Bikecamping to Trillium Lake with Friends on Bikes in Welches, OR

RSVP for Friends on Bikes Bikecamping to Trillium Lake – August 24-25, 2024

RSVP to attend the Friends on Bikes bikepacking trip to Trillium Lake in Mt. Hood National Forest from Saturday, August 24, to Sunday, August 25. This is a 34-mile out-and-back, no-drop intermediate ride with one night of camping. Participants will ride from Welches, OR, to Trillium Lake through Mt. Hood National Forest, on a mix of gravel, pavement, and optional singletrack. Space is limited to 9 people to ensure a fun and safe experience. Once capacity is reached, additional signees will be placed on a waitlist. For any questions, please email [email protected].

Who this trip is for: This trip is reserved for Black, Indigenous, and people of color who are women, trans, and/or gender non-conforming.

Time: Meet at Welches Elementary School parking lot at 9 AM on Saturday, August 24, and return to Portland late afternoon on Sunday, August 25.

Route: The ride will follow a mix of gravel and paved roads through Mt. Hood National Forest. The group will bike approximately 17 miles to camp by Trillium Lake, set up camp, and make dinner. There is an option to explore the singletrack around Trillium Lake. The full route (excluding additional riding around Trillium Lake) is 34 miles with an elevation gain of +2,907 ft. Route link.

Bike: A touring bike, cross bike, gravel bike, or mountain bike is recommended, with tires of at least 34c. If tires are not tubeless, carrying extra tubes is required.

Gear: Participants should bring sleeping bags, a tent, cooking gear, clothes for sleeping and riding, bike lights, snacks, and food. Riders must carry all their camp supplies (food, water, shelter, tools). If camping and/or cycling gear is needed, please let the organizers know, and they will try to provide the necessary equipment. Some bike bags may be available through the FOB gear library, thanks to River City Bicycles.

Food: Bring two lunches, one dinner, one breakfast, snacks, and plenty of water or a water filter. A group water filter will be available at camp if needed.

Camping: The group will camp at either a car campsite or a dispersed camping spot adjacent to Trillium Lake.

Carpooling: Carpooling is highly encouraged, with the drive taking approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes from Portland. The final RSVP list will receive information about carpooling. Adventure Cycling will cover the cost of gas for drivers.

Weather: Prepare for temperatures in the high 60s to 70s during the day and low 50s at night, with a possibility of temperatures reaching up to 90 degrees. The ride will be postponed in case of heavy rain, high wind, or unsafe air quality.

First-timer considerations: First-time bikepackers must attend a shakeout ride before the trip to test their gear and bike on gravel. Those who have been bikepacking but want to test new gear or are riding with a loaded bike on gravel for the first time are also highly encouraged to attend. The final RSVP list will receive information about the shakeout ride, including a survey to determine a suitable date and time. The ride will likely cover a few miles and take place in Portland, OR.

RSVP here!