Wednesday Waterfalls: Estacada to Ripplebrook Out & Back

Description

WEDNESDAY WATERFALLS SERIES: THEME & VARIATIONS. We'll start with a gradual warmup and enjoy a 5-mile stretch, closed to cars, on Faraday Road with a smooth, consistent grade before the real climbing begins. Expect a gentle but persistent climb that will be more of a sustained aerobic effort – not a grinder. Steady and not steep, the challenge will be duration. This route follows the Clackamas River looking down into a classic, deep-forest, river canyon. Traffic is pleasantly light, especially on weekdays.

The terrain is probably described best as similar to mountain foothills. The elevation gain this week is 2,650 feet, but the grade is steady and spread over long, gradual ramps rather than sharp walls. Mostly a 2-5% incline with occasional stretches that feel like 6-7%. (About Mile 23, there is a short stretch of about 500 feet in distance that has a 13.1% max grade.)

We'll stop midway at the Ripplebrook Camp Store for snacks, ice cream bars, coffee, water, restroom, etc., and sit outside at the picnic table. The return will be a smooth descent followed by either 1) that same Faraday Road 5-mile stretch closed to cars as a cooldown ...OR... 2) adding on some extra climbing as seen in the RwGPS map (link below). Then, if you want to linger, we can meet after the ride at The Grind Coffee House, 105 OR-224, Estacada, OR 97023.

Variations: You'll have the option to ride with me as a group (we'll re‑group at key points) and must be able to maintain a minimum cruising speed of 13 MPH on flat or gentle hill terrain. Riders slower than 13 MPH on Level A terrain and faster riders are welcome to participate non‑group and ride at their own pace. This is an out-and-back route, so you can also choose the length of your ride to make it as short or as long as you like. Going out to Breitenbush Summit & back would be a century. If you have specific training goals, ask me about combining Waterfalls RwGPS maps to reach your mileage/elevation goal.