April 23rd, 2025: Loowit Tier Launch

Written By Gabriel Tiller

Tall, steep ridgelines separated by dense stands of towering firs dominate this landscape. Water is abundant, flowing out of jungles of prehistoric skunk cabbage and devils club at every turn. These forests were no match for the eruption of Mount Saint Helens though, and in 1980 they were laid flat, their skeletons still visible 45 years later floating in Spirit Lake. Pedaling through this lunar pumice expanse on the Plains of Abraham is an experience like no other.

In less than two weeks we’ll release the first tier of the Orogenesis route publicly: Packwood Washington to the Columbia River Gorge. We’ll be leading a group ride in early August on the Klickitat Sisters Trail, but the other 180 miles are excellent as well. Are you making plans to ride the Loowit Tier this summer?

Join us in Indian Heaven June 21-22 to clear the last remaining section of this tier before the first riders pass through in July.

At a Glance

  • Start/End: Packwood, WA to
    White Salmon, WA

  • Miles: 197

  • Elevation gain: 33,585’

  • Days: 6-8

  • Paved: 11%

  • Dirt road: 40%

  • Singletrack: 49%

  • Physical difficulty: 8/10

  • Technical difficulty: 6/10

  • Logistical difficulty: 8/10

  • Season: Mid July to October

  • Highest Point: 5,374’

  • Home of the Cowlitz, Siletz, Yakama, Klickitat, and Wishram people

Gabriel Tiller
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