15.4 miles
Distance
1,992 ft
Climb
-1,989 ft
Descent
2,338 ft
High Point

Some sections of this loop are considered backcountry and self sufficient practices are encouraged.

The Epic Loop circumnavigates an large portion of Oregon's largest State Park. Prepare for a long beautiful crosscountry ride.

Update: Roemer's Trail (Boomer Trail) is open It replaces the Perimeter Trail Access Trail (near the Ranch Cabin) and is way more fun!

Detailed Description
The Epic Loop is a 15 mile moderately popular intermediate route located near Salem Oregon. This mountain bike primary route can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 20 trails. This route climbs 1,992 ft with a max elevation of 2,338 ft then descends -1,989 ft.
Local Trail Association
Local trail association
Salem Area Trail Alliance (salemtrails.org)
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46 Reviews & Comments

  • + 0
Bethdayton SATA (Apr 21, 2022 at 8:43)
Trail Perimeter Trail
 As of 4-18-22: 6-8” wet snow, needs a week or more to melt and dry. Several new bypasses have been built to avoid the worst wet and salmonberry thicket areas.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Bethdayton SATA (Apr 21, 2022 at 8:43)
Trail Perimeter Trail
 As of 4-18-22: 6-8” wet snow, needs a week or more to melt and dry. Several new bypasses have been built to avoid the worst wet and salmonberry thicket areas.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Specializedepic07 (Mar 6, 2022 at 16:10)
Trail Catamount, Backside
 The trail is not accessible right now due to logging operations. I forged thru there today and it really sucked. The rest of catamount trail was absolutely excellent!!
[Reply]
  • + 0
5RAb8W (Feb 26, 2022 at 12:39)
Trail Catamount Trail
 Most Excellent single track trail. Great part of the forest. Very rideable trail up and down. Cool jump and drop options. Thanks SATA
[Reply]
  • + 0
5RAb8W (Feb 26, 2022 at 12:39)
Trail Catamount Trail
 Most Excellent single track trail. Great part of the forest. Very rideable trail up and down. Cool jump and drop options. Thanks SATA
[Reply]
  • + 0
Bethdayton SATA (Jan 29, 2022 at 21:33)
Trail Perimeter Trail
 The trail north of Rackett ridge is now clear of logs and debris and riding well south of Rackett ridge it is still an absolute mess of down trees and debris. Definitely not ready for wheels yet.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Bethdayton SATA (Jan 29, 2022 at 21:33)
Trail Perimeter Trail
 The trail north of Rackett ridge is now clear of logs and debris and riding well south of Rackett ridge it is still an absolute mess of down trees and debris. Definitely not ready for wheels yet.
[Reply]
  • + 1
riclamoureux (Oct 3, 2021 at 6:22)
 This route in overall great shape, as of 10/2. Wet from recent rain, but totally manageable. Not muddy. Trail is overgrown in spots with nettles--wear gloves and a long sleeve jersey. After riding this route in both directions, I prefer it counter-clockwise, with fun descending on the Perimeter Trail. Either direction is awesome.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Gumpdy (Aug 4, 2021 at 21:53)
 I disagree completely with the first comment. Not at all what I experienced.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Gumpdy (Aug 4, 2021 at 21:51)
 Did it today. 15.6 miles. Legs were jello at the end.
[Reply]
  • + 1
tim-berjack (May 10, 2021 at 19:48)
Trail Perimeter Trail
 Very physically tough trail. Absolutely not a green. But quite an adventure if you interested in a beautiful challenge

I rode it in reverse, and found the 2nd half(the first half, if you follow Trailfork's direction) to be much more enjoyable than the other half - especially to descend - and less overgrown. Regardless of which direction you choose, there will be a segnificant amount of hike a bike involved, more than any other trail in the area.
[Reply]
  • + 1
tim-berjack (May 10, 2021 at 19:48)
Trail Perimeter Trail
 Very physically tough trail. Absolutely not a green. But quite an adventure if you interested in a beautiful challenge

