Lower Big Quilcene Ride

Location: Near Quilcene.

Length: 12.4 miles (2 to 3 hours).

Skill level: Intermediate.

Terrain: Moderate climbing, with some steep sections, on single-track trails.

More information: Quilcene Ranger District, 360-765-2200. Overview: When it's dry, the lower section of Big Quilcene Trail is perhaps the best single-track ride on the Olympic Peninsula. Though a couple of rough, steep sections of trail will probably require short walks, much of the route follows a smooth, pine-needle singletrack. The trail parallels the small but wild Big Quilcene River through a typical northwest rain forest of moss, fern, Douglas fir, and cedar. This is a popular trail, so watch for other users.

The trail: From the trailhead, perched above Big Quilcene River, take Lower Big Quilcene Trail 833. The hardpack trail descends for the first mile. The second mile rolls through some easy climbs and dips. At two miles, cross a bridge over Big Quilcene River and begin a gentle climb. At 2.6 miles, pass Bark Shanty Camp on the right. Perched along the river, this beautiful campsite waits for those willing to pack in their gear.

At 2.8 miles, cross the Big Quilcene a second time. From here the trail gains elevation more steadily and becomes somewhat more technical as it follows the sharp valley upriver. At 5.1 miles, cross a small Big Quilcene tributary. At six miles, cross through another creek. At 6.2 miles, reach Forest Road 2750. From here, turn around and ride back to the trailhead, 12.4 miles.

To get there: From Bainbridge Island, drive north on Highway 305, then north on Highway 3. Take Highway 104 across the Hood Canal Bridge to Highway 101 and turn south. Pass through Quilcene and set your odometer to zero. One mile south of Quilcene, turn right onto Penny Creek Road. At 2.5 miles, take the left fork, following the signs for Big Quilcene Trail. This becomes Forest Road 27. Stay on Forest Road 27, following the Big Quilcene Trail signs, until Forest Road 2700-080 forks to the left at 6.1 miles. Turn left here. The road ends at the Lower Big Quilcene Trailhead, 6.5 miles.

John Zilly is author of "Mountain Bike! Southwest Washington" (Sasquatch Books).