MAMBA Trails - Moscow Mountain, Idaho
Alt Rock
Updated 07.26.08
Alt Rock is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Alt Rock is a great connector between Sand Blvd. and Rock & a Hard Place. It is an old logging road that is now covered grass. It Ys off of Sand Blvd. and gradually ascends before gently dropping down to the four way intersection at the bottom of Donkey Hoh Tea. It continues uphill and eventually dead ends. At the end, head up the bank on your left (20 feet) to intersect the middle of Rock & a Hard Place.
Updated 07.12.09
Updated 07.12.09Blonde Cedar Connector is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
As the name implies, Blonde Cedar Connector is a short trail that connectes from the Cedar Grove to the east end of Blonde Jeans and the top (south) end of Fruitcake. Starting from the Cedar Grove, head northwest (see image) down a path that is very bumpy (cow traffic). Where the trail drops onto a road, turn left (see image). Hang to the right side of the road and head to the right at the split about 50 ft later (see image). Enjoy the descent with some fun waterbars and an occasional water crossing. Note that a split rail fence has been put across the trail half way down (~ 1/4 mi) that you will have to heave your bike over (it's got a sign indicating no moto access to the Cedars' area). The trail ends where Blonde Jeans begins uphill to the left and Fruitcake continues slightly to the right down a rocky section (see image).
Updated 07.12.09
Updated 07.12.09Blonde Jeans is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Blonde Jeans is a fun, not-too-technical trail with a lot of intersections—some of which are easy to ride right past.You will want to keep an eye on your cyclometer mileage and keep these directions with you the first few times you ride this. Blonde Jeans is the preferred way to get from the Cedar Grove (via Blonde Cedar Connector) back to Ridge Rd near the top of Nemesis.
TRAIL UPDATE:
Blonde Jeans connects from The Cedars westward toward the top of Nemesis. It is rideable, with a few trees to hop over, but you should ride it from east to west. The reason is that the western half of the route was logged late Fall 2009 and the trails are now roads. Unless you know the route quite well, it is suggested that you NOT ride Blonde Jeans. It would be easy to get lost in the crisscrossing maze of bulldozer roads.
Posted: 06/08/2009
From the Cedar Grove, ride down the Blonde Cedar Connector for 0.4 miles.The road will fork, with a steep climb to the left, and a rocky descent slightly to the right. The trail to the left is Blonde Jeans (see image) and the descent to the right is Fruitcake (see image). Reset your mileage to zero for the following directions.
- Begin by heading uphill to the left
- At 0.3 mi you will reach an intersection. Turn to the right (the fork to the left looks more established and will eventually take you back to Ridge Rd) (see image).
- At 0.5 mi where the trail flattens out after a short, gradual descent, look for a path coming sharply from your left (see image).
- At 0.75 mi the trail opens up. Stay to the right in a large arc that will turn about 120° and has a shallow water crossing (see image).
- At 0.83 mi there is another fork (both directions are fairly grown-in). Turn uphill to the left (see image). This section usually has a lot of grass and huge ferns next to the trail.
- At 0.95 mi you will merge with a larger road. Continue straight/right.
- At 1.15 mi the trail turns into a wide logging road. Stay on this road until 1.65 mi where it intersects Ridge Rd.
- At 1.65 mi you will reach Ridge Rd just above the top of Nemesis.
Where to go from here?
From here if you head west on Ridge Rd you will see a trail to the left at ~0.1 mi that climbs around a turkey filter. This has a beautiful view from a rock perch. It's a great place to stop and grab a snack.
At 0.15 mi past the end of Blonde Jeans there is a parking area and a flat road to the left (also with some turkey filters). Nemesis begins down this road, immediatly after the turkey filters on the right. If you continue down this road you will reach another set of rocks (often referred to as the "climbing rocks"). If you continue past the rocks to the right you will descend down a horrible, erroded, steep doubletrack that will eventually bring you to the same road as Jump Trail.
Looking to the right at the parking area you will see a trail heading uphill through the trees. This is a short bypass around the blue gate (probably put in by motorcycles/ATV's) which is an old road called Nemesis Landing.