I rode it in reverse, and found the 2nd half(the first half, if you follow Trailfork's direction) to be much more enjoyable than the other half - especially to descend - and less overgrown. Regardless of which direction you choose, there will be a segnificant amount of hike a bike involved, more than any other trail in the area.
[Reply]
  • + 0
kmo344 (Feb 26, 2021 at 23:14)
Trail Catamount Trail
 Wet, splashy, and slow. Not so bad you'll mess up the trail, just not as fast as you might like.
[Reply]
  • + 0
kmo344 (Feb 26, 2021 at 23:14)
Trail Catamount Trail
 Wet, splashy, and slow. Not so bad you'll mess up the trail, just not as fast as you might like.
[Reply]
  • + 0
RecNar SATA (Nov 8, 2020 at 17:29)
Trail Catamount Trail
 Open from top to bottom, wet but great! Catamount backside is closed due to extensive wildfire damage.
[Reply]
  • + 0
RecNar SATA (Nov 8, 2020 at 17:29)
Trail Catamount Trail
 Open from top to bottom, wet but great! Catamount backside is closed due to extensive wildfire damage.
[Reply]
  • + 0
RecNar SATA (Nov 1, 2020 at 9:51)
Trail Catamount, Backside
 Closed due to tree fall hazards from burned out roots.
[Reply]
  • + 0
mybaben (Oct 24, 2020 at 16:29)
Trail Catamount Trail
 There is no way this is a Blue Trail.
[Reply]
  • + 0
mybaben (Oct 24, 2020 at 16:29)
Trail Catamount Trail
 There is no way this is a Blue Trail.
[Reply]
  • + 2
benjamin-s (Sep 5, 2020 at 13:43)
Trail Perimeter Trail
 This trail is much harder that its green rating might suggest. Should be blue for sure. If you are going to start at the North falls parking lot, be prepared for steep climbing right away. My crude math puts the average grade just under 20% for the first half mile. I made the mistake of starting it cold...some warm up pedaling would have made a huge difference.
[Reply]
  • + 2
benjamin-s (Sep 5, 2020 at 13:43)
Trail Perimeter Trail
 This trail is much harder that its green rating might suggest. Should be blue for sure. If you are going to start at the North falls parking lot, be prepared for steep climbing right away. My crude math puts the average grade just under 20% for the first half mile. I made the mistake of starting it cold...some warm up pedaling would have made a huge difference.
[Reply]
  • + 1
phoneograph (Sep 3, 2020 at 22:50)
Trail Catamount Trail
 Good mild downhill. Not especially fast, but it has a number of really fun sections and neat features that make the trail fun.
[Reply]
  • + 1
phoneograph (Sep 3, 2020 at 22:50)
Trail Catamount Trail
 Good mild downhill. Not especially fast, but it has a number of really fun sections and neat features that make the trail fun.
[Reply]
  • - 1
808mwong (Jun 28, 2020 at 23:06)
 How to even begin... Not exactly meant for MTB. Seemed to be moderately trafficked as of 6/25 but mostly by horses and hikers. Quick elevation gain, loose gravel, and muddy hoofed in puddles made this loop more hike than bike. Furthermore, the trails get extremely narrow leaving you to tank through about a mile of blackberry vines. Corners are not burmed so speed is an issue, so give yourself plenty of time if you want to do this. I reccomend dont.
[Reply]
  • + 1
RecNar SATA (Jul 30, 2020 at 13:54)
 Begin at the Conference Center Parking Lot and ride clockwise. Horses are not permitted on a majority of trail, your ride description sounds like Buck Mountain, which is not part of the Epic Loop. The road sections, early in the ride, will be replaced by single track in the future.
[Reply]
  • + 0
javierochoa (Jun 23, 2020 at 11:44)
Trail Rabbit Hole
 So much fun!! I’m definitely more of a beginner. Other then a few rocks here and there this felt fast, clear and safe. Loved it.
[Reply]
  • + 0
javierochoa (Jun 23, 2020 at 11:44)
Trail Rabbit Hole
 So much fun!! I’m definitely more of a beginner. Other then a few rocks here and there this felt fast, clear and safe. Loved it.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Strflyr (May 26, 2020 at 16:28)
Trail Rabbit Hole
 This trail was originally called Wormhole according to the Salem Area Trail Alliance emails, but it's official name is now Rabbit Hole. Thus saith the trail sign.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Strflyr (May 26, 2020 at 16:28)
Trail Rabbit Hole
 This trail was originally called Wormhole according to the Salem Area Trail Alliance emails, but it's official name is now Rabbit Hole. Thus saith the trail sign.
[Reply]
  • + 0
mrborbyn (Mar 29, 2020 at 17:24)
Trail Catamount Trail
 Take the gravel road up. The way down is a blast. There’s plenty of jumps and drops on the side for people wanting a more thrilling ride. Look out for a tree stump about midway down on your right. It’s a bit hidden but is a massive drop!
[Reply]
  • + 0
mrborbyn (Mar 29, 2020 at 17:24)
Trail Catamount Trail
 Take the gravel road up. The way down is a blast. There’s plenty of jumps and drops on the side for people wanting a more thrilling ride. Look out for a tree stump about midway down on your right. It’s a bit hidden but is a massive drop!
[Reply]
  • + 0
Veggiegnome (Nov 1, 2019 at 17:47)
Trail Catamount Trail
 Great trail conditions. Took the gravel road up. Def a good workout with punchy climbs throughout the desent. Beautiful ferns and trees. A little bumby on the hardtail (but that's pretty standard).
[Reply]
  • + 0
Veggiegnome (Nov 1, 2019 at 17:47)
Trail Catamount Trail
 Great trail conditions. Took the gravel road up. Def a good workout with punchy climbs throughout the desent. Beautiful ferns and trees. A little bumby on the hardtail (but that's pretty standard).
[Reply]
  • + 1
benjamin-s (Oct 26, 2019 at 8:28)
Trail Upper Catamount Trail
 The direction noted is wrong. This portion of catamount is downhill only.
[Reply]
  • + 1
440a440 (Sep 23, 2019 at 19:54)
Trail Rabbit Hole
 According to the trail signs this trail is called pygmy owl not wormhole...

