The best MTB trails in Tillamook County

The Wilson River Trail plunges you deep into the Tillamook State Forest, offering an immersive mountain biking experience on primarily singletrack paths. You'll navigate through dense, towering forests, with the constant rush of the Wilson River as your soundtrack, and pass by impressive natural features like the Tillamook Forest Center Observation Tower and various cascading waterfalls. Expect a true wilderness feel, far removed from urban trails, where the scenery shifts from lush canopies to open slopes with distant views.

This is a difficult 20.9-mile (33.7 km) route with a substantial 4050 feet (1234 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours to complete. The trail features technical sections, rocky areas, and steep climbs, so it's best suited for intermediate to advanced riders. Riding from East to West is often considered the less strenuous option, and be mindful that wet conditions can make the trail particularly muddy and slippery.

What sets the Wilson River Trail apart is its raw, untamed character, providing a challenging yet incredibly rewarding adventure. You'll encounter impressive basalt formations and large charred snags, remnants of the forest's history, all while being surrounded by the vibrant wildlife of the coastal forest. It's an epic ride for those seeking a true test of skill and endurance amidst spectacular natural beauty.

The Lost Lake, Bloom Lake, and Spruce Creek Loop offers a deep dive into the Clatsop State Forest, immersing you in a lush coastal environment. You'll navigate through varied terrain, from the serene, crystal-clear Bloom Lake surrounded by vegetation to the more rugged sections of the Spruce Creek Run Road. Expect a true mountain biking adventure with some surprisingly steep ups and downs, and the possibility of downed limbs adding to the challenge. It's a ride that feels remote and wild, perfect for those who appreciate a raw forest experience.

This difficult 25.3-mile (40.7 km) mountain biking loop features a substantial 3520 feet (1073 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours and 12 minutes to complete. Be prepared for a demanding ride; this isn't a casual spin. As the route traverses a working forest, you should be cautious of logging operations and potential dump truck traffic on gravel roads, particularly near the Spruce Creek Run Road. Checking local conditions before you head out is always a good idea, especially regarding recent logging activity or trail closures.

This loop provides a robust experience within the Clatsop State Forest, known for its diverse plant and animal life. While the trail offers beautiful forest and lakeside views, it's important to remember you're in an active timberland. This context adds a unique dimension to the ride, reminding you of the region's economic and natural landscape. It's a great option if you're looking for a significant challenge away from more crowded trails, offering a blend of natural beauty and rugged conditions.

The Sickter Lars Loop offers a concentrated dose of technical mountain biking within the Tillamook State Forest, specifically on the Sickter Lars Trail. This singletrack route plunges you into a dense, natural forest environment, challenging you with roots, rocks, log-overs, and tight passages. It's a dynamic ride that starts with a climb before rewarding you with a fun, technical descent, making it ideal for riders who enjoy navigating natural obstacles.

Planning your ride on the Sickter Lars Loop is simple, with access directly from the Storey Burn Trailhead. This 1.6-mile (2.5 km) loop, despite its short 16-minute estimated duration, features 204 feet (62 metres) of elevation gain and is officially rated as easy, though its technical terrain suggests it's better for intermediate to advanced riders. Be sure to check your gear before heading out, as the trail demands good bike handling skills.

What sets the Sickter Lars Loop apart is its designation as a mountain-bike-only trail in the Tillamook State Forest, offering a unique, unshared experience. It's known for its one-way downhill flow and features like small drops and a chute, providing a thrilling and physically demanding ride. This trail is a great option if you're looking for advanced mountain biking trails in the area and want to test your limits on a compact, challenging route.

The Ginger Creek, Green Mountain & Wheeler Camp loop offers a truly challenging mountain biking experience deep within the Clatsop State Forest. You'll navigate a diverse landscape dominated by towering second-growth hemlock, Douglas-fir, and western red cedar, with the terrain constantly shifting beneath your wheels. This difficult 40.4-mile (65.1 km) route is a test of endurance and skill, featuring a significant 4409 feet (1344 metres) of elevation gain that will push even advanced riders.

Expect to dedicate a full day to this adventure, as the estimated 5 hours and 59 minutes of riding time doesn't account for breaks or the technical sections that may require pushing your bike. While specific trailhead parking isn't detailed, ensure you arrive prepared for a long day out. Always check local conditions before you go, especially concerning weather in the Pacific Northwest forest environment.

This loop is a prime example of advanced mountain biking trails near Wheeler Camp, offering a demanding journey through a working forest. Its sheer length and substantial climbing make it a notable route for those seeking a rigorous workout and a deep immersion in the vast, rolling mountains of the Clatsop State Forest. It's an excellent choice if you're looking for a serious physical challenge rather than technical singletrack.

The Storey Burn Trail loop from Banks offers a fantastic intermediate mountain biking experience through the regenerated Tillamook State Forest. You'll navigate predominantly singletrack, with sections ranging from smooth and fast to loamy and rooty, featuring distinctive bench-cuts and sharp turns. The trail immerses you in a lush, vibrant forest, showcasing diverse plant life and impressive old-growth stumps, especially beautiful during autumn's color display.

This moderate 15.1-mile (24.3 km) route involves a significant 2585 feet (788 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 46 minutes to complete. Expect a good workout with both short and long climbs, including a