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An adventurous loop ride to Boulder Lake via Gunsight Ridge Trail.


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Map Key

17.9

Miles

28.8

KM

65%

Singletrack

5,618' 1,712 m

High

4,025' 1,227 m

Low

2,676' 816 m

Up

2,674' 815 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

40%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

This is a great loop ride with an out and back to start and end. You'll ride through rolling terrain, and past a scenic lake.

Description

This version of the Boulder Lake Loop starts at Bennett Pass. Pedal east on USFS Road 3550 to the Gunsight Ridge Trail. Ride north on the trail, climbing to the Camp Windy connector.

Turn right here and enjoy a quick but short descent to Grasshopper Road.

Pedal east along the road to the top of Crane Creek. From here the ride drops into steep and rowdy descent through massive pine trees covered in light green moss. Although there are a couple of small drops to negotiate, this section of the route is mostly fast and straight-on downhill. About midway through, there's one quick respite before the descent transitions to a level traverse.

The trail then heads south crossing several small drainages and crossing a couple of small meadows. The forest continues to be fairly dense until reaching the intersection with Boulder Lake.

Turn right to follow the Boulder Lake Loop or stay straight to finish Crane Creek. From the intersection the route continues downhill until one last little climb to USFS Rd 4870. From the intersection with Crane Creek pedal across relatively flat trail to a bridge crossing Boulder Creek. On the other side get ready for continuous and steady climbing west toward Boulder Lake.

As you reach the shore, the grade flattens and you'll get a view through the trees. It's a beautiful spot with rocky cliffs surrounding three sides of the lake.

Get ready for more climbing as you grind your way up steep slopes above Boulder Lake. From here, the route alternates between easy and hard uphill sections while following the base of a ridge.

The final push comes after crossing some open and extended patches of scree and loose rock.

Boulder Lake Trail ends at Bonney Meadows Campground.

Stay right on Bonney Meadows Road to continue ride back to the bottom of Gunsight Ridge Trail. Stay left here to follow the route back to the beginning at Bennett Pass.

Contacts

Shared By:

Leslie Kehmeier

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 8 votes

#3187

Overall
  3.5 from 8 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
25%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#100

in Oregon

#3,187

Overall
1 Views Last Month
5,498 Since Jan 12, 2016
Difficult Difficult

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Photos

Crane Creek has plenty of loam and a few nice bits of rock.
Jan 12, 2016 near Governm…, OR
The sun peeks into a small meadow along the Crane Creek Trail.
Jan 12, 2016 near Governm…, OR
Cruising through tall, dripping green trees on the Crane Creek.
Jan 12, 2016 near Governm…, OR
The turn-off to Boulder Lake Trail while riding south on Crane Creek Trail.
Jan 12, 2016 near Governm…, OR
Crossing a scree field on Boulder Lake Trail.
Jan 12, 2016 near Governm…, OR
Boulder Lake is a scenic place to stop while riding the Boulder Lake Trail.
Jan 12, 2016 near Governm…, OR
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