One of the things I’ve come to appreciate about living in Vancouver is how quickly you can escape to nature. Whether skiing in the winter or biking/hiking in the summer months, the options are plentiful and close by.
For mountain biking in particular, whether you’re a seasoned rider or someone who just bought their first mountain bike, our area has some incredible choices.
Sandy Ridge is the first spot I discovered here. Located about an hour from Vancouver, the trail system was purpose-built for mountain biking. Unlike many trail networks that evolved over time, Sandy Ridge was designed from the ground up with flow in mind. Riders pedal up a wide, paved climbing trail before choosing from a variety of downhill-only singletrack routes that range from beginner-friendly to expert-level. The system includes roughly 17 miles of trails with features for every skill level.
Personally, I liked this “one way” biking; knowing there might be someone passing me from behind, but at least no danger of a head-on collision. I enjoyed the “easy” trails and appreciated the options; more experienced/daring riders will enjoy the more challenging trails. And everyone will enjoy the free parking!
Like Sandy Ridge (a free park with plenty of free parking), Larch Mountain is a place where you can find longer descents and a bit more adventure.
Many local riders shuttle the mountain, driving to the top or arranging a ride up the network of forest roads so they can spend the day descending instead of climbing. The reward is mile after mile of forest riding, changing terrain, and some of the most peaceful scenery in the area. Compared to Sandy Ridge, Larch Mountain is less bike park, more backcountry adventure.
If you don’t have time for a full day out, one nice idea is Whipple Creek Regional Park, just north of the Felida neighborhood in Vancouver. It is a lovely spot for a forest mountain-bike ride without having to drive to the mountains. It’s a wooded park with 300 acres and a network of gravel paths and narrower dirt singletrack trails winding through the trees, over little hills, and across bridges. It’s a good choice for riders who enjoy exploring rather than taking big jumps or extreme downhill runs.
But if you DO have time for a full day out and you love the idea of extreme downhill runs, then here’s a great idea: the ski areas open for mountain biking in the summer. Head to Mt Hood and take the chair lift up and bike down. Timberline, SkiBowl, and Meadows all offer various options for summertime fun. Check out their respective websites for seasonal schedules and prices.
