Shoofly

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Once comprised of several differently named segments, the main route through Stub Stewart State Park's MTB-only area has been consolidated under the single name Shoofly. This trail can be ridden in either direction, both ways with their merits and drawbacks. It can also be connected with the other multi-use trails in the State Park, such as Hares Canyon Trail.

Starting from the north, the trail immediately forks. The path to the right is North Caddywhomper Way, which serves as a very tame doubletrack "spine" to this upper section of the MTB-only area. It's straightforward but not very fun. The singletrack to the left is the desired route, and it briefly winds through the forest before crossing the doubletrack and staying on the west side of North Caddywhomper Way for the remainder of the time.

As a rule of thumb, everything west of North Caddywhomper Way is cross country style riding. All of the trails to the east of North Caddywhomper Way are freeriding style with serious skill checkers. It's the real deal.

Shoofly shoots through the hemlock forests in some seriously fun, purpose-built singletrack. It briefly merges back onto the doubletrack, but not for very long before it rockets back off into the forest. It's pretty straightforward to follow.

After a while, the trail will begin to narrow into tight benchcut as the trail comes up to what one might call a nexus of trails. Shoofly continues down into the creek valley below. Some of the freeride trails end here, as does North Caddywhomper Way, which can be used to return to the beginning.

Shoofly steeply descends down some steep switchbacks to a creek crossing. A double-log wooden stringer bridge delivers you over Genzer Creek. On the other side, the trail climbs right back up an equally steep and equally switchback-y hillside and continues to hug some narrow benchcut as it wraps itself along the hills.

After a while, the trail mellows out into some very splendid young Douglas fir groves. This is my favorite part of the trail, because it's both beautiful and fun.

Eventually, the trail begins a long, very switchback-y descent that is a blast if you've got bike skills and stamina left. Another double-log wooden stringer bridge provides easy crossing over a large drainage surrounded by cedar trees. At the bottom, it flattens out but keeps on winding through the trees, finally crossing William's Creek via a bridge. Felling's Wedge brings you back to the Banks-Vernonia State Trail.