Hood River’s reputation as a mountain bike destination is well deserved given the wide array of riding options available within a 30-mile radius of town. From flowy freeride descents to forested singletrack routes, the Hood River area has it all and July 9 marks the date of the second annual TRAILGATE Event to celebrate the area’s single biggest network of forested singletrack known as 44 Trails.

The 44 Trails zone is a classic singletrack trail network accessible from Forest Road 44 on the east side of the Mount Hood National Forest. The nearly 100 miles of multi-use trails accessible from the 44 Road includes area classics like the Surveyor’s Ridge, Dog River and Eightmile trails. The combined drier Eastside climate and higher elevation of the area create an ideal riding environment.

Trailgate is a day to celebrate the trail network and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow singletrack aficionados. Organized by the 44 Trails Association, a nonprofit trail stewardship group based in Hood River, in collaboration with the Mt Hood National Forest, Trailgate is free and open to the public.

The event is staged at the Billy Bob SnoPark located about 10 miles east of Highway 35 on Forest Road 44. You can also get there from the east side out of Dufur. There’s plenty of great camping available within pedaling distance of the event including the Eightmile, Knebal Springs and Fifteenmile campgrounds as well as dispersed camping options in the area.

Trailgate begins at 10am on Saturday and includes demo bikes from Hood River Bicycles (please bring your own bike as demos are limited), trail information and coffee compliments of Hood River’s Dog River Coffee. Afternoon activities include live music, barbecue and drinks (non-alcoholic – BYO other beverages) provided by Timberline Lodge and an opportunity to learn more about ongoing and future plans for trails in the 44 Zone.

David Waag is the editor and publisher of Off-Piste Magazine and a dedicated member of the 44 Trails Association.

The 44 Trails Association is a 501c3 organization directly involved with the USFS in maintaining and expanding the trail system accessible from Forest Road 44. From spring logout of blowdown to trail expansion and repair, the 44 Trails Association has been helping maintain and expand the multi-use trail network for nearly 20 years.  Read more about the 44 Trails Association.

Last modified: June 30, 2016