Palisades Trail #44 - Upper

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I was going to describe this as a working downhill, then I looked at profile and discovered its only barely downhill over its whole length. Funny thing how memory works. I always imagined it was more down than up, maybe it's because the singletrack is mostly downhill and the rolling uphill parts are more doubletrack.

Regardless, it's a fun ridge crest connecting Bitterroot - Rock Creek Divide Trail #313 to Willow Creek Trail #300 and eventually the valley floor, something not many riders can claim to have done.

The trail is a continuation of Palisade Trail, but from a riding perspective, people will likely ride them as distinct segments both leading the Willow Creek Trail. That's not to say you can't link them. A few years ago, some folks visiting from Missoula missed the Willow Creek Trail turn and continued on up the trail, got lost and spent the night in a blizzard before staggering out onto Skalkaho Pass.

Consider this as an alternative to Sapphire Crest as we are having a hard time keeping Bitterroot - Rock Creek Divide Trail #313 clear of trees beyond Dome Shaped Mountain, and the shuttle is much shorter for this option.

From the Bitterroot - Rock Creek Divide Trail #313 (as mapped), the trail starts with a mile of sweet steep loamy singletrack. Where the trail turns to doubletrack, the Dam Lake Trail #88 splits off to the left. Keep right and continue along the ridge. Despite being doubletrack there are a few punchy climbs that you'll probably have to hike-a-bike. After about the second climb, riders will pop up on a knoll and the trail will fade away.

Keep going in the same directions and the trail should reappear soon as it leads into a fast descent. At the bottom the trail veers off the doubletrack, but you'll probably miss it. Don't worry about it. Although we have done some preliminary work relocating the trail, and might make for good cyclocross training as long as you don't intend to actually do anything other than climb over trees.

Stay on the doubletrack which is Alternate Palisades Trail #44. You'll ride past Skalkaho/Little Burnt Fork Trail #149 and Skalkaho - Gird Trail #86 without ever noticing them. They are unmarked and not obvious. After some more climbing and another short downhill there will be a trail that heads straight while the doubletrack curves right. This is your trail. Climb it to reach the descent to Willow Creek Trail #300.