Located in the lush foothills of Mt. Hood, Sandy Ridge Trail System offers some of the best mountain biking in the Pacific Northwest. With a mix of flowy trails, technical challenges, and breathtaking scenery, it’s a paradise for skilled riders who crave adventure and adrenaline. Whether you're into high-speed descents, tight switchbacks, or berm-packed trails, Sandy Ridge has something to test your mettle. Let’s dive into the trail highlights and what makes this network a must-ride for experienced mountain bikers.
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Trail Network Overview
Sandy Ridge is a purpose-built, mountain bike-only trail system designed with input from experienced riders and trail builders. Spanning over 15 miles of singletrack, the trails are maintained and designed for riders who appreciate a mix of flow and technical challenges. This isn't your average beginner-friendly bike park. Sandy Ridge demands skill, focus, and confidence, making it a go-to destination for intermediate and advanced riders.
Skill Level Breakdown:
- Intermediate: Riders comfortable with tighter turns, moderate drops, and moderate descents will find plenty to enjoy.
- Advanced: Expect steep sections, exposed trail edges, and technical rock gardens. Full-suspension bikes are highly recommended.
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Sandy Ridge Mountain Bike Trail Guide
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Sandy Ridge mountain biking trails
How to Get to Sandy Ridge: Parking & Directions
Goodwynns Local Favorite Trail: Hide and Seek
Intermediate | 3.1 Miles | 1,444' Descent
Hide and Seek is a fun intermediate downhill mountain biking trail that weaves its way down through the forest at Sandy Ridge. The trail is mostly buff with smooth rolling berms. There are occasional side jumps and features that more advanced riders will enjoy in addition to the high speed and flow.
Trail Report
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Common Routes and Rides
Flow Loop
Freeride Loop
Full Hide & Seek Loop
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Typical Weather & Riding Conditions
Featured Trails
1. Follow the Leader
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Length: 2.9 miles
- Trail Type: Flow with technical sections
Follow the Leader offers a mix of flowy berms and jump opportunities, combined with challenging technical rock features. The trail is relatively fast, with a consistent descent that provides ample opportunity for skilled riders to let loose. One moment you’re carving smooth turns, and the next, you’re navigating rocky outcroppings and root-covered terrain. This trail is particularly popular for its progressive features, with optional jumps and rock drops that can challenge even the most seasoned riders.
Pro Tip: The bottom third of the trail becomes increasingly technical, so be prepared to adjust your speed and line choice as you approach the final section.
2. Two Turntables and a Microwave
- Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
- Length: 1.6 miles
- Trail Type: Flow with jumps
If you're a fan of flow trails with big berms, fast rollers, and jumps, this trail is a must-ride. Two Turntables and a Microwave is a shorter trail but packs a punch. It's designed to feel like a fast, rolling rollercoaster of a ride, with several jumps and tabletops for those who want to air out. The jumps are mostly rollable, so you can enjoy the trail at your own pace if you’re not ready to catch air.
Pro Tip: Advanced riders can gain substantial speed through this trail, so keep your weight centered and let the flow carry you through the turns without braking. It’s also an excellent warm-up before tackling the more technical trails in the area.
3. Quid Pro Flow
- Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
- Length: 3.2 miles
- Trail Type: Flow with technical features
Quid Pro Flow is a classic example of a hybrid trail, mixing fast, smooth sections with more technical rocky areas. As the name suggests, it’s designed for speed, but it also throws in technical sections to keep you on your toes. The trail features a series of rolling terrain, long sweeping turns, and a couple of optional drops for those who like to test their suspension. Riders love the trail for its ability to cater to different skill levels: intermediate riders can enjoy the flow, while advanced riders will be challenged by the optional features.
Pro Tip: This trail sees a lot of action, so hitting it early in the day ensures that the berms and lines are fresh. Don’t underestimate the final descent—it’s steeper and rougher than the top section.
4. Hide and Seek
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Length: 5.0 miles
- Trail Type: Flow
One of the longest trails at Sandy Ridge, Hide and Seek is ideal for those who want a sustained descent packed with berms, rollers, and minor technical features. This trail starts smooth and gradually picks up the pace with a mix of fast flow and tight switchbacks. It’s a bit more forgiving than some of the other advanced trails, but don’t let that fool you—it still demands focus and speed control, especially in the tighter sections toward the bottom.
Pro Tip: Use this trail as a warm-up for the more technical trails. It's fast, flowy, and provides a good mix of speed and fun without too many heart-stopping moments.
5. Rock Drop
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Length: 1.4 miles
- Trail Type: Technical
As the name suggests, Rock Drop is not for the faint of heart. The trail is short but packed with some of the most technical rock features and drops that Sandy Ridge has to offer. This trail is best suited for riders who are comfortable with tight, rocky descents and big hits. Full suspension is a must, and proper line choice is critical to navigate this trail smoothly.
Pro Tip: Take it easy on your first run to scope out the best lines, especially near the large rock garden in the middle of the trail. Once you're confident, this trail rewards those who can charge through technical terrain.
Best Loops and Combos for a Full Day Ride
For those looking to link trails together for a longer session, here are a couple of popular routes:
Advanced Rider Loop
- Start: Up the Homestead Road Climb to Quid Pro Flow.
- Descend: Connect to Follow the Leader, then finish with Two Turntables and a Microwave.
- Why: This loop provides a full day of both technical and flow riding, with enough variety to challenge even the most experienced riders.
Intermediate/Advanced Rider Loop
- Start: Begin with the Homestead Road Climb and ride Hide and Seek.
- Descend: Finish with a run down Quid Pro Flow for a solid mix of fast flow and technical fun.
When to Visit and Rider Tips
- Best Time to Ride: Spring through early fall provides the best conditions at Sandy Ridge. The trails are less muddy and more predictable in the dry months, though the area does stay green year-round thanks to Oregon’s climate.
- Bike Setup: A full-suspension bike is recommended for most trails, especially if you’re tackling the advanced technical sections. Enduro bikes are a popular choice for the mix of technical and flowy terrain.
- Safety Gear: Full-face helmets and pads are common among riders tackling the more advanced trails. Some of the rock gardens and technical drops can be unforgiving.
Conclusion
Sandy Ridge offers something for every experienced rider looking for a memorable day on the trails. With a perfect blend of flow and technical riding, it caters to those who seek adventure and the thrill of fast descents. Whether you’re hitting the flowy berms or conquering rocky technical drops, Sandy Ridge will leave you hungry for more.
For those who haven’t been yet, make sure to add Sandy Ridge to your bucket list—it’s easily one of the best mountain biking destinations in the Pacific Northwest for skilled riders.
