Post Canyon loop

You'll find several staging areas in Post Canyon. A popular starting point is near the Family Man Staging Area. Remember, a Hood River County Forest Parking Pass is required to park at these locations. You can purchase passes online or at local bike shops in Hood River.

While there isn't a specific entrance fee for the trails themselves, you do need a Hood River County Forest Parking Pass if you plan to park at any of the designated staging areas. This pass helps support trail maintenance and access.

The Post Canyon trail system generally allows dogs, but they should always be kept under control. It's best practice to keep them on a leash, especially given the high-speed nature of many trails and the presence of other riders.

The best time to ride is typically from spring through fall. Thanks to its lower elevation and location east of the Cascades, Post Canyon often opens earlier in the spring and stays rideable later into the fall compared to other trails in the region. Autumn offers particularly vibrant colors.

This specific loop is designed to take around 1 hour and 41 minutes to complete, covering approximately 15.5 kilometers. Your actual time may vary depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views or features.

The terrain is diverse, primarily consisting of loamy dirt and roots, typical of Oregon's forested trails. You'll experience a mix of sustained climbs and buttery-smooth, high-speed descents. The area is famous for its flow trails, featuring berms, rollers, and optional jumps, especially on trails like Grand Prix and Bad Motor Scooter.

Yes, as you climb, particularly on trails like Upper 8-Track, you can break out of the dense forest into more exposed areas. From higher vantage points, such as trails like Remix, you can catch incredible views of Mount Hood and the Hood River Valley on clear days. The route also passes by the Family Man Bike Skills Park, which is a great spot for skill building.

Yes, this route is part of the extensive Post Canyon network and intersects with many other trails. You'll ride sections of Remix, Seven Streams 100, Lower 8 Track (150), Lower El Dorado, and Upper 8 Track (150), among others, offering a great taste of the system's variety.

This particular loop is rated as difficult and is generally considered intermediate to advanced due to sustained climbing and high-speed descents. However, the wider Post Canyon network does offer beginner-friendly options, especially around the Family Man Bike Skills Park, which has skill-building areas and beginner loops.

Post Canyon is known for its 'flow' trails, so focus on pumping and cornering to maximize the fun on descents. Many man-made obstacles like jumps have ride-around options, so you can choose your comfort level. Also, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (early spring or late fall) for potentially fewer crowds and excellent trail conditions.

Absolutely! While this specific loop is more challenging, the Post Canyon trail system is very family-friendly. The Family Man Bike Skills Park is an excellent resource, offering a pump track, skill-building areas, and easier loops perfect for less experienced riders and children to develop their mountain biking skills.