Deep Creek Trail #1196

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

Three thousand feet of descending in just under four miles is a lot for riders and brakes to cope with on the area's steepest trail! Deep Creek starts off of the Noble Knob Trail #1184. You can approach it from either the Corral Pass Trailhead or the Dalles Ridge Trailhead, though the first option is more direct and easier if you shuttle to the top.

At the entrance to the trail a small log water bar is all that separates riders from a brake burning descent and a heap of fun! The singletrack pretty much just heads straight down from there, and the resulting rut that's formed from riding and erosion is narrow and deep, though not quite up to the pedals... yet.

As it heads into the trees, the ruts keeps going with roots and water bars adding to the obstacles and roll-downs. There's not much chance to stop, so lean back and work on steering for the best lines as you hold on. A small clearing at a third-of-a-mile makes for a great spot to enjoy some views and rest your hands before continuing.

Get ready for a fast and fun bench-cut trail that charges down the ridge. There are tight spots, punchy descents, and a few optional high-lines over the roots. Don't forget to look ahead for the occasional hair-pin switchback that you don't want to blow off. There isn't too much concentrated tech, but riders will still be working hard to deal with the speed and handling the bike. Enjoy!

There are a few levels spots, and even short climbs, but they pass quickly and it's back to the descending. The trail keeps passing by in a delightful rush. As it gets closer to the bottom, the exposure becomes more notable and the trail can get quite narrow in a few places. Most of the time the sightline is reasonable, but don't over cook things or you'll zig when you should have zagged and find yourself headed off trail. Deep Creek starts wrapping up in a final series of tight switchbacks that feed into a dusty track through dense salal (watch you feet and pedals as there are lurking logs). The trail soon ends on the White River Trail #1199 beneath a bridge crossing.

Riders can head in either direction. Left will climb to intersect the Corral Pass Road #7174 and right will mostly descend past Ranger Creek, Buck Creek Trailhead and Camp Sheppard Trailhead before ending at Palisades Trail #1198