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22.6 miles
Distance
4,332 ft
Climb
-4,333 ft
Descent
3,302 ft
High Point
-1 ft
Altitude change
1,010 ft
Altitude min
1,321 ft
Altitude start
1,319 ft
Altitude end
-50.5%
Grade max
55.4%
Grade min
10 miles
Distance climb
10 miles
Distance down
3 miles
Distance flat
The Tarbell loop is that actual continuous Tarbell trail. It's a varied route with lots of different types of terrain and fantastic descents. The best way to ride it is CLOCKWISE, so you're ascending hiking trails with moderate grades and descending mountain bike trails- doing it counter-clockwise is an exercise in frustration. The trail travels through a lot of clear cuts, so start early in the morning or ride it on a cool day. The section that climbs over Larch Mountain can be under snow from about mid December through Early May. This is the closest epic loop to the Portland area, and it's one every mountain biker should ride if they haven't yet.
Detailed Description
Tarbell Loop is a 23 mile popular intermediate route located near Battle Ground Washington. This mountain bike primary route can be used both directions. This route includes 5 trails. This route climbs 4,332 ft with a max elevation of 3,302 ft then descends -4,333 ft.
Trail Issues on Route
- Significant Issue / Amber: 1 trail (newest: Aug 1, 2026)
- Minor Issue / Yellow: 1 trail (newest: Jul 28, 2026)
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Stats
-
Distance23 miles
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Avg time3 hr 41 min
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Altitude change-1 ft
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Altitude min1,010 ft
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Altitude start1,321 ft
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Altitude end1,319 ft
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Climb4,332 ft
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Descent-4,333 ft
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Grade max-50.5%
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Grade min55.4%
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Distance climb10 miles
-
Distance down10 miles
-
Distance flat3 miles
38 Reviews & Comments
dWorapsu
OK, so considering half the people say clockwise, other half say counter clockwise, I'll add my 2 cents....
Clockwise = LOTS of slow climbs + a few good downhill sections
Counter-clockwise = MAJOR initial climb (starting from Yacolt) + lots of mellow downhill on hiking trails
Clockwise = LOTS of slow climbs + a few good downhill sections
Counter-clockwise = MAJOR initial climb (starting from Yacolt) + lots of mellow downhill on hiking trails
illepic
Consider this alternate route that:
1. Is counterclockwise, which is recommended and the map shows.
2. Avoids climbing Cold Creek in the first stage.
https://www.trailforks.com/route/tarbell-loop-counterclockwise-no-cold-creek/
1. Is counterclockwise, which is recommended and the map shows.
2. Avoids climbing Cold Creek in the first stage.
https://www.trailforks.com/route/tarbell-loop-counterclockwise-no-cold-creek/
rmkelley503
be warned. the description says CLOCKWISE, but the map shows COUNTER-CLOCKWISE. make sure to go COUNTER-CLOCKWISE, otherwise you will do nothing but climbing.
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Trails in Route
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Primary ActivityMountain Bike
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Difficulty ratingBlue
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DirectionBoth Directions
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- By josefski
EMBA-SW & contributors - #20443 - 10,832 views
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