For the past few years a few of us have gotten together for an annual October run to Evans Creek, OktoberFest. Usually the weather sucks, the camping is miserable, and the trails are sloppy. Somehow we find enjoyment in this scenario.
This year October kind of snuck up on me, and this became a last minute kind of run. Instead of Evans Creek, there was some interest in checking out Elbe Hills instead. So a day trip to Elbe for OktoberFest was organized.
Coming from the south end, Gresham Boyz, Nick and Scott, met up with me in Woodland, 0700 , Saturday morning. Hit the road with the signs of some good weather on the horizon.
The drive up was an easy two-hours. Not really that much further than our usual stomping ground, TSF. Elbe Hills though is located on state land, meaning you'll need a Discover Pass to run the trails, or park a vehicle at the staging area. Welcome to Washington.
It's not a huge area, but the "quality" trails definitely make up for it.
We got there shortly before 0900, and took our time unloading.
Eventually Josh (the_wierdo), and Joe (josefxj97) rolled in as well. While BS'ing in the staging area, Jake (northwestxj), a buddy in a Sami, and Bogden in his clean late model also pulled in. Nobody really had a plan, so we figured we'd all roll out together.
Bogden running an optional line on Mainline.
Scott.
Josh.
Elbe is full of nasty bonus lines. Jake trying to blaze his way up one.
Bogden getting some.
Trees and roots are the norm at Elbe. Jake even has raised boat-sides.
We've had some pretty dry weather lately, and the trails still had some pretty deep holes on them. I had NWF flashbacks all over again.
Watch out for the stray stumps they fight back.
We continued on down Alder Loop. Joe, Josh, Scott, and myself eventually split ways to cover some more ground. Mt. Rainier came into view from Gotcha.
One of the highlights of Elbe, the log course.
This year October kind of snuck up on me, and this became a last minute kind of run. Instead of Evans Creek, there was some interest in checking out Elbe Hills instead. So a day trip to Elbe for OktoberFest was organized.
Coming from the south end, Gresham Boyz, Nick and Scott, met up with me in Woodland, 0700 , Saturday morning. Hit the road with the signs of some good weather on the horizon.
The drive up was an easy two-hours. Not really that much further than our usual stomping ground, TSF. Elbe Hills though is located on state land, meaning you'll need a Discover Pass to run the trails, or park a vehicle at the staging area. Welcome to Washington.
It's not a huge area, but the "quality" trails definitely make up for it.
We got there shortly before 0900, and took our time unloading.
Eventually Josh (the_wierdo), and Joe (josefxj97) rolled in as well. While BS'ing in the staging area, Jake (northwestxj), a buddy in a Sami, and Bogden in his clean late model also pulled in. Nobody really had a plan, so we figured we'd all roll out together.
Bogden running an optional line on Mainline.
Scott.
Josh.
Elbe is full of nasty bonus lines. Jake trying to blaze his way up one.
Bogden getting some.
Trees and roots are the norm at Elbe. Jake even has raised boat-sides.
We've had some pretty dry weather lately, and the trails still had some pretty deep holes on them. I had NWF flashbacks all over again.
Watch out for the stray stumps they fight back.
We continued on down Alder Loop. Joe, Josh, Scott, and myself eventually split ways to cover some more ground. Mt. Rainier came into view from Gotcha.
One of the highlights of Elbe, the log course.
