Black Rock Mountain - Falls City, ORPure downhill fun in an authentic Oregon logging town being transformed by Mountain Biking (but not in a nauseating way). This trail is built and maintained by the Black Rock Mountain Bike Association (BRMBA), which has more information on their web site. Getting ThereFalls City is a logging town in the Coastal Mountains of upper Oregon and is on the cutting edge of re-inventing itself around this trail and the riders who come here. It's rough around the edges and that's a good thing, because it's the real deal. Head West from Salem on Highway 22 and take Highway 223 South out of Dallas along the Western edge of the beautiful Willamette Valley. Just a few miles brings you to Falls City Road where you'll head West again into the Coast Range. In town there is one grocery store and few services, but the way to Black Rock Mountain is well marked. The Home Town Grocery has pre-ride snacks and drinks as well as post-ride beer. After stopping there, head West across the small bridge and stay right, following signs to the trail along the unpaved Black Rock Mountain Road. As the road winds upward along the banks of the Little Luckiamute River be watchful for fully loaded logging trucks careening down out of the mountains to get their harvest to market. After a couple miles, signs will steer you right onto Socialist Valley Road where you'll cross the river on a small bridge and park in a gravel lot just before the ranch sign to Camp Tapawingo. The RideBlack Rock Mountain is all about downhill fun. You don't worry about distance ridden, elevation climbed, ride time or even gel packs and hydration. Leave the heart rate monitors and cross country mind set at home and lose yourself in the pure joy of riding your bike downhill. There is truly something here for riders of all levels to enjoy, however. The key is choosing the trail among many here which suits your abilities, and you will have fun. While plenty of intimidating big-hit jumps, gaps, and ladder drops abound, I found the Banzai Trail to be the perfect blend of smooth downhill on tacky dirt with plenty of berms, small jumps and manageable ladder drops. On your way up (or down) stop off at Basic Training, which is an open area off the forest road that has an info board and trail map along with tons of log skinnies, ladder bridges, table tops and drops. Like the rest of Black Rock Mountain, there is something for all levels of riders, so it's just about choosing what is right for you and your skills. While anyone with reasonable cross country experience will enjoy the spin to the top, it is perfectly acceptable here to hoof it or even shuttle up to the top. This trail is all about going down, and the more times you can do that, the better. Everyone from teenagers to father-son duos to couples to free ride monkeys rides here. The secret is to choose a line and a speed to match your abilities and you'll be thinking about the trail for days afterwards. I promise! Where To StayDefinitely plan to stay at the Black Rock Inn (503-787-5000 or email at theblackrockinn@yahoo.com). The proprietors have established a home away from home in this clean, comfortable house across from the Fire Station and Community Center. The place is fully stocked with a large refrigerator, kitchen and cooking utensils and all the comforts of home including plush couches and cable. There's even a washing area for your bikes as well as a very large, locking storage room connected to the house for hanging bikes and gear. Falls City is on the verge of something special here. I liken the Black Rock Inn to the early trading posts or missions along the Oregon Trail of the Nineteenth Century. The pioneering proprietors are even in the process of constructing a Brick Oven Pizza restaurant in an old refurbished building right next door. While the town has no cellular service, and the inn currently lacks internet access, I rather enjoyed being disconnected here for two days while riding. Also, the town's namesake waterfalls are only a short walk from the Black Rock Inn. Video |
