Buck Creek Trail

Submitted Mon, 04/13/2009 - 7:55pm by Ted

Last weekend a group of volunteers finished opening one sections of the Buck Creek trail.  With the exception of a short hike-a-bike through the remaining snow at Nestor Peak, the trail is open from Nestor Peak all the way down to the Buck Creek Valley. Which makes for a 12-14 mile ride

FYI ~ Here is how I like to ride this trail.  I park at the main Buck Creek sign at the four way intersection, where the pavement ends (near Northwestern Lake).  Then I proceed with a 6 mile dirt road ride to the top of Nestor Peak along N1000, Eventually the trail crosses the road near Whistling Ridge,  I turn right on the trail and climb up to Nestor Peak and down the other side all the way down to the bottom of Buck Creek. At the bottom I turn left and do the Lower Buck Creek Loop and finish with a short road ride to the car.  It sounds like a great shuttle ride, but it isn't.  There is a lot of climbing throughout the ride and setting up the shuttle takes twice as long as just riding the road. 

For those looking to ride this in the future you might note five things:·       

  • Total elevation gain for the ride is 3700+ ft.
  • Total Mileage is 17-18 miles. Plus there is the option of doing more miles on Penny Ridge as an out and back (not discribed here)
  • To get to the top of Nestor Peak is a 1 to 1.5 hr dirt road ride (approx. 6 miles), but the view from Nestor is worth it.
  • The down hill ride is via an exceptionally fun single track that will make you giggle. 
  • Always be on the look out for horse riders and share the trail respectfully

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

Trail Report (post work party) as of 4/11/09 ~ 

The top of Nestor Peak still has snow, but is passable via a hike-a-bike.The trail is now clear and from the upper elevations (just below Nestor Peak) all the way down into the Buck Creek Valley.  Then as you start the climb up the Lower Buck Creek Loop, there is a half mile of trail is blocked by 30+ downed trees.  After that, the trail is clear for the remainder of the loop.  I have made contact with DNR asking for help to remove these large trees.  In addition, part of the Lower Buck Creek Loop was disrupted last year by waterline repair by the City of White Salmon, but it is now open.  Once the city confirms that their work is done we will finish dressing up the trail again.  The rest of the loop is open and in fair shape. 

I will organize our annual group mtn bike ride later this year after DNR removes the trees from the Lower Buck Creek Loop. 

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped.  The trail would still be impassable if it where not for people donating their time to help.

Will want to check this out

by cheddarshredder - 2009-05-14 09:02

When the wind forcast is favorable, I will be out in the gorge more.  I would like to check this trail out when the wind forcast peters out :) 

Buck Creek Trail Update - Lower loop is open

by Ted - 2009-06-28 16:21

1) Lower Buck Creek Loop is now open 

2) Suggested ride 

As of Saturday, an additional section of the Buck Creek Trail was reopened.  The downed trees that blocked the Lower Buck Creek Loop have been removed.  This section recently was impacted by the City of White Salmon waterline repair and the work appears to be done.  Once the city “officially” confirms they are done will do some fine-tuning of the trail.  But for now, their equipment is gone and the trail is open. 

Suggested Ride:

Buck Creek is about cardio fitness with 3800 ft. elevation gain over 18 miles. 

Skill Level: Intermediate 

Start with a road ride (N-1000) up to Nestor Peak (6 miles of spinning/cardio training).  Near the top, there is a single-track climb that takes you to the top of Nestor.  From Nestor Peak the single track is a fast and fun ride down (i.e. the reward for the climb).  The trail will take you through Trail Head One/camp and continues down to the bottom of the valley.  At the bottom, go left and start up Lower Buck Creek Loop.  The Loop is great cross-country riding with climbs, descents, views of Buck Creek and shade on a hot day.  

Caution:·       

Way finding can be a challenge so take a map. FYI - I have posted directional bike signs for the ride listed above.·       

Other trail users include horse riders and hikers.  Please yield the trail and say hi.  To be less threatening when encountering a horse, talk to the horse and try to be downhill. 

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

Detailed directions:

From Hood River cross the bridge to Washington.  Turn left onto Hwy 14, Drive a couple miles, Turn right onto Hwy 141 connector road and proceed north.  At the road merge with Hwy 141 go left and proceed north. Drive about 2 miles. Turn left at the sign for Northwestern Lake. Follow road down the hill & cross the bridge. The meeting place is at the large trail map located at the 4-way intersection w/ Lakeview Rd.     

Please remember to sign in at the trailheads.  DNR spends money on trails based of number users.  More users equal more money for the trail.

See you on the trail!  - Ted D