Cook and Green Trail

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

Cook and Green offers some great views and incredible deep canyon forest narrow singletrack! Dropping in from Cook and Green pass, the trail starts out flowing in and out of forest and open brush fields at high speed with a few turns to make it interesting. The trail then switches back and heads toward cook and green creek narrowing up the tread but increasing the flow factor.

Once in the drainage, the trail becomes rooty and rocky but never too technical. Then, after a creek crossing, the trail turns into a super fun fast and flat cruise. If you hammer the pedals, the trail has subtle ups and downs that can be pumped to maintain momentum.

Trail can be almost seam virgin like due to being so remote, very few if any braking bumps, almost no hikers to deal with.

The final 3-4 miles opens up and the speed increases substantially with a few shale sections and some good exposure to add a little pucker factor.

Not for beginners, this is a somewhat advanced ' intermediate' very narrow very remote trail, no cell service of any kind for many miles.

There is great dispersed camping along the Applegate river above the lake on the way to the trailhead.

GPS is really helpful. Watch for downed trees! Due to being so remote, C&G does not get much trail work attention. Intermediate and newer riders should watch for overhanging limbs and narrow gaps between fallen saw-cut trees. There are many very small creek bottom crossings that beginner riders should dismount and walk over. The lower 3rd has some shale rock gardens and a sharp switchback that surprises even the best riders.

Cook and Green can be ridden multiple ways. The first and easiest (fitness-wise) option is to shuttle to Cook and Green pass via the 1055 rode. This makes for a long shuttle, but definitely worth it.

The next option is to make a loop ride by riding up the 1055 Rd. and then bombing down the trail. The best way is to park at the Seattle Bar day use area at the end of the lake and ride up the 1050 to the 1055 down the trail. This makes for a long grinding climb, so make sure you bring plenty of water and food. The loop is approximately 21 miles with close to 3000 feet of climbing.

The final option is a simple out and back on the trail which can be a good option in the early season to scout the trail before you rip down. This is a backcountry trail that has been neglected for quite of few years so beware of the encroaching brush and any down logs.

RVMBA and the MRA have been working to complete maintenance on the trail and hope to have it cleared by summer 2013.