Parliament Trail

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

Features Drops/Jumps

This trail is close to the Hoot Trail trail-head, a short way north and on the opposite side of Hwy 20.

Parliament Trail (named after the collective noun for a group of Owls) comprises two existing trails previously known as Talon Show and Unkindness (of Ravens) - which have been reworked into a single loop starting at the top of the ridge and descending in clockwise direction through a seemingly never endless succession of small lip jumps and banked hairpins, expertly groomed by the local trail-builders.

Access is easy from the forestry trail which runs parallel to Hwy 20, although you do need to look for the small metal sign on the tree (see photo) which marks the beginning of the clockwise descent.

Note: this trail loop is meant to be ridden in the clockwise direction ONLY, not least as the jumps and lips are all designed in that [downhill] direction - while the return leg up what is essentially a ladder of tight switchbacks has been groomed specifically to make the climb easier and does not include any notable hazards or features.

However, it is not policed to that effect, and you might find a foolhardy rider (or even hiker) coming in the opposite direction - fortunately visibility is reasonably good for much of the length.

Straight away you begin a gradual but relentless descent though a series of twisting switch-back terraces cut deep into the side of the hill, adding significantly to the overall length of the trail (approx 2.9 miles in total, including the return climb).

The majority of the trail is wide enough for two bikes to pass carefully (although that should not be an issue if everyone is riding in the clockwise direction of course) - which means you typically have a choice of lines, and in turn means that a good number of the 'enhanced' natural features have optional take-offs and/or bypasses should you just want a more relaxing flowing ride rather than hucking off every lip.

The flow is close to perfect on the downhill portion, with plenty of undulations and twists and turns. While you do have a few hundred feet to climb back up each time, fortunately the 'staircase' of switchbacks is only a gradual incline which means you ought to retain enough energy for a number of downhill laps should you desire.