Its a fun little trail for sure!
[Reply]
  • + 1
440a440 (Sep 23, 2019 at 19:54)
Trail Rabbit Hole
 According to the trail signs this trail is called pygmy owl not wormhole...

Its a fun little trail for sure!
[Reply]
  • + 0
sbreitbach0307 (Apr 7, 2019 at 17:43)
Trail Catamount Trail
 Clear of snow, bottom half is sloppy and wet.
[Reply]
  • + 0
sbreitbach0307 (Apr 7, 2019 at 17:43)
Trail Catamount Trail
 Clear of snow, bottom half is sloppy and wet.
[Reply]
  • + 0
sbreitbach0307 (Apr 7, 2019 at 17:41)
Trail Upper Catamount Trail
 Some limbs and branches occasional snow patch. Large tree across trail, top 1/3rd.
[Reply]
  • + 0
sbreitbach0307 (Apr 7, 2019 at 17:39)
Trail Catamount, Backside
 Covered in limbs and needles, 24” tree blowdown at chest high.
[Reply]
  • + 0
dmcdon25 (Apr 7, 2019 at 9:44)
Trail Catamount Trail
 Snow free now but it could use some more drying out before it’s especially fun to ride.
[Reply]
  • + 0
dmcdon25 (Apr 7, 2019 at 9:44)
Trail Catamount Trail
 Snow free now but it could use some more drying out before it’s especially fun to ride.
[Reply]
  • + 1
DHH (Jul 2, 2018 at 16:06)
Trail Catamount Trail
 Amazing trail! Good intermediate decent, with some climbs later on.
[Reply]
  • + 1
DHH (Jul 2, 2018 at 16:06)
Trail Catamount Trail
 Amazing trail! Good intermediate decent, with some climbs later on.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Bethdayton SATA (Oct 8, 2017 at 18:42)
Trail Catamount Trail
 The new access is via the Newt Loop, directly north out of the 214 parking lot.
[Reply]
  • + 1
Bethdayton SATA (Oct 8, 2017 at 18:42)
Trail Catamount Trail
 The new access is via the Newt Loop, directly north out of the 214 parking lot.
[Reply]





Trails in Route

Details

  • Riding area
    Silver Falls State Park
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Other Activities
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • Bike type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Physical rating
    Moderate
More Stats for The Epic Loop mountain bike route
  • Altitude min
    1,351 ft
  • Altitude start
    1,736 ft
  • Altitude end
    1,739 ft
  • Grade max
    -43.3%
  • Grade min
    33.4%
  • Distance climb
    7 miles
  • Distance down
    7 miles
  • Distance flat
    1 mile
Avg: 3.35 (3 votes)
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  • Basemap 
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Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
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  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
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Catamount Trail 6 24 22
Catamount Trail 6 24 22
3:10 | 7 | comments: 0 | favs:
Jun 25, 2022
Catamount Trail 6 24 22
Catamount Trail 6 24 22
3:10 | 17 | comments: 0 | favs:
Jun 25, 2022

Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
Rabbit Hole
Jul 4, 2022 @ 11:17am
2 days
Catamount Trail
Jun 25, 2022 @ 12:09pm
Jun 25, 2022
Tree down about a 1/2 mile or so after second bridge.
Upper Catamount Trail
Jun 24, 2022 @ 8:49am
Jun 24, 2022
Hero Dirt today! :)
Catamount, Backside
May 24, 2022 @ 9:39am
May 24, 2022
Open and riding great.
Catamount Trail
May 24, 2022 @ 9:39am
May 24, 2022
Riding great.
more reports »
  • By RecNar SATA & contributors
  • #18522 - 1,359 views
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