Updated 06.23.06
Cabin Trail/Jump Trail is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Cabin Trail is a beautiful, alternative route to riding up to Four Corners. It is on private land owned by the Warnick Family and is named for the Warnick Cabin midway up the trail. Drive about 3/4 mile up Warnick Road and look for a small log bridge on the right. There is a "No Trespassing" sign, but bikers/hikers are allowed. Ride up this singletrack trail, called Cabin Trail. The first part of trail is fairly steep, crosses a nice logbridge, and then flattens out as you near the cabin. Just past the cabin, take a left on a road and continue for about 1/4 mile, looking for a singletrack on your right after the second corner. The first section of the next part of the trail was very muddy, so a re-route was constructed by Moscow High School senior John Mosman as part of his Eagle Scout project. Follow the trail uphill for about 100 yards, then bear right on the new berm marking the end of the re-route. Continue up this trail, which ends where it intersects Jump Trail.
Ride up this singletrack trail, called Cabin Trail. The first part of trail is fairly steep, crosses a nice logbridge, and then flattens out as you near the cabin. Just past the cabin, take a left on a road and continue for about 1/4 mile, looking for a singletrack on your right after the second corner. The first section of the next part of the trail was very muddy, so a re-route was constructed by Moscow High School senior John Mosman as part of his Eagle Scout project. 
Follow the trail uphill for about 100 yards, then bear right on the new berm marking the end of the re-route. Continue up this trail, which ends where it intersects Jump Trail. Jump Trail is an old logging road that hasn't been used in many years. From the top of Cabin Trail, turn left onto Jump Trail. Soon another trail will come up on your left that goes downhill. Ignore it. It is an alternate way back to Warnick Road that is very steep and eroded. Keep straight and the trail will lead you to Ridge Road, about 1/2 mile east of Four Corners. The trail ends with three large Turkey Filters that have been designed to keep motorized use off the trail. Directly across Ridge Road to the north you will see Up & Over ascending on the left, and Lickity Split descending on the right. Also, on the same side of Ridge Road as Jump Trail (south) and about 25 yards to the east, you will find the entrance to Nemesis. You can also ride Ridge Road to the west to get to the Four Corners area.
Lickity Split
Updated 07.26.08
Cave Connector is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Cave Connector is the prefered route from the Dyer Meadow to Four Corners. From the meadow, head southwest on the main road for about 50 yds and look for the hidden trailhead decending to the right into a lush forested region. Cave Connector is a combination of highly grown-in road bed, and hand built single track, with some technical switch backs and climbs scattered throughout. The end of Cave Connector joins Lower Tusk. Take Lower Tusk to the left to join Four Corners. Lower Tusk to the right has been impacted by logging, and is unridable at the moment.
Updated 10.25.06
Updated 10.25.06Cave Trail is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
MAMBA's big 2004 project was construction of a new singletrack called Cave Trail. Cave Trail replaces the old 'Sand Trail' that was opened up to a logging road back in the late 90's. Thanks to the Al Dyer Family and Bennett Lumber for allowing MAMBA to build Cave Trail.
Our volunteer efforts add 2 1/2 miles of tasty trail, from the downhill end of North Contour Trail to FourCorners. Cave trail is not for beginners, and will probably frustrate a lot of intermediate riders as well. The middle section of the trail is very technical, but it can be walked by virtually anyone. There are lots of roots and uneven trail surface that will probably have you walking a good portion of that section. A “beginner bypass” option drops down onto Ridge Road.
The most common direction to ride Cave Trail is clockwise, starting from the North Contour Trail end. However, if the weather is particularly hot, riding it in the opposite direction puts the steep climbs in the shade.
At the end of North Contour Trail, you are dumped on Meadow Trail -- a dirt road about ¼ mile north of Ridge Road. Turn left (downhill) onto this road and descend over several fun jumps for about 1/3 mile to Homestead Meadow. If you look carefully, you can still see the old cabin logs on the left.
Follow Meadow Trail straight across Homestead Meadow bearing slightly right and continuing on. Do not drop down the steep motorcycle trail to the hard-right. Check out the thrilling sequence of TTF's in this section: a fantastic log ride, a rainbow bridge, a teeter-totter to a square log ride, and another rainbow bridge. Continue down the trail and ride over one small water bar, then slow WAY DOWN. Turn right onto the hidden, unmarked singletrack about 15 yards after the water bar. If you get to a log jump, you've gone too far.
