If you like ridge-top riding, challenging climbs, old growth trees, and commanding views, try this route. The ride's highlights are the old Saddleblanket Mountain lookout tower and the excellent single-track descent back to the starting point.
From Lowell head east up the Fall Creek drainage on Road 18. About 0.5 miles past Bedrock Campground, turn right onto Road 1824; turn left on Road 142 and continue to the intersection of Roads 144 and 142. Park the car here.
Now the fun begins. Mount your bike and continue south on Road 142 for a couple of miles, and turn left onto spur Road 226 (note: The Willamette NF and Lowell RD maps show this as Road 221, but the posted sign on the road is Road 226). At this point you will be looking across the Portland Creek drainage toward Gold Point and the Gold Point Trail.
The Alpine Trail crosses Road 226 about 0.5 miles after leaving Road 142. This crossing is marked by a small sign that is very easy to miss--but don't, because you want to turn right onto the Alpine Trail here. The trail takes you out of the clearcut, into an old growth forest and past Elk Camp Shelter. Go left at the fork in the trail just after the shelter. This fork will dump you out onto spur Road 291. At this point pull out your maps so the next series of instructions will be clear. Turn right (west) onto Road 291; proceed to its intersection with Road 142; turn left (south) onto Road 142, but only go a few yards and you will see Road 143 branch to your right (west). Turn onto Road 143 and climb to the Saddleblanket Mountain trailhead. It will be on your left.
The trail continues climbing to the lookout tower, where your efforts are well rewarded. The 360 degree view includes numerous snow-capped peaks. Be careful if you climb the 100 foot structure, the lookout is old and long unoccupied and some steps are missing.
After taking in the view, continue north on the trail, descending on an excellent surface that begs you to let go of the brakes. But watch your speed, this is a popular hiking trail and corners should be approached with other trail users in mind. The trail comes out at Little Blanket Shelter, at the upper end of Road 144. Ride down to its intersection with Road 142 where you parked your car.
Dave Hallock
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