Gifford Pinchot
Four Days biking in the Shadow of Mount Saint Helens
2026 trip: July 30 - August 2
Custom dates available
The Gifford Pinchot National Forest sits in the blast zone of Mt. St. Helens and the riding out here carries that same raw energy.
It's volcanic rock, old-growth pockets, and technical trail
Long, technical, and far enough from anything that you have no choice but to be completely present. Four days, private shuttle, experienced guide. You just show up ready to ride.
The Best Lines in the Forest, Back to Back
Four days of guided, shuttled riding through some of the most beautiful and remote singletrack in Washington, linked together the way only TCE knows how.
Your Only Job Is to Show Up and Ride
The Gifford Pinchot is one of the most remarkable forests in the Pacific Northwest and home of the 2018 and 2019 Trans-Cascadia Multi Day Race. This trip puts you on those same trails, guided, shuttled, and built around the routes that made this place famous.
Gifford Pinchot MTB Itinerary
First Ride Day
We recommend arriving at Green River Horse Camp the day prior to get camp set up and your gear dialed. Day 1 is a ride day.
We’ll meet in the morning, get organized, and roll straight into the first zone. This is your introduction to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest—raw terrain, deeper backcountry feel, and trails that ride very differently than Oakridge.
The guide will set the tone for the week, building the day around current conditions, access, and the group.
First Big Shuttle Day
Morning coffee, gear check, and we’re loading up.
The Gifford rides differently—more geological, more exposed, and a bit more demanding. Expect long descents through a mix of old-growth forest and volcanic blast-zone terrain, with views that open up in a way Oakridge doesn’t.
This is a full day in the backcountry. Riders should be fully self-supported with food, hydration, and ride essentials.
Backcountry Lines
By now, the terrain starts to make sense.
Day three builds on the zones that define this place—natural trail, minimal traffic, and a rhythm that rewards good decision-making and strong riding. Your guide will link together descents you wouldn’t find on your own, with options to push for additional laps if the group is feeling good.
Another full day. Come prepared to manage your own fuel and pace.
Full Day Finale
One more full day in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
By now, the group is moving well, and the terrain makes sense. This is where the guide puts a bow on the week—linking together the best riding based on how the trip has unfolded, current conditions, and what the group has left in the tank.
Expect another complete day of shuttle-supported riding—big descents, remote zones, and a proper finish to four days in the backcountry.
Back to camp in the afternoon. Riders can break down and hit the road, or stay another night and take it slow after a full week on the bike. The Green River is right there if you want to cool off and reset before heading out.
ANGEL'S STAIRCASE
Home to high-alpine epics like Angel’s Staircase, with steep climbs, breathtaking views, and technical descents, and Foggy Dew Ridge, featuring lush meadows and sweeping ridge drops.
CHELAN MOUNTAINS
Home to rugged backcountry rides in the Wenatchee National Forest, with the Chelan Mountains’ south aspect offering alpine descents and the north aspect featuring massive drops from Stormy Mountain to Lake Chelan.
DARK DIVIDE & GOAT MOUNTAIN
Home to legendary day trips in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, featuring the Dark Divide’s rugged alpine routes, Lewis River Headwaters’ smooth canyon rides, Strawberry's amazing views, Jumbo Peak’s high ridgeline descents, and Juniper Ridge’s wild, fast-flowing traverses.
BASE TRIP INCLUDES
- Private shuttle service from Green River Horse Camp
- Experienced TCE trail guide
- Full 4-day ride itinerary built around best current conditions
- Water on board (Bring own food, snacks)
- Pointers on camping + lodging nearby
COME PREPARED WITH
- Your own bike (rentals available with advanced notice)
- All riding gear, helmets, pads
- Food and snacks for each ride day
- Camping or lodging arranged independently
- A solid fitness base for big, fun mountain days
Gifford Pinchot Trails
Click around on the map for more information.
Go PRIVATE and ride The Gifford on your terms
Want a private trip in one of the most unique mountain bike landscapes in the Pacific Northwest? TCE builds custom Gifford Pinchot trips for groups who want to pick their own dates and ride on their own terms. Dedicated guide, full shuttle support, flexible add-ons. Reach out with your group size and availability — we’ll handle the rest.
popular trip add-ons:
- Gourmet Chef-Prepared Meals
- Deluxe Lodging
- Extra Shuttle Support
- Mobile Sauna + cold plunge
- fly fishing, paddle boarding
- extra guides
- Solar Showers & Wash Station
- celebration set-up
- professional photography