There is a Cave Trail sign about 50 yards down the singletrack. It is about 2 1/2 miles from this point to Four Corners. The trail crosses the moto descent and continues contouring for about 1/4 mile. You’ll come to an old road with a trail in each direction. Continue to the right, with many ups and downs in a generally eastward direction. The trail quickly becomes narrower and much more challenging. Cave Trail gets much more difficult before it gets easier, so ride smart.
In order to get around a 50 foot tall cliff, Cave Trail follows a series of descending switchbacks. The surface of the tread alternates between new trail and older, overgrown skid roads. There are narrow, bridge-like log rides, rock gardens, and twisty turns. The skid roads are steep, but in order to keep erosion problems to a minimum—please try not to skid the rear tire. Some tips for keeping the tires rolling: get your weight back behind your saddle; use more front brake to modulate your speed. Even light pressure on the rear brake will usually cause it to lock up on a downhill and it’s not effective at reducing your speed anyway.
The cave is on your right, when you’re on the second bridge. About this point, the hand-crafted singletrack eventually becomes a wider, machine-built trail contouring across a few skid roads. Eventually you’ll drop on to one of these skid roads and abruptly start heading up through a series of short, steepish grunts, interspersed with gentler sections.
Cave Trail pops out onto an old logging road, which is Jump Trail joining Sand Boulevard to Four Corners. Turn right and pedal about 1/4 mile to a red gate. After the gate, bear slightly right and continue up the dirt road toward Four Corners. This road was destroyed by the landowner in order to keep motorized vehicles out, soMAMBA obtained permission to build a trail to connect to Four Corners. Look for the continuation of Cave Trail on the right, about 40 yards before you come to the destroyed road. There should be a double orange flag on the left, across the road from the hidden, descending trail.
After about 3/4 mile, Cave Trail ends at Lower Tusk. You'll know you’re at Lower Tusk because you'll see a bridge over two fallen trees directly in front of you. Turn left onto Lower Tusk and ride about 1/4 mile. Lift your bike over the Turkey Filter (a fallen log designed to keep motos and horses out) and you are on Ridge Road, only about 75 yards west of Four Corners.
Thanks to all the MAMBA volunteers for providing us with this amazing new riding opportunity!
Updated 06.23.06
Updated 06.23.06The Cedars is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Thanks to MAMBA volunteer Matt Hall for creating a beautiful new bridge over the creek near the ancient Cedar Grove. It is great when our members see and need and choose to fix! Bring along a snack and camera to see some absolutely breathtaking trees! Some are said to be over 800 years old.
The short road in the Hog Heaven Guide book that drops from Ridge Road to the grove of ancient cedars (near the east end of Moscow Mt) has been intentionally erased and gated by the land manager (The Nature Conservancy) in order to reduce damage from motor vehicles. The alternative route to the trees is a trail that is open to human-powered recreation (i.e. hiking and mountain biking). The Cedar Grove Trail trailhead is about 1/4 mile farther east from the gate along Ridge Road. Look for a private driveway on the right (south) that climbs steeply (there is a X-C skiers sign up high on a tree on the left). The trail begins at the wide parking area across Ridge Road from this driveway. Sometimes there is a Nature Conservancy sign at the trailhead, but it is often vandalized.
To find the new Cedar Grove Trail from Tamarack, bike up Tamarack Road (ignore the giant new logging road that cuts diagonally across Tamarack grade about 2 miles up). At the top, 2.7 miles from the old ski area, go straight on Ridge Road (the fork to the left goes to East Moscow Mt and the Wonder Dog loop). Descend gently for about 1/2 mile, whereupon the road flattens. Go about 250 yards. The trailhead is on the right (north) at the apex of a wide parking space, directly across from the driveway mentioned above. You know you're at the correct place if the driveway (which leads to a private residence) climbs very steeply.
Updated 10.24.06
Deep Vee Trail is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Deep Vee is an old moto trail that’s had a rough life. It is an erosion nightmare, and thus, MAMBA provided an alternative route in 2006 called Flipside that we encourage you to check out. Riding up or down Flipside instead of (Deep Vee) will help reduce existing erosion problems.
