Geoff Hill
I just rode the entire trail from Banks to Vernonia. It only has 2
sections of gravel and one gravel road crossing. Cross tires would
work fine on the gravel but it is pretty sketchy with the road tires I
used. There are several wooden slatted bridges that have raised edges
(1-2") that you need to slow for or bunny hop.
You can get on the trail 1/2 mi. outside of Banks (north side).
There is a small gravel driveway on the right that currently has a red
realtors for sale sign by the road. The trail is paved all the way to
the Manning trailhead (with the exception of the trail crossing a
gravel road). If you want to stay on the trail and go gravel, turn
right at the Manning Trailhead and connect left into Pongratz Road for
a couple of miles of gravel. Or to skip the gravel, turn left to Hwy
26 and go west (right) for 2 miles, turn right on Fisher (berry
stand), for 1 mi.(stay right at the fork) and re-enter the path on the
left. That is paved all the way to Stub Stewart State Park. From there
it the turns to gravel and forest road for 2 miles until it changes
back to paved. From there on it is paved all the way to Vernonia Lake
on the east side of town. If you want to skip the gravel from Stub
Stewart, when the trail crosses the entrance road to the park turn
left and go down the hill to Hwy 47. Turn right and go 5 miles on Hwy
47 and turn right on McDonald Rd. Go 1/8 mi. turn left and re-enter
the paved trail to Vernonia. This the Buxton Trailhead and if you turn
right on the trail on the right is a beautifully restore rail trestle
probably 100 ft high!
Here's a link to a map that shows what I just said:
http://www.oregonstateparks.org/images/pdf/bv.pdf
On Jul 28, 2008, at 4:17 PM, Kevin wrote:
> The rails to trails doesn't yet go all the way to Banks. The
> trailhead at US 26 at Manning is the best place to get on it. The
> trail is not paved all the way to Vernonia, there are several miles
> of packed gravel. Road bikes can navigate it. I sent Chris a
> suggested route to get him and his son from Hillsboro (fairgrounds
> MAX station) to Manning that mostly follows the Oregon Randonneurs
> Snoozeville Populaire route.
>
> Kevin
>
> +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> What is happening in Kevin's corner of the bike world?
> http://the-whir-of-spokes-in-air.blogspot.com
> +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
>
> --- On Mon, 7/28/08, gschreckchat@comcast.net > wrote:
> From: gschreckchat@comcast.net
> Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Twilight Criterium
> To: "Chris Alling" , "OBRA List" >
> Date: Monday, July 28, 2008, 3:45 PM
>
> There is the Banks Vernonia trail that is completely paved. As you
> may guess, it starts in Banks, but I am not sure exactly where. I
> have ridden it and it is a very nice ride and free of motor
> vehicles. Hopefully, somone knows where it starts.
>
> --
>
> George Schreck
> gschreckchat@comcast.net
> (503) 502-0425
>
> -------------- Original message --------------
> From: Chris Alling
> I am thinking about riding out toward Vernonia with my son. I am
> planning on riding max out to the last stop then riding my bike to
> vernonia. I live on the east side and do not know the routes out
> there. What is a good safe bike route to use from max.
>
> Thank you
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Stay in touch when you're away with Windows Live Messenger. IM
> anytime you're online.
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