Siouxon Creek

I rode this trail June 21, 2016 for the first time this year....I have ridden it every year at least once since my first time in 1990. This is definitely a ride favorite. I am happy to see 2 new bridges put in last fall...well done USFS! This trail is very special. The sublime scenery is off the hook. Constant eye candy with a view of luscious vegetation, the creek, waterfalls around every corner....always something to look at. The riding alternates between flowy old school xc singletrack to short & steep technical climbs and to easy wide fast singletrack. Perhaps Beginner & Intermediate level riding for much of it...but then interspersed with plenty of advanced/challenging uphill climbs to keep you on your toes. I think the best way to ride this trail is to park at the lower trailhead at roads end...then ride on the road the approximate 3 miles back up to the upper trailhead for a nice and easy warm up. The upper trail then navigates dense forest above the creek back to the lower trail head. Plenty of fun wide open singletrack then interspersed with technical challenges. Once back at the lower trail head...continue on down to the creek and ride an out & back as far as you want to go. I usually enjoy proceeding at least 6 miles out (up river) from the lower trail head where the trail comes to a wet creek crossing of Siouxon Creek. If you feel adventuresome...this section of shallow slick rock crossing is ridable. From there on the trail can be sporadically maintained depending on the year. As of summer 2016, most of the small trees have been logged out...only a couple of enormous trees remain...and easy to navigate around. Beyond the wet creek crossing...the trail begins an unrelenting steep climb where you will get to know your granny gear. I usually ride as far as feel like going...then turn around and descend the fabulous singletrack. While it is possible to ride all the way up to forest road 58...perhaps 3 miles beyond the wet creek crossing...the pain/reward balance of the climb/descent will be different for everybody. This 3 mile section is mostly in dense north facing forest with interspersed openings into scree fields. It is possible to get 20 miles of riding and 3000 feet of climbing if you go beyond the creek crossing. Alternatively...It is possible to ride Siouxon Creek and climb the Chinook trail up to the Huffman Peak trail...then descend back down to Siouxon Creeks upper trailhead...I will write a review of the option later. Usually the Chinook/Huffman Peak trail are cleared of downed trees by mid summer. Have fun!

If you want flowy XC trails with views of waterfalls and clear pools this is for you. Plenty of short climbs, roots and rocky water crossings thrown in. The locals had me park at the hairpin turn on NFD 5701 Rd.
While this added 3 miles (each way) to my trip, I will start at the Siouxon Creek TH in the future. Doing so will remove any serious climbing; allowing me to travel further while smiling more.