The Deep Vee is the last short section of trail getting from Headwaters --> Southside --> Moose Marbles on your way to Paradise Point. In the uphill direction, the trail starts at the intersection at the top of Upper Moose Marbles and Switchblade/Liposuction. It is a short, but technical trail with some root steps, and (as the name implies) a deep v-shaped trail. No trails intersect this one, so once you're on it, you're going to end up at Paradise Point. Stop off there and enjoy the gorgeous view from the rocks, and hopefully a nice breeze.
Updated 07.26.08
Donkey Hoh Tea is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Donkey Hoh Tea is a short, unforgiving climb full of sticks, pine cones, and no trees to shade the sun. Donkey Hoh Tea is mostly used to get from Alt Rock to the landing on Rock Creek Rd. Now that Rock & a Hard Place has been expanded, use of this trail has declined.
Updated 10.24.06
Updated 10.24.06Flipside Trail is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Flipside begins at the skid road on Wagon Trail and heads south (to your left if descending Wagon Trail). It’s an uphill grunt with some technical corners that connects with Deep Vee about 0.15 mile below Paradise Point. It can be used in conjunction with lower Wagon Trail to bypass the *ego-busting* portion of Deep Vee. Riding Flipside instead of Deep Vee will reduce erosion in that area. This end of the trail has a great rock pile with endless fun for adventurous bikers.
Updated 07.28.09
Updated 07.28.09Fruitcake is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Starting from junction of Blonde Jeans and Blonde-Cedar Connector, ride downhill (north, descending along Hatter Creek) on the dirt doubletrack for 0.15 mile.
At mile 0.15, bear left onto a nicer, shady dirt doubletrack. Climb gradually for about 0.1 mile, then descend to mile 0.4, where you will come to a grassy, low spot.
The trail appears to go straight, but that's a dead end to fake out the moto crowd. Instead, turn HARD right into an area that might appear to be overgrown. Be persistent though, because Fruitcake is right there.
Descend from mile 0.4 to 0.6 in a fun tunnel of greenery, then bear left at 0.6 (if you want a shortcut back to The Cedar Grove, turn right at 0.6)
At mile 0.65, see another minor side road on the right. Stay left and descend a few hundred yards into a grassy old homestead meadow.
Hug the left edge of the meadow, where you will find that Fruitcake continues descending, ever more steeply.
At mile 1.1, arrive at a wide dirt road. There is a sweet water hole on the left in the shade. This is Rolls Royce Trail. Turn left to travel on Rolls Royce and end up at Rock Creek Rd in a mile or so. Turn right to continue on Rolls Royce toward Jericho's Wall.
Updated 07.28.09
Gemini is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
From the Moscow Mtn Parking area, ride up Moscow Mtn Rd (gravel) 0.25 mile, looking on left side of the road for a single green fence post with lots of barbed wire strung across it. The wire is between two pine trees that have No Trespassing signs up high on them to deter motorized users.
This barbed wire fence is the Gemini Trailhead.
Go around the fence to the right. The trail is obvious.
Pedal 1.3 miles (all distances are from the parking area) on Gemini singletrack, then go around the blue gate. Ride another hundred yards or so, to where the trail descends onto the gravel. This is Moscow Mtn Rd. Gemini Trail continues on the downhill side of the road, just to the left of a small metal culvert.
The singletrack descends for 0.2 mile, then climbs and rolls to mile 2.5. To go to Cabin Trail, bear hard right while descending the off-camber turn that drops you onto Warnick Rd. To continue on Gemini, go straight at mile 2.5 and do not drop onto Warnick Rd.
There is a decrepit A-frame outhouse on your right at mile 2.7. Don't look down the hole, because rule #1 in mtn biking is that your front tire goes where your eyes go! Steeper climbs await you.
At mile 2.8 there is a collapsed log cabin at the apex of a hard left switchback. Climb on!
The next half mile offers three nice rests on the flatter skid road sections, connected with steeper, new singletrack.
At 3.7 miles from the parking area, Gemini Trail emerges onto Moscow Mtn Rd. Ride DOWNHILL on the gravel for 35 yards, then hike-a-bike up the steep road cut trail on the right. Arrive at Four Corners approximately 4.1 miles from the parking area. An alternative to riding the last 0.4 mile of Gemini singletrack is, when you reach Moscow Mtn Rd, simply turn right and pedal up the gravel to Four Corners.
