more stats
1.3 miles
Distance
3 ft
Climb
-1,336 ft
Descent
3,290 ft
High Point
-1,333 ft
Altitude change
1,957 ft
Altitude min
3,290 ft
Altitude start
1,959 ft
Altitude end
-19.3%
Grade
-51%
Grade max
3%
Grade min
180 ft
Distance climb
1 mile
Distance down
144 ft
Distance flat

Gnarstow Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • E-Bike
  • Riding Area
    Tillamook State Forest
    Tillamook, Oregon
  • AKA
    Drifty
  • Difficulty Rating
  • Voted Difficulty
    Double Black Diamond (3 votes)
  • Local Popularity
    100 in Mountain Biking
  • Global Ranking
    #636 in Mountain Biking
  • Trail Type
    Primitive
  • Bike Type
    DH
  • Physical Rating
    Extreme
  • Trail Visibility
    Sometimes hard to follow
  • Season
    April-November
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
  • TTFs on Trail
    Drop, Jump, Gap Jump, Rock Face, Rock Garden
  • Year Opened
    2024
  • Land Owner
    Oregon Department of Forestry

Accessed from the Upper Fear & Loaming Trailhead, Gnarstow is an extremely steep & technical DH descent with alternating difficult option/feature lines. There are multiple mandatory steep chutes that require a high level of skill. Alternate routes are available in places but are much steeper than anything you'll experience over at Fear & Loaming.

You'll encounter a few mandatory jumps along the way. SCOPE THE ENTIRE TRAIL BEFORE RIDING AT SPEED. Expect loose rocks/boulders and variable, unpredictable conditions.

Trail terminates at Drift Creek Road, far away from Fear & Loaming.

Access Info

Park at the Upper F&L Trailhead, 1/4 mile down Zone 1 of F&L, make a left at the Gnarstow sign and cross the road. The trail terminates at Drift Creek Road.

Trail Supporters
Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 1 rides
  • 28 miles average
6 Months
  • 58 rides
  • 14 miles avg distance
All
  • 130 rides
  • Last: Aug 29, 2026
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Gnarstow Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
May 25, 2026 @ 8:34am (America/Los_Angeles)
May 25, 2026
May 3, 2026 @ 10:38am (America/Los_Angeles)
May 3, 2026
Mar 21, 2026 @ 1:14pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Mar 21, 2026
Trail work in the Alders section of zone 5 of Fear & Loaming. Berms, jumps, drain & tread work performed. Trail inspections performed...
Nov 29, 2025 @ 10:49am (America/Los_Angeles)
Nov 29, 2025
Upper gnarstow armoring and tread work, drainage, Zone 1.
Oct 30, 2025 @ 11:56am (America/Los_Angeles)
Oct 30, 2025
Trails are reported to be clear of any downed trees as of 10/28. Expect small branches/twigs after a typical fall storm event.
more »
Status:
on May 25, 2026
Wet
Avg: 4.5 (16 votes)
Your vote: 0

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Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
Trail Flow (Ridden Direction)
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BC Backroad Status

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        Directions to gnarstow trailhead (45.654640, -123.417590)

        Photos

        18 more »
        mtb
        322 |
        Aug 25, 2024 @ 6:42pm
        Aug 25, 2024
        mtb
        259 |
        Aug 25, 2024 @ 6:42pm
        Aug 25, 2024
        mtb
        213 |
        Aug 25, 2024 @ 6:42pm
        Aug 25, 2024
        mtb
        209 |
        Aug 25, 2024 @ 6:42pm
        Aug 25, 2024

        Videos

        7 more »
        youtuber Gnarstow || Best Double Black Tech in Oregon
        mtb
        9:50 | 375 | Apr 6, 2026 , Tillamook
        Gnarstow- Drift Creek MTB
        mtb
        8:06 | 46 | Aug 6, 2026 , Tillamook
        This is How to Enjoy  Gnarstow Safe and Sound
        mtb
        12:37 | 236 | Jul 17, 2025 , Tillamook
        Gnarstow Top-to-bottom (with some tips for the...
        mtb
        6:39 | 743 | Jul 22, 2024 , Tillamook

        Trail Events

        4.8
        16 Ratings
        5 94%
        4
        3
        2
        1 6%

        12 Reviews & Comments


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        • By fatdonkeyTF Pro WTF & contributors
        • #740860 - 4,821 views

        Frequently Asked Questions About Gnarstow

        Where is Gnarstow located?
        Gnarstow is located in Tillamook State Forest, Tillamook, Oregon, United States. It is part of the Tillamook State Forest trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 45.65464, -123.41759.
        How hard is Gnarstow?
        Gnarstow is rated as Double Black Diamond difficulty. The physical rating is Extreme. The average grade is 19.3%.
        What is the elevation gain for Gnarstow?
        Gnarstow has 3 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 1,336 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 1,957 ft to 3,290 ft.
        How long is Gnarstow?
        Gnarstow is 1.3 miles long. The trail type is primitive.
        Are dogs allowed on Gnarstow?
        Yes, dogs are allowed on Gnarstow. Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
        When is the best time of year to ride Gnarstow?
        Gnarstow is best visited during: April-November.
        How do I access Gnarstow? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
        The closest parking and trailhead locations to Gnarstow are: View all parking locations in the area.
        How busy is Gnarstow?
        Gnarstow is a very popular trail. There have been 447 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 546 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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