Route 5 · Day ride

Laurance Lake & Bear Creek Loop

From the orchards of Parkdale up to a quiet reservoir under Mt. Hood's north side.

Stylized preview map: Laurance Lake & Bear Creek LoopLoop from Parkdale up past Laurance Lake to a high point on the mountain's north side and back. Simplified line; exact roads not shown.Mt. HoodParkdaleLaurance Lake~4,000 ftlong forest descentNStylized preview, not to scale. Not for navigation.
Start & finishPass or high pointThe exact route and meeting point are shared after you book.
Mt. Hood above a quiet road through young forest on the north side of the mountain
The ride

What to expect

A rugged loop from the small town of Parkdale. Valley roads lead up past orchards to Laurance Lake, tucked beneath the north side of Mt. Hood, before rougher, remote forest roads climb to the ride's high point and a long descent back into the valley.

  • Laurance Lake, a quiet reservoir with big north-side views of Mt. Hood
  • Orchards and farm country in the upper Hood River Valley
  • Rough, remote forest roads for riders who like an adventure
  • A long descent back to Parkdale to finish
Good to know

Before you go

  • Starts and finishes in Parkdale, in the upper Hood River Valley
  • Paved valley roads to the lake, then rough gravel and dirt forest roads; wider tires recommended
  • The high point is around 4,000 ft, about 2,400 ft above town
  • Pairs with the Lolo Pass & Lost Lake overnight for a Parkdale-based weekend
  • Bring your own food and water. Your guide carries extra water, food and a filter for emergencies

Elevation

1,000 ft2,000 ft3,000 ft4,000 ft0 mi22 mi

Routes are proposed under our pending special use permit application with the USDA Forest Service, Mt. Hood National Forest, and may change before the 2027 season.

All routes