To ride DOWN Gemini from Four Corners, stand at the blue gate facing uphill. Go toward Four Corners. As you enter the flat area at Four Corners, bear HARD LEFT onto a sweet doubletrack dirt road. This is the upper trailhead for Gemini. Please note that this upper 0.4 mile segment of Gemini will not be completed until at least Aug 23rd, 2009.
Updated 06.23.06
Headwaters is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Headwaters is about a 5.5 mile loop from the parking area and is most commonly ridden/hiked in the counter-clockwise direction. It is a medium technical trail, so many beginner riders could be overly challenged by it. It is a popular ride because of it's close proximity to Highway 95.
Ride ¼ mile further up Foothill Rd. You’ll come to a junction of many roads. Stay in the middle road (look for the big blue gate), walk around or under the gate and keep going on that road. Ride another ¼ mile past the gate to the entrance located on the right side and marked with a white “Headwaters” sign (about 100' past Pond 9). If you do the full Headwaters loop, you’ll exit the trail right about the same place except on the left side of the Foothill Rd.
Ride another ¼ mile past the gate to the entrance located on the right side and marked with a white “Headwaters” sign (about 100' past The trail is pretty easy to follow. However, a few miles in to it, you will pop up at an old road intersection in a clearing with lots of road choices. The first road to your left will take you back to Foothill Rd. The second trail (large hump at the bottom) is a steep, straight climb, eventually going to Southside Trail. The third trail should have a small sign for "Headwaters". This is the one you’ll want to take as it switchbacks up the hillside for another ½ mile. The other two options are going straight on the road (which eventually just peters out) or a road to the right that’s blocked with logs. The trail to the right is on property whose owner does not allow biking/hiking. Please respect their request and privacy.
In another 1/2 mile, you will cross another trail (beginning of Southside trail). Head directly across this trail. You'll then enjoy a few downhill switchbacks, followed by eight challenging back-to-back uphill switchbacks. Once you at the top of the switchbacks, the rest of the trail is largely downhill—with just an occasional uphill burst. You’ll be on this section for ~2 miles. The trail drops onto Foothill Rd again when you’re finished with that section.
In another 1/2 mile, you will cross another trail (beginning of Southside trail). Head directly across this trail. You'll then enjoy a few downhill switchbacks, followed by eight challenging back-to-back uphill switchbacks. Once you at the top of the switchbacks, the rest of the trail is largely downhill—with just an occasional uphill burst. You’ll be on this section for ~2 miles. The trail drops onto Foothill Rd again when you’re finished with that section.Turn right and head slightly uphill across the road just a few feet (directly southwest from where you exited) for more singletrack (a Headwaters' sign and a Boy Scout sign are posted at the start of this trail). This section of the trail was built as part of an Eagle Scout project and has been nicknamed Boy Scout Trail. This section is shorter and then you'll be dumped on the main road directly across from where you first started the trail (near Pond 9). Turn right (downhill) to get back to your car.
This section of the trail was built as part of an Eagle Scout project and has been nicknamed Alternate Route: Ride the loop clockwise (starting to the left) if you want a tougher workout. It is somewhat easier to ride counter-clockwise.
Updated 08.02.09
Hey Noose is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
From the top of Headwaters, ride Southside Trail to the bottom of Moose Marbles.
Sidebar note: ~200 yards after you leave the Headwaters loop, you will pop onto a wide road, which you follow for about 50 yards, then drop off to the right. Approximately 0.2 miles later, you pop back up onto the same dirt road. If you look across that road, you will see the Hey Noose singletrack climbing on the uphill side. Most people do not ride up it, due to the steep pitch, but it makes a "fun" alternate route, if you're bored with the usual routes (Moose Marbles or Switchblade).
Pedal up Moose Marbles 0.35 mile.
Approximately 60 yards before Moose Marbles temporarily flattens out on the ridge, turn left onto a gently descending singletrack. There are some small rocks placed strategically near the entrance that you can ride over.
Descend less than 0.1 mile, where Hey Noose will cross a grassy logging road.
There is a short log ride bridge onto the road, but you can bypass it on the right.
Drop off the wide road onto the VERY steep section of Hey Noose.
Please get your derriere (that's French for "butt") WAY BACK over the rear tire, in order to avoid skidding on the steep pitch.
