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Syncline
4 reviews
4.75 of 5
The Syncline is a geologic formation -- a basaltic cliff outcropping. All the riding is on the grassy 25 degree plain above the cliff. You can climb up about 2000 ft above the river, great views abound. The locals have names for all the variety of ways back down - Little Moab, Crybaby, Coyote Cliffs,Hidden Canyon, Loosey loosey(sp?) etc. There are also several ways to go up to the west over the top of the cliffs, and back down through coyote cliffs or even across another pasture into the grassy lanes of upper Hospital Hill.
Trailhead is 3 miles east of Bingen on hwy 14, (across the river from Hood River Oregon). Park at the base of Courtney road. Ride east for 1/3 mile, around the base of the syncline cliffs and start climbing up the many zig zag trails that climb the slope on the left.
Summary: Syncline, ha more like Syn-climb! the walk up is tough... tho i think some locals do shuttle the local shop in Hood River, Or (Discovery Bikes) says its fround apon. lots of switch backs and lots of steep terrain. at the top its sigle track through a wooded area that has small rocks and low braches. its fast your in the open in no time. the single track goes down the switch backs witch some come along the cliffs! BE MINDFULL a rider has already lost a life along the cliffs here. there are small cut burms in most of the corners that are fun to roll through and keep up speed. you can follwo the switch backs to the bottom or take the line on the right to the rocks! Downhillers will eat this up and be in heaven! lots of ledges and boulders to fly down and work the suspension. xc/am bikes be careful. the area is a mix of public and private property, tho the owners are not rude its best to give them there space... tho in emergencys and just being lost they dont mind...they will even sell ya a tube for a 10bucks!
that walk up is a brute!
Recommended Route: all of the traila!
Other recommended trails in the same area: Post Canyon, across the river in oregon in Hood River. be sure to stop in at Discovery bikes for a map... you will need it!
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Summary: This trail system is the best year round ride within reach of Portland, an awesome mix of terrain, great climb, bomber downhill ranging from pine needles in the woods, wide open full speed grassland, to rocky drops and technical steeps. Great views, too. You can shuttle it if you're lazy, but then you miss the challenge of climbing it.
Recommended Route: ride up the smooth single track in the valley (think they call this mini maui), then straight up the double track to the woods (bail off on the switchback trail if it gets too steep), then through the woods to the bench at the intersection with the road. back the same way, except hit the rocky section towards the cliff (think this is called mini moab) if you are trying to do this route, keep in mind that you will almost always be going up and never get too far away from the cliff, and you won't get lost.
Other recommended trails in the same area: dog river, dalles watershed, gumjuwac trail
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Summary: As far as I can tell "Syncline" is actually the name of the cliffs you are riding on, each of the individual trails have their own name (as the ride description says). These trails are on private land so you aren't going to find maps or descriptions of them in any guide book (that I know of). That said, they are some of the best trails around, especially when it is still wet and nasty on the costal side of Mt. Hood, it is often dry at Syncline. These trails get lots of maintenance from CAMBA and probably GFRA so take care of them and avoid em if they are really wet.
As Jaybo said this area gets lots of poison oak and ticks so be prepared. Don't say we didn't warn ya.
Recommended Route: There are lots of different routes to take, but Hidden Valley is probably my favorite. It is also one of the scariest trails I know of. Super fast descent on 2" "half track" which is off camber towards the cliff side full of poison oak. Don't crash and you'll be fine. There are also some nice rocky sections which make it worth hauling your armor to the top.
There are bound to be plenty of people at the trailhead that you can ask about specific routes so don't be shy.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Hospital Hill, Post Canyon
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Summary: Great place to ride. Be careful when the oak is in bloom or you will have get hammered and hate life. Also, ticks are very common. Regardless, a great ride! Lots of rocks, technical terrain, and beautiful views. I hope this ride doesn't get closed by environmentalist concerned about damage to the trails.
Recommended Route: Up face to the farm house, take a right, and cruise along the ridge to Hidden Valley. This ride is very technical, so be careful or risk a trip to the ER.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Woop De Doo is a great ride above Hood River. Freeriders, go check out Post Canyon.
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