REI Hillsboro to Hagg Lake Loop

Description

A varied ride with forests, farms, wetlands, and lake views – classic Washington County scenery in one big loop. This route leaves Hillsboro and quickly slips into Rock Creek Park and the quiet farmland of Helvetia, with wide‑open views and gentle rolling hills. Pumpkin Ridge brings shaded forest curves before the ride drops into the peaceful valley of Mountaindale. Brief rest stop #1 at the Banks Trailhead, about Mile 27, for restroom, water refill, and DIY snack.

After Cedar Canyon’s wetlands nature park, Clapshaw Hill delivers the main climb – a cool, tree‑covered ascent that feels tucked into the forest. A touch of small-town charm is added in Forest Grove where we'll stop for coffee and a bite to eat at Telvet Coffee, about Mile 43, before the route heads south toward Hagg Lake.

The lake loop is the scenic highlight: smooth pavement, glimpses of blue water through the trees, and quiet shoreline roads. One last brief rest stop #3 at Forest Hills Golf Course, about Mile 70. The return through Fern Hill and Blooming offers lush greenery, quiet streets, more farmland, and easy pedaling before the route glides back into Hillsboro.

Is this ride for YOU? Yes, with flexible pace groups.

• RIDE TYPE: From the multiple-choice options, I chose "Non-group," but that doesn't mean you'll ride alone. It will be "Multi-group." That means there will be a fast group, an intermediate group, and a slow group.
• PACE: I will be riding at an intermediate pace, and we will re-group along the way to ride together. The other pace groups will also re-group.
• RIDE TERRAIN: About 2% overall average grade with mostly moderate (4-8%) elevation gain. There are some punchy climbs, but they're brief.
•• 1) Around Miles 8-11, short bursts of 10-12%, roughly 0.2 - 0.3 miles each.
•• 2) Near Mile 32, Clapshaw Hill, one sustained ramp hitting 12-14% for about 0.4 miles, gaining about 200 feet.
•• 3) Between Miles 51-60, several rollers peaking at 10-11%, less than 0.2 miles each, stacked close together (classic "sawtooth").
•• 4) One final kicker, near Mile 68, one short rise about 11-12%, rest stop #3, and then the route flattens toward the Finish. Nice cooldown!
ROAD SURFACE: 100% paved ...or... off-road options. When we go around Hagg Lake, you can choose whether you stay on the paved road or not. I'll be exploring Henry Hagg Lake Loop Trail, which includes gravel, single-track, and dirt.