Leif Erickson – Saltzman – Skyline gravel ride

Description

A short but interesting loop that climbs from NW Portland into Forest Park and then up to Skyline Blvd (≈ 1,300’ elevation gain). The route includes 9 miles on gravel roads (Leif Erickson & Saltzman Rd), so it's best to use a mountain, gravel, or hybrid bike - road bikes with wider tires (preferably ≥ 32 mm) should be OK. Pavement resumes at Skyline Blvd where we'll turn south and eventually descend via Thompson & Cornell roads back to NW Portland. Coffee stop will be at St Honoré Bakery at NW 23rd Place & Thurman near end of ride. Sign-in at the start.

Notes:
1) Leif Erickson Drive & Saltzman Road are both narrow with many blind corners and a lot of bike & pedestrian traffic. Riders should plan to stay in single file most of the time and make sure to stay well to the right when going around corners.
2) There are two tunnels on Cornell Road. Depending on traffic conditions &/or riders' comfort level there are optional bypass trails which run along the north sides of each tunnel.