Discover the Delights of the easyCLIMB Trail and the Expanding CLIMB Trail System

Nestled in the scenic landscape of Cascade Locks, Oregon, lies a fantastic network of trails catering to outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels. At the heart of this system is the easyCLIMB Trail, a gem that has paved the way for the development of the broader CLIMB Trails.

The Welcoming Embrace of the easyCLIMB Trail

The easyCLIMB Trail lives up to its name, offering a gentle and enjoyable experience for beginners, families, and anyone looking for a leisurely outing. This 3-4 mile loop, thoughtfully designed by Andy Jansky at Flowing Solutions, meanders through the forested properties of the Port of Cascade Locks and U.S. Forest Service, providing picturesque views overlooking the majestic Columbia River.

What makes the easyCLIMB Trail so special?

• Beginner-Friendly Design: With smooth, flowy singletrack, short descents, and minimal climbing, it's the perfect place for novice mountain bikers to gain confidence and skills. Hikers and trail runners also appreciate its gentle grades and well-maintained paths.
• Multi-Use Appeal: The trail welcomes a variety of users, fostering a friendly and inclusive outdoor community.
• Skill-Building Features: While easy-going, the trail incorporates features like gentle berms and skinnies, offering opportunities to practice fundamental mountain biking techniques.
• Scenic Beauty: Enjoy elevated vistas of the Columbia River Gorge and keep an eye out for bald eagles, especially during the winter months. The trail also provides access to the popular swimming spot at Government Cove.
• Community Driven: Built and maintained largely by volunteers from the Northwest Trail Alliance (NWTA), the easyCLIMB Trail embodies the spirit of collaboration and a passion for the outdoors.

The Growing Promise of the CLIMB Trails

Building upon the success and popularity of the easyCLIMB Trail, the Northwest Trail Alliance, in partnership with the Port of Cascade Locks and the U.S. Forest Service, has embarked on an exciting expansion project known as the CLIMB Trails.

Cascade Locks is blessed with stunning landscapes that many other locations lack, providing a strong foundation for an exceptional trail system. Due to the rocky composition of our soil and our lower elevation compared to many other riding areas, Cascade Locks is poised to offer a longer mountain biking season. This translates to more months throughout the year that the community can benefit from tourism revenue generated by mountain bikers.

Cascade Locks boasts fantastic riding in the spring, summer, and fall, but the CLIMB Trails' rocky composition and excellent drainage offer a distinct and unique advantage: incredible riding opportunities all winter long.

The vision for the CLIMB Trails is ambitious: to create a more extensive network of singletrack trails extending south along the Wyeth Bench. This expansion aims to offer a wider range of experiences, including intermediate and advanced trails that will challenge and excite more experienced riders while still complementing the beginner-friendly nature of the easyCLIMB Trail.

While still in development, the CLIMB Trails represent an exciting future for outdoor recreation and economic growth in the Cascade Locks area. This expansion promises to:

• Cater to a Broader Skill Range: Introduce trails with more challenging terrain, including steeper climbs, technical descents, and more intricate features.
• Increase Mileage: Significantly expand the total trail network, offering opportunities for longer and more varied rides and hikes.
• Enhance the Outdoor Destination: Position Cascade Locks as an even more attractive destination for mountain bikers and other outdoor enthusiasts in the Columbia River Gorge region, drawing visitors and their spending power to our community for an extended season.

The development of the CLIMB Trails underscores the commitment to creating sustainable and enjoyable trail systems that benefit both the local community and visitors, building on the already successful foundation of the easyCLIMB Trail.

Whether you're just starting your off-road adventures or seeking a fun and scenic loop, the easyCLIMB Trail in Cascade Locks offers a wonderful experience. And with the ongoing development of the CLIMB Trails, the future of outdoor exploration and community prosperity in this beautiful corner of Oregon looks brighter than ever.

Funding and other support for the EasyCLIMB and CLIMB trails were provided by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Experience Mt. Hood & The Gorge, the U.S. Forest Service, Travel Oregon, and the Port of Cascade Locks.

For updates to the CLIMB Trails and additional information, please visit the Cascade Locks MTB Trails Facebook page.