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FEATURED
MAP
Mountain Biking Greater Portland and Mt. Hood National Forest
is produced by Fat Tire Publications, and is an excellent source for
mountain biking opportunities around the Portland area.
This map is actually eleven seperate maps with a over view Ride Finder
map. Each individual map is a black and white topographic map with
the bike route printed in red. It contains segment and complete route
mileage; directions to get to the trailhead; route difficulty; and a brief
summary of the route.
The map is published on water and tear resistant Polyart.
The following is quoted from the map:
"Keep in mind the limitations of this guide. Every effort was
made to make the maps easy to read and accurate, however, interpreting
information from elevation gradients, mileage figures, symbols and text
is important to receiving the full benefit of the guide."
It looks like the publishers have a good product in this map. Order
yours for $6.95 from Compass Mentus today.(Select the Maps from other Sources
category or Search for Mountain Biking)
HIKE
OF THE MONTH
A different BLUE LAKE TRAIL
Normally when you mention the Blue Lake trail in the Gifford Pinchot
NF you think of the Blue Lake Horse Trail next to Goat Mt., however,
I just finished hiking the trail to Blue Lake located East of Mt. St. Helens
and just south of Craggy Peak Trail #3.
To reach this trail go to Forest road 9331 which is located about a
half mile past the intersection of Forest Road 9300 and Wright Meadows
Trail 80. Unfortunately the 9331 road is gated so you will need to
hike the extra distance (about 3 miles). The trail is less than a
mile long and is fairly easy to hike. It goes through a magnificent
old growth forest and Blue Lake is one of the most beautiful in the Forest.
The fishing is very good and there are a number of campsites located
around the lake.
I haven't yet found a good map that shows the trail, however 50
Old Growth Hikes in the Southern Washington Cascades map shows
the lake and the forest roads that access it. The Mt. St. Helens
National Volcanic Monument Ranger District map also covers the
area. You can order
either one through our secure online order system, search on any of the
key words in the above maps.