Hey Noose ends at Southside Trail, approximately 0.3 mile east of the top of Headwaters Trail.
Updated 06.23.06
Updated 06.23.06Lickity Split Trail is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Lickity Split is a short trail (~1 mile) constructed over two weekends by a shotgun crew of three people. It begins just across Ridge Road from the top of Jump Trail. Of the two trail options, Lickity Split is the descending trail on the right. It is an alternative means of getting from the Four Corners parking area (intersection of Ridge Road and Rock Creek Road) to Dyer Meadow (just north of Four Corners). It ends up near the same location as the Cave Connector. Typically this trail would only be ridden in the north direction (downhill) as there are a few steep climbs that would not be enjoyable riding uphill.
Updated 06.23.06
Liposuction is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Liposuction is named for those that choose to do it in the uphill direction. Be warned that it is a steep climb! For those choosing to do it as a downhill, you will find an eroded plunge down the hillside that eventually drops on to Southside Trail. You should also be warned that it's a little grown in. Ever since Switchblade was created, it hasn't gotten a lot of use. Liposuction's erosion problems make Switchblade a better choice. The upper part of Liposuction is pretty mild, but as you keep going, it keeps getting steeper. After about a mile, you’ll drop down a sandy ramp onto a wider skid road singletrack. Bear hard right at the bottom of the ramp, which is the east end of Southside Trail. From here, you can continue on Southside and go back up Moose Marbles, or drop all the way down to Headwaters Loop.
Updated 10.25.06
Updated 10.25.06Meadow Trail is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Meadow Trail is an old road that begins just across Ridge Road from Upper Tusk and heads down toward the north. About ¼ mile down, you will see the exit of North Contour on your left. Continue downhill and descend over several fun jumps for about 1/3 mile to Homestead Meadow. If you look carefully, you can still see the old cabin logs on the left.
Follow the trail straight across Homestead Meadow, bearing slightly right. Do not drop down the steep motorcycle trail to the hard-right.
Follow the trail straight across Homestead Meadow, bearing slightly right. Do not drop down the steep motorcycle trail to the hard-right.About 1/2 way down, there's a fantastic log ride (equally good in both directions) and a berm to a little jump off the corner. This is followed by another berm off the other side, then to pure bliss.There's a rainbow bridge, followed by a teeter-totter that drops onto a square log ride. After all that, you get another rainbow bridge and you're back on Meadow Trail. Thanks goes out to Jeremy Pinto, Rhonda Pinto, and Troy Hensiek for constructing the coolest sequence of TTF's we've had on the Mountain (TTF->Technical Trail Features). Definitely go out and play on these!!
Thanks goes out to Jeremy Pinto, Rhonda Pinto, and Troy Hensiek for constructing the coolest sequence of TTF's we've had on the Mountain (TTF->Technical Trail Features). Definitely go out and play on these!! After playing on the TTFs, you can head back up Meadow Trail returning to Ridge Road or continue down towards Cave Trail.
Updated 06.23.06
Moose Marbles is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Moose Marbles is broken up in to two sections: Upper and Lower Moose Marbles. It is most commonly ridden in the uphill direction as a means of getting from Headwaters to Paradise Point. Lower Moose Marbles begins off Southside Trail, just after the recent logging roads put in on Jack Carpenter's property. Look for a trail heading uphill and to the left. Usually there’s MAMBA sign there, but don’t depend on it :o) Once on the trail, expect a steady climb for about a mile. When you reach a flat spot you’ll intersect a trail. To the right is Upper Moose Marbles, and going to the left will drop you on to Ridge Road about ½ mile later. Upper Moose Marbles starts out pretty flat, but just after a log crossing in the trail you’ll get a technical climb that’s about 75 yards long. At the top, you’ll find Switchblade/Liposuction to your right, and the bottom of the Deep Vee on your left. To get to Paradise Point, head up the Deep Vee.
Updated 06.23.06
Updated 06.23.06Nemesis is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Nemesis is a short new singletrack trail constructed by MAMBA in 2005. Drive to Four Corners and take a right towards Rock Creek Road. Park in the open area at the intersection of Rock Creek Road and Ridge Road. Hike up Ridge Road. about 100' where the next intersection is. To your right, there should be a pile of large rocks. This is the trailhead to Nemesis. The trail itself is a little less than 2 miles in length.
