Skookum Flats

Beautiful scenery along with an awesome trail, a XC Mountain Biker can't ask for more. Skookum was awesome, it never got boring constantly changing from fast moving flowish trail to rocky/rooty technical sections and some surprisingly tough but short climbs. On the down side it is really only an out and back trail, for it to be a loop you have to ride the highway. With the other fun trails along highway 410 i will definitely be back out here to ride this again.

I really don't see how this trail receives high ratings. Its was just ok. Dirt was soft, debris all over the trails, little to no signage with no trail map what so ever. I found a couple fun spots but they were short lived. There are better trails to check out in WA. Don't waste your time. I won't be going back.

I rode this in April, when things were a bit soggy and chilly, but the natural Washington landscape absorbs moisture like a sponge and the trail was in excellent shape. I actually rode this on a rental cyclocross bike with plastic flat pedals and sneakers, which made things very lively going over/down wet rocks and roots. I mention this because the trail is accessible for a wide range of riders. This trails is rated "intermediate" but there are sections I would consider advanced, as the trail is generally undulating with some steep, punch climbs often littered with off-camber rocks and roots. I am positive that riding this late summer on a trail or "enduro (tm)" bike would be the ideal way to go. As for IMBA Epic status, I'll let you be the judge, but I was hoping for more as I rode it, despite the fact that the trail itself is absolutely breathtaking in deep NW woods that follows the White River on the eastern side of Mt Ranier. I connected it to Ranger creek as a loop instead of an out and back, though I would retrospectively recommend what some Ranger Creek reviews suggest, to climb FS72 and descend it before riding the road back to your vehicle. I will mention that I had trouble finding this trail from 410 E. There is not signage from the highway saying "Skookum Flats". Instead, you can park on either end of the trail, at Buck Creek (where I parked), or near the Dalles camground, both on the WEST side of E 410 which runs along the White River. There are food/supplies/water at the ALTA rental cabins on the east side E 410, a mile or so east past the Buck Creek parking entrance.

It was indeed a very pretty ride, though I felt the Lewis River trail (http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/lewis-river.html) in Cougar was better if you're driving for a trail.

Additionally, though it was technical, I would not consider the rolls as more technical nor more fun than that of Tiger Mountain's Preston Railroad or Iverson trails (http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/tiger-mountain.html). I assume most would be driving to reach this trail. Thus, unless you're a local to the Enumclaw or Crystal mountain area, there's other places I'd prefer to ride to in the Washington state area.

This trail is now classified as an IMBA "epic," and while it may be considered good (maybe even great if you're a mid technical rider looking for a challenge), it's hardly one of the best nationally built trails which this honor is supposed to represent.

I stumbled across this trail 5 or 6 years ago and love going back to it still. It always challeges me.

Technical singletrack among deep mystical forest setting. Roots, bridges. exposure on cliff edges over the White river. Close to hwy 410 for easy escape. Leaves a smile on your face...