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Big Red
1 reviews
4 of 5
The idea is to conjoin Capitol Forest''s two major Red trails, namely, Molly-Porter #3 and North Rim #1, end-to-end, from either terminus (vic. Porter Creek CG or above old Bordeaux CG, end of Noschka Rd.), or at number of points in between. A good route proceeds from Porter Creek CG, following North Rim #1 out to and up Rock Candy East, down towards old Bordeaux, until it joins Molly-Porter #3 for the return leg, up and over. This route (CW) puts the more difficult section up front but is a tough ride nonetheless, comprising over 40 miles and more than 8000 feet of accumulated gain, and should only be attempted by strong riders already well familiar with Capitol Forest. Plan 6-9 hours. Most riders will need to carry the DNR map.
From the town of Porter, along Highway 12 (accessed via I5 or HW 8 near Elma), follow the signs into Capitol Forest (Porter Creek Entrance)and Porter Creek CG. A little beyond the campground bear right along the B-1000 road until you pass a trail entrance on your left. Park here. Use your map for the remainder. You'll want to go left at the access trail's first T-intersection (heading for Rock Candy). This point describes the loop, as you'll be returning from the other direction.
http://www.dnr.wa.gov/dataandmaps/maps/images/cap_forest_map.gif
Summary: Anyone who studies the DNR map carefully and understands the logic of the Capitol Forest trail system will appreciate that this ride has an abstract quality. That is, it's an obvious loop (sort of), judging from the map anyway, but one which is likely to be dismissed as too long or impractical for most riders. It certainly isn't a ride for every day or for every rider. But if you count yourself as a Capitol veteran, or one of the peculiar few who ride in Capitol regularly, year round -- or one who simply wishes to challenge their mountain biking stamina -- then this is certainly a must-do candidate, and one which -- like its Big Green sibling, along with the more ambitious Outer Limits -- puts real flesh on Capitol Forest's much under-publicized possibilities. So, don't delay (as I did for years), shovel down a big omelette at Farm Boy, throw a leg over, and git er done!
Besides all that, this happens to be a fabulous, fun route! If you were hoping here for a better description of the trail itself, well, that suggests that a little more of Capitol in smaller doses first might be a good idea. That way you'll know exactly what to expect (and won't be able to blame me ;-)
Recommended Route: As posted.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Big Green (Mean Green), Outer Limits
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