After completing this trail you will see why it is called "Tired" Mountain Trail. This ride is a favorite for the hard-core cyclist because it is too steep, too technical, and too long. By the time the rider finally gets to the Tire Mountain Trail, most are so exhausted that they rarely notice the massive old growth trees, impressive Cascade views and spectacular wildflowers.
Turn left off Highway 58 at the Westfir exit. After crossing the Middle Fork of the Willamette River, turn left. Turn left again crossing the North Fork of the Willamette River. Immediately past the bridge, turn left and go through the town of Hemlock. Drive along North Shore Road 5821. Watch for the trailhead sign up the hill from the railroad tracks and park.
To do the full 26 mile loop, ride Road 5821 west for 4 miles to Road 5826. Climb 3.5 miles on Road 5826 until you come to Cloverpatch Trail, elevation 1720 feet. Follow Cloverpatch Trail 2.5 miles until it comes to Road 5824. Turn left down Road 5824 and ride for 1.5 miles to the Tire Mountain trailhead, elevation 2760 feet. This classic single-track climb will challenge even the most able-bodied as it crawls up the mountain. At 4 miles lies a trail junction; go right and push up a few more switchbacks to the summit. After visiting the summit, return to the previous junction and continue on to Alpine Trail.
It is easy to get confused when descending Alpine Trail back to the car. Turn right at the Alpine Trail junction. This trail will dump you out on Road 1910. Turn right (and stay left) down this road for 0.5 miles until it dead-ends and the trail picks up again. This section of the trail runs into Road 5828. Cross Road 5828 and over a dirt mound on to an old road grade. Watch closely for occasional trail signs. Just after a very rocky section bordering a clearcut, the trail will run next to spur Road 585. Keep to the left on the trail before descending the ridge down to the parking area.
For a less grueling ride, do just the Tire Mountain Trail. To get to the trailhead, continue on North Shore Road to Road 5824. Watch for the Tire Mountain trailhead about 4 miles up the road.
Dave Reuter
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