MOUNTAIN BIKING: Goodman Creek

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Description

If you start at the parking area, follow the Hardesty Trail uphill to a signed junction at the .3 mile mark and go to the right. The trail here is smooth and rolling-climbing and descending several times along an arm of the reservoir and eventually Goodman Creek proper. After a large log bridge, the trail leaves the creek and climbs to a junction with Goodman Creek Rd. Cross the road to a small parking area and continue on the trail.<br />
If you opt for the gravel road start, climb pleasant Goodman Creek Rd. for about 3 miles to the aforementioned junction and head up the trail to the right toward Eagle's Rest. From this point onward, the trail becomes more technically challenging with plenty of rocks and roots to traverse, and a number of tough but short pitches to climb. About .5 mile short of the end of this section, you'll come upon an historic wooden shelter. Continue past the shelter to a junction with paved Eagle's Rest Rd. Don't stop here, though. The reward just up the hill across the road is well worth the additional effort.<br />
Eagle's Rest Trail climbs about 1.5 miles to the peak of this mountain with views westward toward Eugene and the Coast Range, and eastward toward Sawtooth Ridge and Mount June (both of which have MTB trails). From the peak down your reward is rich indeed: mile after mile of sometimes technical, sometimes smooth and fast singletrack through the western fringe of the Cascade Range's heavily forested woodlands. You'll pass through groves of massive old growth Douglas Firs and Red Cedars, along the banks of cool and clear Goodman Creek, and into the stuff mountain biker's dreams are made of.<br />
If you're all tuckered out on the way back down, take Goodman Creek road from the lower junction to your car. If not, get ready for the smoothest and fastest section of the trail. This reward, however, has its own price. Although it's technically downhill, it doesn't really feel like it. It consists of a number of fairly steep, moderately technical climbs followed by fast and furious downhills. <br />
The condition of this and all other trails in the area can vary greatly from season to season. The lower elevation ones should all be avoided during wet weather, and many of the higher trails are routinely blocked with fallen trees and/or snow until late spring. Expect to encounter hikers.

Directions

Follow Hwy. 58 east past Lowell to the large, soon-to-be-paved parking area just past milepost 21. This is now equipped with a vault toilet, and is the starting point for a number of excellent singletrack rides. You can either start here at the trailhead, or take Goodman Creek road upstream about 3 miles to where it intersects with the trail. I usually opt for the latter. The road begins about .2 mile back down Hwy. 58 on the south side.

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