Frog Lake Bikepacking Overnighter
I have been feeling a void recently. In need of a little adventure. I have had thoughts of an overnight bike trip for months, even when living in Santa Barbara half a year ago. I finally decided it was time to make it happen.
I did some research, found a route, packed my bags, strapped them to my bike, drove for the Mt. Hood foothills, and took off with my camera slung around my back. I found myself slightly in over my head, but it was exactly what I needed and I was stoked the entire time. There’s nothing more free feeling than biking through the forest on quiet paths and trails with all your belongings strapped to your bike. Maybe backpacking, but I prefer the mechanical advantage of gears and two wheels. It’s much more interesting, and fun, in my humble opinion.
On my journey I found heat, solitude, slight dehydration, levels of hunger I hope to not frequent, long dreamy gravel descents and equally long sweaty ascents. I found the complete focus required of riding single track, and what worked on my rig and what didn’t. I found new flavor combinations in a burrito. I found the loveliest swimming holes for a hot Oregon summers day, and a couple through hikers nearing their northern terminus on the PCT. I found exhaustion and exhilaration.
I find myself getting caught up in the details and logistics of planning things and making excuses not to do them. But more often than not, hell, I think every time I just get out there, I never regret it. So enjoy my moments I did my best to capture, and I hope it can serve as inspiration to get out there.
5 minutes out of the parking lot was the first gravel road, with lots of fallen trees requiring some shouldering of the bike.
Clear Lake, the first stop to plash some water on my face.
Lots of pretty single and 2-track
Temps were hotter than expected, reaching the 90's
Ice cold water refill, but had to work for it.
Rig appreciation:
Salsa Anything Cage pre-falling off my bike on a single track trail
This section of the route joined the PCT which required walking the bike. Was a bit narrow anyway.
Little Crater Lake, Ice cold crystal clear water 45 feet deep.
Where the bike trail and PCT diverge
Shortly after my Salsa Cage (yellow bag) fell off my bike, my seat bag also fell off. Luckily nothing serious broke and I could continue.
A well earned swim in Timothy Lake after setting up camp.
Wanted to get further, but my butt was kicked. I stopped at the first campground around Timothy Lake. Turns out I was not eating and rushing all day for nothing, as there was plenty of room in the campground. I was the only one in the walk-in sites.
Pacific Northwest evening views are a dreamy thing.
The vibe at camp.
refried beans, cheese, and Patagonia Provisions Wild Salmon burrito for first dinner
Peanut butter ramen with a pack of tuna for second dinner.
De-cappin’ the night cap.
Day 2
Day 2 felt like mostly up hill all day. Still some fun descents, but in general it’s a big climb back up to Frog Lake. But I was now well rested, well fueled, and well hydrated and was ready for it. The single track around the south and west side of Timothy Lake had some gorgeous views of the lake and Mt. Hood. Saw a couple fellow cyclists, hikers, and a couple horses on trail.
Single track around south Timothy Lake
Mt. Hood over Timothy Lake
Up up & up.
Necessary dip before leaving Timothy Lake.
Back to the highway.
Last photo of my bike laying in the road.
One final dip in Frog Lake before getting back to the parking lot.
A special thanks for bikepacking.com for sharing these excellent routes all over the country and making bikepacking that much more accessible. Special thanks to Molly Sugar for contributing this route for all to enjoy. Route details and the GPX file can be found here.
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