- Trail:
- Basalt Ridge Trail (Mad River - Entiat)
- Status:
- All Clear / Green
-
Issue status:
- Condition:
- Dry -
- Reporter Primary Activity:
- Mountain Bike
Description:
Route: Rock Creek to Rock Creek Tie to Basalt Ridge
Spoiler alert: This is a really good ride!
Rock Creek: The tread is amazing—grippy and spongy. The trail is mostly rideable with lots of steep but manageable pitches. There is a bit of exposure in one spot where the trail is washed out for about 6 feet on a very steep slope. I had to muster some courage to walk the narrow flat spot, but it’s really not that big of a deal.
Rock Creek Tie: This section is full of unrideable switchbacks and numerous steep pitches that quickly forced me to hike-a-bike. The hike-a-bike isn’t bad, though, as the trail is easy to walk. There is some horse damage, but I think the rain filled it in a bit.
Basalt Ridge: You still have another 1,000 feet of climbing on Basalt Ridge. The trail is rockier in this section, forcing me to hike-a-bike quite often. After that, it’s finally time for the good stuff. The first section didn’t go well due to a recent rain creating a ~5-inch channel that you’re forced to ride. The trail is also quite steep, requiring a lot of brake riding. About 25% of the way down, it flattens out and starts to really flow. The trail is pretty easy through this section, allowing you to carry some speed. You’ll also encounter switchbacks in this area. They are tight but very rideable with a bit of dabbing. The rest of the trail involves traversing sections between switchbacks.
Summary: This trail is really good. The lack of moto riders results in almost ideal trail conditions. It is also really hard. Unless you’re very fit, you’re going to do a lot of walking. This trail is also accessible to 206ers looking for a backcountry experience. I hope this trail gets maintained because it is absolutely one of the best backcountry rides I’ve ever done. The biggest critique I have is that it’s not very scenic. Oh well!
Spoiler alert: This is a really good ride!
Rock Creek: The tread is amazing—grippy and spongy. The trail is mostly rideable with lots of steep but manageable pitches. There is a bit of exposure in one spot where the trail is washed out for about 6 feet on a very steep slope. I had to muster some courage to walk the narrow flat spot, but it’s really not that big of a deal.
Rock Creek Tie: This section is full of unrideable switchbacks and numerous steep pitches that quickly forced me to hike-a-bike. The hike-a-bike isn’t bad, though, as the trail is easy to walk. There is some horse damage, but I think the rain filled it in a bit.
Basalt Ridge: You still have another 1,000 feet of climbing on Basalt Ridge. The trail is rockier in this section, forcing me to hike-a-bike quite often. After that, it’s finally time for the good stuff. The first section didn’t go well due to a recent rain creating a ~5-inch channel that you’re forced to ride. The trail is also quite steep, requiring a lot of brake riding. About 25% of the way down, it flattens out and starts to really flow. The trail is pretty easy through this section, allowing you to carry some speed. You’ll also encounter switchbacks in this area. They are tight but very rideable with a bit of dabbing. The rest of the trail involves traversing sections between switchbacks.
Summary: This trail is really good. The lack of moto riders results in almost ideal trail conditions. It is also really hard. Unless you’re very fit, you’re going to do a lot of walking. This trail is also accessible to 206ers looking for a backcountry experience. I hope this trail gets maintained because it is absolutely one of the best backcountry rides I’ve ever done. The biggest critique I have is that it’s not very scenic. Oh well!