There's a great rock lookout about 1/3 the way into the trail where you can see much of Moscow. The last 1/2 of trail winds around through several enormous cedar trees. There are many switchbacks, but they're less challenging and with larger spacing than the switchbacks on Headwaters Loop. The trail ends on the short road going to the climbing rocks. Follow this road ~150' to the left (north), through the Turkey Filters and you'll find yourself on Ridge Road again.
Updated 07.21.08
Nemesis Landing Trail is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Nemesis Landing trail area has seen active logging and is currently blocked by large debris. Thus, we do NOT recommend this trail at this time. Alternative route directions will be posted to this page when available.
Updated 06.23.06
Updated 06.23.06North Contour is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
North Contour is the most popular of all mountain biking trails on Moscow Mountain. It is a swoopy and smooth singletrack built on an old section of logging skid road that is rideable by virtually all skill levels and is enjoyed by beginners to advanced riders. It is short, but worth a frequent visit as part of your trail ride.
The trail is usually ridden one direction (from west to east). To get to North Contour trail, begin at Four Corners (intersection of Moscow Mountain Road and Foothill Road) and head west up Ridge Road (Foothill Road). The trailhead is about 1.25 miles from Four Corners. About 0.5 miles from Four Corners, you will see a small road with a blue gate off to the right. This is where you will return to after the trail is over. As you keep riding on Ridge Road, you may be able to see the trail if you look down off the north side. As you get closer to the trailhead, the trees on the right get thinner. Look for a soft drop to the right off of the road and enjoy a mile of beautiful singletrack. When you get to the end, turn right at the road. In about 1/4 mile, you will reach the blue gate you passed on Ridge Road.
Several other trails exist around this location. Advanced riders will enjoy continuing on Cave Trail back to Four Corners. More novice riders will enjoy a trip out to Paradise Point and the Radio Towers prior to heading down North Contour.
Updated 10.24.06
Over Easy is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Over Easy is a self-contained loop of about 5.5 miles on overgrown skid roads north of Four Corners and Sand Boulevard. It is a non-technical ride that would be an ideal beginner loop if it was closer to a parking area, but it is a bit of a grunt to climb back up to Ridge Road. Suggestion: be strong enough to complete a two hour (total length) ride before you descend into Over Easy.
Access to the start of Over Easy was formerly via a dirt road heading north directly out of Four Corners. That road has been destroyed by the landowner in an attempt to curb motorized use/abuse. MAMBA volunteers, with landowner permission, have built a singletrack called Cave Connector that allows us to access Over Easy and several other trails.
Here's how to find Over Easy: from the main crossroads at Four Corners, head west on Ridge Road (toward North Contour Trail or Pond 9). The big flat area at Four Corners narrows to a one land dirt road. About 30 yards after it narrows, look for a singletrack on the right, approximately 5 yards off the road. The entrance to this trail is left intentionally hidden in order to discourage motorized access, so please do not remove branches or filter logs.
You are now on Lower Tusk. Pedal about 1/4 mile. Just before the wooden bridge that spans a fallen log, look over your right shoulder for the hidden entrance to Cave Connector Trail. This superb new singletrack leads you about 2/3 mile to Dyer Meadow at the west end of Rock and a Hard Place .
From Dyer Meadow, go through the red gate and north downhill the Jump Trail for about 1/2 mile to Sand Boulevard. Turn right and ride about 0.3 mile to an open, white sandy area. Bear left in a sweeping, descending turn to begin Over Easy. This first half mile of Over Easy is now a logging road. Approximately 0.5 mile after leaving Sand Boulevard come to a Y-junction.
Bear right (the new logging road continues to the left; you'll be returning on the left fork). Enjoy the next 1.6 miles of swooping, gradual downhill, most of which is remarkably smooth.
The most important junction is at approximately mile 2.1, about 50 yards after the overgrown skid road changes character to a more recently bulldozed road. The change is subtle, so pay attention. Turn hard left onto a descending road, which is often a bit overgrown. You'll know you've made the correct left turn if there's a wooden rail fence next to this road. Descend briefly, cross a small stream, climb steeply for about 100 yards, then bear left as you pop out on top. Climb less steeply, with some rolling sections, for the about 2 miles. This part of the route needs a Good Samaritan to give it a bad haircut with loppers. Somewhere in this section the singletrack becomes a road....simply stay on the main road. The only turn to worry about comes when you bear right, headed back toward Sand Boulevard on the same road you rode at the beginning of Over Easy.
