Buck Creek/Nestor's Peak

(772 total words in this text)
(5249 Reads)  

Status:
Trail Report as of 5/24/08 - The snow is gone!!!. I brushing the last section up to Nestor Peak and it is ready to ride... Note there are two smaller tree that need that need to be cut. If you have a handsaw and a couple extra minutes, please cut them. I would have done so, but I forgot my saw.

Over the past five weeks, I have been clearing the trail and I would consider it open.

Later this summer I will schedule a work party to make some needed improvements.

For now the trail is clear all the way down through Trail Head One and on down to (and around) the Lower Buck Creek Loop. The tread is in great shape and the downhill is stellar.

Suggested ride – From the main Buck Creek information sign near Northwestern Lake, 6 mile road ride up to Nestor Peak (stay on the main road until you see the sign for Nestor Peak). From Nestor Peak take the single track down until you reach a logging road and go right. Follow the road for 1/4 mile and take the trail on the RH side, climb for a short distance cross the main road and continue on the trail. The trail will take you around the a hill top and down a fun decent which will dump you out on the main road in front of the entrance to Trail Head One / campsite. Go through straight through the campsite and reconnect with the trail. Follow the trail into Buck Creek tributary (stay left at all intersections). When you reach the bottom, turn left and ride up the trail along Buck Creek. After several climbs and descents you will reach a metal bridge. Cross the bridge and turn right on the road and proceed a short distance until you see a 4x4 road on the left. Ride up the road ¼ mile and take the trail on the RH side (note – you will pass a trail on the left). Once you are on the trail again, it will cruse along the side of the hill and then turn into a fast descent down into the valley. Once at the bottom, ride across the road & concrete bridge and ride back up to the trail on the other side. Left turn at the trail intersection. Take the left on the first trail and exit back onto the road. Turn right and take the road back to the starting point. Total ride 16+ miles. Intermidate trail rating based on hills and some of the downhill sections.

Trail Map: http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/eng_rms_buck_ck_all.pdf

Status:
Snow upper, some downed trees -still very rideable (3/20/08 dvz)

B1300 / Penny Ridge is open but a little brushy at the top.

Updated by Ted on Friday 6/10, 2007

Type: Loop
Length: 10 - 18miles depending on route taken
Time: 2 to 3 hours
Aerobic: Strenuous
Technical: Advanced
Season: Spring/Summer/Fall
Land Status: Washington DNR

Trailhead: From Hood River, head across the river, turn left hwy 41, right onto hwy. 141 and head north for a total of 7.4 miles. Turn left towards Northwestern Lake. Proceed across bridge and past Northwestern Lake boat launch/picnic area. Good meeting area starting place is at the large trail sign located at a fourway intersection with Lake View Road & Buck Creek Rd. (15 minutes from HR)

Highlights: Lots of climbs and lots of fast and fun descent. Three trails to ride and multiple ways to ride the trail.

Keep your eyes open for wildlife. Be aware of horse riders and hikers especally on the lower Buck Creek Loop.

Note: Way finding can be a challenge. Signage is rare on these roads and trails.

Nestor Peak - Loop or shuttle

Length: 9.2 miles
Time: 2 to 3 hours
Aerobic: Strenuous!
Technical: Advanced
Season: Late spring/summer/fall
Land Status: Washington DNR

Trailhead: From Hood River, head across the river and then north on hwy. 141 for a total of 7.4 miles to Northwestern Lake Road on the left. Turn here and proceed a quarter mile or so to the picnic area at Northwestern Lake on the left. (20 minutes)

Highlights: A very tough gravel road climb rewarded by a long, moderately technical singletrack descent. You'll get some great views from Nestor Peak.

Note: This area may be periodically closed due to logging activity. Signs are rare on this loop so pay attention to the map as you complete the ride. Starting at the campground

Text from Adventure Maps, Purchase Map Here