
  • What if I need to cancel?
    Should you need to cancel for any reason, evo will default to Trans-Cascadia’s following cancellation policy: For cancellations prior to 60 days before departure, a $50 fee per person is retained and the remainder of your trip cost is refunded. For cancellations 60-31 days before departure, 50% of your trip fees are refunded. For cancellations 30 days or less before departure, no refunds. Trans-Cascadia must adhere to their cancellation policy, no exceptions. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance to protect your investment, we recommend World Nomads. Trans-Cascadia Excursions reserves the right to cancel any trip. Full refunds will be made in these instances. Trans-Cascadia Excursions is not responsible for non-refundable airfare.
  • Who builds and supports the remote trails we will ride on this trip?
    Trans-Cascadia Expeditions partners with Trans-Cascadia Incorporated a non-profit whose larger mission is to promote and build sustainable trails in the Pacific Northwest. Trails are supported by Trans-Cascadia, Santa Cruz Bicycles, Evergreen Mountain bike Alliance and more. If you are interested in trail stewardship in the Pacific NW please visit Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance or check out Trans Cascadia’s page for trail fund donation information or volunteer opportunities.

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1-866-386-1590
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Sorry, this trip is sold out
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Questions? Let us help! Call us at
1-866-386-1590