At just 34 miles from Portland, L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park is one of the closest mountain biking areas to the metro area. Most of Stub's trail system is single use, developed and built through a partnership between the park and local mountain biking associations. The result is a bike friendly park with onsite pumps, toolkits and bike wash stations, and a growing network of high-quality freeride and cross-country trails. That's right, there is a sanctioned freeride section with jumps, drops and a wallride. Don't worry if you're the type that prefers to keep the tires on the dirt; the stunts are on specific trails with clear signage, and they all have b-lines in case you have second thoughts.
This loop ties together some of the best trails in the park. Park at the visitor center and ride uphill on the main road, past the two Dairy Creek Campground loops to the Hilltop Day Use Area. If you prefer to keep off the pavement, you can follow Widow Maker Way or Boomscooter Trail to Hilltop, although some creative route finding may be necessary.
Get onto Caddywhomper at the north end of Hilltop parking. After almost a mile, cross through the wooden gate at the map kiosk and take North Caddywhomper to Rise and Shine. At the top of Rise and Shine are the two freeride trails. Warm up on Greenhorn with tight berms and small jumps. Return to the top via Rinse and Repeat, and this time test your skills on Drip Torch with more tight berms, bigger jumps, a wallride, drops, and a trail gap. After getting your fill of the freeride hill, take Link'n Pin to Lokie's Lollipop and Bailing Wire. The trail ends at a bridge over Williams Creek. Pedal a short way up Fellings Wedge and you emerge on the paved Banks Vernonia Rail Trail. Turn right and enjoy the scenery on your way back to the visitor center.
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