[wickstad]

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/recreation/mtn-biking.shtml

While grazing for west side mountain trails in the north end I found this (and pretty much nothing else). Seasonal closure and snow coverage aside, does anyone have any beta on this trail? Like which direction to ride, blowdown, washout, etc. etc?

Thanks.

Forget my link. Apparently it is too long. Sorry.

 

[Borneo]

Canyon Ridge....

Couldn't find a write up on the EMBA trail wiki or here at mtbr.

Always heard it was a push, overgrown, and lots o' bugs... Not much mileage either. But, very scenic.
But, also heard that you can extend it if you know where to go. Local knowledge seems to come into play out there.

Check the ranger district for the latest reports on clearing and snow.

 

[JRA]

"This ridgeline trail receives minimal maintenance and may be difficult for bicycles, motorcycles, and horses."

The above from the trail description on the FS webpage. Also sounds like the west trailhead doesn't exist at this time. Length listed as 10.3 miles so w/ no west trailhead that would make it 20 miles of riding. Sounds like an adventure!

 

[shiggy]

Link fixed

 

[Agate]

"This ridgeline trail receives minimal maintenance and may be difficult for bicycles, motorcycles, and horses."

The above from the trail description on the FS webpage. Also sounds like the west trailhead doesn't exist at this time. Length listed as 10.3 miles so w/ no west trailhead that would make it 20 miles of riding. Sounds like an adventure!

"Trailhead Access:

West:
The west end of the trail has been reestablished. Follow Road #31 about 7.5 miles from the Mt. Baker Highway to Rd #3140. Parking is available on Rd 3140 approximately 1 mile from the end of the road at an old landing. "

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/recreation/activities/trails/mbrd_0689.htm

I remember reading that the west end was gone, but looks like that's no longer the case.

However, looks like there's issues getting up the road at all:
"06/26/2010: SNOW
Route finding and snow travel skills are needed
CONSTRUCTION CLOSURES ON CANYON CREEK RD # 31 LIMIT WEEKDAY ACCESS."

 

[Skookum]

It's primitive, lot's of huckleberry, lots of bears, steep fall line trail lots of pushing. Epic views of Baker and Shuksan. It's not a destination, but if you happen to be up on the area it would be worth checking out for giggles. i gave it a go from both sides, the East side as an out and back is in my view the best route.

 

[Monte]

i've done the complete Canyon Ridge trail from east to west, about 4-5 years ago. would i do it again? sure. but you have to remember what i like to ride (when i ride).

if you want to check it out, go from east to west as skookum says. if you're in for an adventure, do the whole enchilada from east to west. if you're any good at route finding and bush whacking you'll find the west end. from there it's a gravel road ride back to the east end. bummer is, you'll go downhill from the west trail head and end up below your car, and then have to climb the gravel road back up to the car at the east trail head.

otherwise, just go from east to west and stop at the highest point. i think there's a meadow there. the trail is on the north side of the ridge at that point, then crosses to the south side and starts the descent to the west trail head. the trail was pretty unmaintained from that point 4-5 years ago. but it's an adventure, right?

but you have to love it, as it's the only trail open to mtb in the Mt Baker Ranger District as far as i know.

 

[ebxtreme]

The Whatcom Trails Coop is talking to the USFS about adopting some sections and also rerouting some of the fall line zones. The trail's not even open 'til August for bikers anyway, so we're gonna try to get a couple of work parties posted for August and September. It's our first foray into trying to get the USFS to trust both our motivation and skills enough to let us build (or open up) more mountain bike trails along the 542. Ideally, I'll get out for a couple of hiking/gps/scouting missions this month in that beautiful country and have a good sense of what needs done.

Cheers,
EB

 

[Monte]

Ideally, I'll get out for a couple of hiking/gps/scouting missions this month in that beautiful country and have a good sense of what needs done.

give me a shout if you're hiking it. i'm not riding this season it seems, but i'd be into a good hike on this trail. be interesting to see the trail and what shape it's in. need an excuse to get off the property.

 

[Skookum]

The Whatcom Trails Coop is talking to the USFS about adopting some sections and also rerouting some of the fall line zones. The trail's not even open 'til August for bikers anyway, so we're gonna try to get a couple of work parties posted for August and September. It's our first foray into trying to get the USFS to trust both our motivation and skills enough to let us build (or open up) more mountain bike trails along the 542. Ideally, I'll get out for a couple of hiking/gps/scouting missions this month in that beautiful country and have a good sense of what needs done.

Cheers,
EB

Hope you're successful, i would proceed cautiously. i hope there is tangible value on the other side of such an effort. i.e. a reasonable amount of riding opportunity as of right now that entire region provides well below adequate access to mt. bikers. In fact i could argue from Highway 2 on up to Canada on the West side of the Cascades in total.

As far as the trail specifically, it would take some work, and the sheer scope of work would be that it would take years and years to make it a better riding experience. But the payoff of the views and the aesthetic of the ridge is a big plus.

 

[wickstad]

i've done the complete Canyon Ridge trail from east to west, about 4-5 years ago. would i do it again? sure. but you have to remember what i like to ride (when i ride).

if you want to check it out, go from east to west as skookum says. if you're in for an adventure, do the whole enchilada from east to west. if you're any good at route finding and bush whacking you'll find the west end. from there it's a gravel road ride back to the east end. bummer is, you'll go downhill from the west trail head and end up below your car, and then have to climb the gravel road back up to the car at the east trail head.

If you parked at the intersection of the two roads that would eliminate the end-of-ride road climb. Assuming there's parking there. I've never been up that road before.

 

[wickstad]

It's primitive, lot's of huckleberry, lots of bears, steep fall line trail lots of pushing. Epic views of Baker and Shuksan. It's not a destination, but if you happen to be up on the area it would be worth checking out for giggles. i gave it a go from both sides, the East side as an out and back is in my view the best route.

Sounds like a brake tester. How does the steep fall line compare to the Red Hill Loop trail? Which I thought had excessive fall line Counter Clockwise.

 

[ebxtreme]

give me a shout if you're hiking it. i'm not riding this season it seems, but i'd be into a good hike on this trail. be interesting to see the trail and what shape it's in. need an excuse to get off the property.

Hey Monte,

Absolutely will do. Might do a weeknight session or two as well.....hiking in from either direction and then hiking out with lights (if necessary).

Cheers,
EB

 

[Monte]

If you parked at the intersection of the two roads that would eliminate the end-of-ride road climb. Assuming there's parking there. I've never been up that road before.

yeah, you could park there and start the day with a road climb. i don't remember how many miles or how much elevation you'll add to the beginning, but at least you're fresh at that point.

the road down from the west trail head is steep and fast. lots of flat tire potential, i got one coming down the one time i rode the trail.

 

[Monte]

Hey Monte,

Absolutely will do. Might do a weeknight session or two as well.....hiking in from either direction and then hiking out with lights (if necessary).

Cheers,
EB

have to see how it goes for weeknights. i work 4/10's, we'd probably hit the trail head after 6 at the very earliest. but i do usually have friday off.