Icehouse Mountain Bike Trail

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Unknown

This is the first location I have seen created by the Forest Service that is specifically marked a mountain bike trail. It parallels an access road to the reservoir. The track is winding with gradual uphill most of the way out. The trail can be hard to follow if you're used to groomed singletrack. Pay attention, though, and you should be able to stay on track.

Parking is directly across the road from the trail. You can't miss the trail sign - it's on a 3'x4' Billboard facing the road.

The trail starts off with an uphill from the road. It's winding singletrack covered in loose pine needles, sticks and pine cones. The route is continuously winding, with swooping singletrack that climbs slightly more than it drops on the way out. The trail alternates between rock gardens, loamy soil surface or heavily covered in pine needles. There were a few downed trees on the trail when I rode it, but they were easy to get around. The trail eventually crosses a couple of fire roads, but signs clearly mark the trails reentry on the other side. At about mile two, you'll pass next to Strawberry Campground Trail.

At about mile 2.5, you'll come across a scenic turn-off. This viewpoint offers a great view of Icehouse. At just over mile three, you'll come to the end of the trail, which hosts a great view and an amazing spot to stop and enjoy lunch.

The whole trail can be done in less than an hour, but be prepared for the altitude, the loamy soil and other obstacles that threaten to slow your progress. This route is certainly more difficult than the average 6.5 mile groomed singletrack (hence the beginner/intermediate rating). That being said, the technical aspects of this ride are manageable by all skill levels.