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Be aware of possible closures. Call the BLM Spokane District Office for more information at (509) 536-1200.
Overview
The BLM is making a complete loop at Fishtrap Recreation Area on singletrack trail. Part of the trail is complete, part is finished but is currently very rideable, and part is still incomplete. This loop connects the portions that currently can be ridden. Ride this trail and then volunteer to help work on this trail!
Need to Know
There are enough new finished singletrack trails that there are multiple options for completing this loop. I will add new GPS trail options in the future. Note, I rode this trail today 1/27/2018 on a fat bike with 5 inch tires to minimize damage to the trail. The trail is completely open but is flowing water in some places and in other areas has ponds of water in the trail. Much of the trail is rocky soil and is rideabe when wet but other areas are softer soil. Please use care not to damage the trail.
Description
The trail is all on BLM land and starts at the parking area located on Fishtrap Rd. Enter through the gate and continue southwest on the existing doubletrack mowed road and signed with "trail" signs. Ride about 1.5 to 2 miles and be watching for a brand new trail exiting on the left (southeast).
Turn left on this trail and enjoy this moderately technical section of the trail as it first heads towards Fishtrap Lake and then winds its way through the basalt layers along the lake. The trail is rideable but has several burned trees that have fallen over the trail recently. Since there was a fire here last year, these burned trees will continue to fall in this area.
This trail continues in a southwest direction along the lake and has very scenic views of the lake. The trail goes through a gate then continues to wind its way to a flat plateau about 40 feet directly above the lake. This is a great place for a break while you take in the scenery. The new singletrack becomes old signed doubletrack as it leaves the lake in a northwest direction.
Continue northwest on this doubletrack for a couple miles until you arrive at a parking area with a bathroom. Look for the trail on the northeast side of the outhouse where it becomes singletrack again and heads northeast through a scenic broad valley with a number of small ponds.
After about 1 mile to 1.5 miles, the trail will cross a doubletrack. Turn right on the doubletrack for a couple 100 feet and follow it up a gradual hill. Near the top of this short rise, the new singletrack angles off to the left to follow the rimrock above the lake/pond to your left. Pay attention to stay on the new singletrack as in a few places the cows that are allowed to graze here in the summer have crossed the BLM bike trail with their own trails. This is a fun section that will take you all the way back up over a low rock ridge to where you'll be able to see the parking lot you started from. New singletrack trails continue to be made here by the BLM so explore If you want to help, take a collapsible saw to cut out trees that continue to fall in the burned areas of the singletrack.
History & Background
Areas is an old ranch/ranches that has been transferred in ownership to the BLM.
Contacts
Shared By:
Les Gemar
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