Climbing
The first mile passes quickly along gently rolling terrain. This easy going lasts until just past the first road crossing (GM-41) where the trail noticeably steepens. The climbs can be tough but are manageable. Ahead, a craggy rock face will force most riders to dismount, but you'll be able to reclaim some climbing dignity at the attainable rock face directly afterward.
The trail levels off briefly before diving, crossing the road, and reaching a bridge. On the other side the climb continues. Fortunately, occasional level sections provide breaks from the grind, though obstacles still dot the trail.
Two road crossings pass by before the intersection with the
Beaver Pond Trail. Drop your seat and enjoy a brief descent before returning to the climbing along a well-benched, gravelly section. Except for a punchy rock climb, the next 3/4 mile of pedaling is quite easy.
At the next clearcut, riders are greeted by a broad view of Seattle and Mt. Rainer. Traveling along the edge of this clearcut is undemanding until the tech and chunk make a return during a brief descent. Head right on the road (GM-17) before heading into the woods for a pleasant climb.
Very soon, pop back on the road before entering a replanted forest. This gravelly section isn't very technical, but the grade will make you work as it follows an entrenched channel. A final road-crossing skirts the edge of a clearcut before the trail ends by intersecting the
Vista Trail and
Gold Creek Trail.
Descending
The descents are marked by fast and loose sections interrupted by occasional climbs. Keep your speed in check as this is a popular trail with limited sight lines.
From the top, begin with an entrenched bobsled run through a replanted forest, this flows effortlessly into a smooth section of lush forest that ends at a road crossing. Up next, the longest section of climbing heads toward the top of a clearcut with nice views. Most of the climb is manageable, but a few spots make it difficult to clean.
The pedal around the edge is easy and soon riders will be ripping down a wide, somewhat gravely, track. A short climb passes the
Beaver Pond Trail before the descent returns in earnest. Settle in for loose corners and fast straightaways on another raucous bobsled course. There's an optional harsh drop from the first road (scope it first). A final climb after the bridge serves up a fast descent with rock rolls before the final mile of rolling terrain.
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