This loop is intense! There are epic views, epic downhills, and punishing, thigh cramping climbs that seem to last forever. The highlights of this loop are definitely the two 1000 foot descents, espec
This loop is intense! There are epic views, epic downhills, and punishing, thigh cramping climbs that seem to last forever. The highlights of this loop are definitely the two 1000 foot descents, especially the second switchback descent down to hidden falls, a difficult to access gem of a waterfall that seems to exist solely to comfort you and tell you that the worst climbs are mostly over. Mostly.
Locals typically only ride this entire loop once or twice per year, preferring to combine sections of it with other trails in the area for less epic rides.
It is strongly recommended that this be ridden counter-clockwise if one wishes to ride the entire loop. Keep in mind that equestrians use the trail heavily during the summer months, but typically in the areas near Rock Creek Campground. The equestrians typically ride clockwise, so, along with other reasons which will be discussed, this is another reason to ride counter clockwise.
The climbs on this trail are intense, and in the summer months it is not uncommon to find yourself with an empty hydration pack less than halfway through. Bring a water filter and fill up at Rock Creek Falls.
The switchbacks from the second summit down to Hidden Falls are slippery.
Watch out for horses on the descent from the Tarbell day use area down to Rock Creek Campground. It’s a horse camp. There are going to be horses on the nearby trails. Don’t spook people’s horses. Be nice.
How to Find It
This one's not hidden. It starts at the Rock Creek Campground.
Typical Conditions
Higher elevations may have snow on them into early June. This trail runs through a lot of clearcuts, which means a lot of carwashes and blowdown.
Local Points of Interest
Moulton Falls State Park.
Advocacy & Stewardship
Cold Creek Mountain Bikers, Washington Trails Association.
Turn by Turn
Park at the Rock Creek Campground. There is a general parking area next to a couple of pavilions. From the parking area, head north toward the trailhead, being sure to depart with a FULL camelbak. Within less than 1/8th of a mile, the trail will cross the road. Cross and keep on climbing. This is the start of the longest, most intense climb on the system. Budget at least 2 hours for this climb, and take it easy here, you are going to need to save your strength. Here you’ll be climbing a new section of trail that was added to replace a lower lying section until you come to a yellow gate at about 1.73 miles. From the yellow gate continue up the hill, following the clearly marked trail for another 2.3 miles and 1000 feet of elevation gain. Watch out for folks coming down the hill, as this section is popular with the downhill/all mountain crowd. You’ll arrive at an intersection with a logging road. Proceed on the trail that goes up through the clearcut above you and just keep going. You’ll eventually pass a picnic table in a clearing full of dinner plate rocks. Keep climbing. Keep climbing up the baby heads and through the devils pokers until you encounter a trail to your left. Congratulate yourself for completing the hardest climb and have a granola bar. Now proceed down the hill, then up a little bit, and then down again on a pretty nice descent. There are some false trails that veer to the left. Do not follow those false trails that veer to the left. Stay to the right. Eventually you’ll end up at another road crossing with a parking area. Cross this road and climb the hill again. In about 100 yards you’ll see the trail fork to the left. Follow the left fork. The right fork will take you to the top of Silverstar Mountain, a brutal climb with a rewarding summit view. Now that you’ve followed the left fork, follow it until you reach a bridge that crosses Rock Creek. This is where it is recommended that you get out your water filter and fill your hydration pack. You’ve got 800 feet of climbing and 3.3 miles to your next water source. After Rock Creek Falls, you’ll climb for another 1.3 miles, gaining 660 feet to a clearing where the trail intersects with a decommissioned logging road. This is the most epic piece of downhill on this ride. Enjoy it and don’t slide off the hill. The gravel can get pretty loose. At the bottom of the switchbacks, you’ll meet with Hidden Falls. Fill your hydration pack here if you didn’t at Rock Creek. This is your last chance. Now ride for 2.8 miles, mostly climbing, to the top of Kloochman Butte, where the trail turns right. Now lose about 1500 feet over 5 miles back to the Rock Creek Campground. Watch out for horses on this section, and follow the signs at road crossings carefully.
