[amtbr]

So this was my first trip out there, what can be said but simply amazing. Quite possibly one of the best rides I've done. The trail seemed to be getting dusty, but nothing too bad. The views were almost too distracting.

 

[amtbr]

 

[Sasquatch]

nice pictures. I'm looking forward to doing that ride next month if I can find the time.

 

[slackdaddy]

Good shots. I haven't done that one myself, either. Best views of my local rides are on Gunsight Ridge (Hwy. 35, Bennett Pass).

Nice bike. No Ti stem?

 

[nmba guy]

ahh so thats what the mountains look like back there. the day we did it last summer everything was socked in with clouds, but still an amazing ride. those spines out to spirit lake were a little un-nerving

 

[amtbr]

Sorry about the picture size, first time posting pics on here, guess I'll know next time...
Yeah no Ti stem, I'm a taller rider so I would just wind up bending it or snapping it.

 

[Snake Muesl]

Nice!

When were you up there? Did you do the whole Smith Creek loop, or just the out and back?
Yes, it's an amazing, amazing landscape. And it is continually changing, especially the Smith Creek basin.

 

[amtbr]

Last friday, Ive never been up there and some hardcore hiker told me about the smith loop, thats what he was doing but on foot! I'm going to try the smith loop next time, any idea on millage or other things to look out for? I went all the way to the visitors center, don't think I'll go do that section again though, pushing the bike up those stairs was a *****! Might hit it up this weekend, the rain should tighten up the trail some more.

 

[Snake Muesl]

Last friday, Ive never been up there and some hardcore hiker told me about the smith loop, thats what he was doing but on foot! I'm going to try the smith loop next time, any idea on millage or other things to look out for? I went all the way to the visitors center, don't think I'll go do that section again though, pushing the bike up those stairs was a *****! Might hit it up this weekend, the rain should tighten up the trail some more.

I did the loop Sunday for the first time this year. Smith Creek is in pretty rough shape: overgrown and more erosion as always in this ever-changing landscape. Still a good ride. The loop is about 29 miles and will be a tough 29 miles: cruising the Smith Creek basin is not easy and there are a few hike-a-bike sections. Oh, and the descent down to Smith Creek is laugh out loud ridiculous! You'll love it. Then it ends with a nice gravel road climb.
Never hiked back up the stairs. That's my point of no return. They are a fun challenge going down though!

 

[themaninthewoods]

smith creek loop

Could someone explain the Smith Creek loop to me? I haven't done Ape Canyon this year, but was all over it last year, and I miss it! A loop would kick ass!

 

[amtbr]

There is a good map when you reach the visitors center/look out, but the way it seems to go is from the center you cruze down the acess road and smith creek trail is on the right hand side and this goes right to the campground. I think I am going to park here and ride up the road to the ape canyon trailhead to save myself some road riding at the end of the loop. someone correct me if this is wrong. From what I've been told is you want to do the smith creek park downhill, as it is very loose and rocky.

 

[thorir]

Here is some pretty good info on the Smith Creek Epic:

http://www.nwsource.com/outdoors/scr/of_detail.cfm?category=biking&rt=41382

There is also a bunch of information including some alternate routes in this thread:
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=104470&highlight=smith+creek

Good luck!

-Jon

 

[themaninthewoods]

duh

Oh, duh, it's in Mountain Bike Southwest WA? I have that book. Thanks for the info guys! I'll have to do it soon. Sweeeeet.

 

[thorir]

This is definitely the nicer route back to Ape TH though.

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?p=958748&highlight=smith+creek#post958748

 

[themaninthewoods]

Thank you *very* much for the warning/suggestion on that one, thorir.

 

[Snake Muesl]

Pics from Sunday Oh Solo Mi Oh

Thought I'd share them here.

 

[Snake Muesl]

Confounded Bridge

This is definitely the nicer route back to Ape TH though.

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?p=958748&highlight=smith+creek#post958748

I looked for it on Sunday and almost went for it, probing up a two-track after I made the fun descent down from crossing the "suspension" bridge and a few hundred yards up the road; but I was pressed for time and wasn't sure so I stuck with the familiar grovelling. Is that it? Or is it before you cross the bridge?