Ridge Road to E. Moscow Mountain Lookout
Updated 04.14.08
Updated 04.14.08Ridge Rd to East Moscow Mountain Lookout is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
East Moscow Mountain Lookout is a must see destination any time you're headed to that side of the mountain. This got its name from old lookout was at the top of Tamarak ski hill (closed in the early 90's). The location offers spectacular views in all directions.
Head east from Four Corners on Ridge Rd (Foothill Rd).When you get to the Rock Creek Rd intersection at Four Corners' parking area, continue east on Ridge Rd. It will climb steeply for the first 0.75 miles. (Advanced riders will prefer to ride Nemesis, which joins Ridge Rd at the top of this climb.) About 1/8 mile after this climb, stay right at the Y (Blonde Jeans is to the left). About 1/2 mile after the climb, stay left at the Y (blue gate to the right). Another way to remember...head uphill for the first two Y's. The road continues a gradual climb for the next 1/2 mile, then has a gradual descent for another 1/2 mile. At this point, there will be an uphill driveway on your right and the parking area for the Cedar Grove on your left. Continue past these for another 1/2 mile where there will be a blue gate and a long sweeping corner to your right. Take the sweeping corner to your right and ride up this road—staying right at the intersection ~1/3 mile later as well. This will lead you to the East Moscow Mountain Lookout about 3/4 mile later. Have a seat on the rocks and enjoy the breathtaking view and cool breeze!
This ride is all on doubletrack, so is great for "fit" beginners. For some extra fun, take Wonderpup and Wonderpup Ridge Rd Connector on your way back. If you know your way around, continue onto Cedar Grove Trail, Blonde Cedar Connector,and Blonde Jeans before returning to Four Corners.
Ridge Road West to Paradise Pt
Updated 6.23.06
Updated 6.23.06Ridge Rd is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Paradise Pt is a must see destination any time you're headed that direction. From Four Corners, most beginner riders can make it there and it's a great place for a break, taking in the views, and maybe have a snack (please pick up your wrappers though!).
To get to the trailhead, go west from Four Corners on Ridge Rd (Foothill Rd). It will climb gradually for the first 1.5 miles. Continue slightly downhill for the next 1/2 mile until you're in much more of an opening. Look for a small trail off the left side near the end of the clearing. The trail has been opened up into more of a road recently, but is still rideable...just not as technical as it used to be. The trail gains in elevation all the way to the top (~1/4 mile). When you reach the top, look for a large pile of rocks to your left. This is Paradise Pt. Have a seat on the rocks and enjoy the breathtaking view and cool breeze.
**Warning** A few people have spotted a cougar or cougar tracks around Paradise Pt. Be careful if you plan to bring young kids or animals to the location...keep them near you and don't let them wander off on their own.
If you know your way around, the path that continues to the west will eventually get you over to Headwaters...but if you don't know the way, you'll probably get lost trying it on your own. Otherwise, head back the way you came up, and be sure to hit North Contour and Upper and Lower Tusks on your way back to Four Corners.
Updated 10.25.06
Rock and a Hard Place is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Rock and a Hard Place is fully open, although the ground is pretty soft. The original Rock and a Hard Place was logged Spring 2006, making it unrideable for the 2006 summer season. This important connector offered one of the only passages from Dyer Meadow (north of Four Corners) to Rock Creek Road so MAMBA volunteers spent a sunny October day clearing the trail to make it usable once again.
Only attempt this singletrack if you're comfortable on steep, technical, narrow sidehills. Please leave the first 50 yards overgrown so the motorized users can't find it.
The west end of Rock and a Hard Place is at Dyer Meadow. To get here, ride down either Cave Connector or Lickity Split. Once in Dyer Meadow and looking north at the red gate, you will see two overgrown skid roads to the east. Rock and a Hard Place is the one along the fence line, while Lickity Split is the other. Follow this overgrown skid road ~2/3 mile where it will end with an abrupt rock/dirt face to climb. It's best to attempt this short ascent on foot. From there, it's all singletrack through a recently logged wonderland.
A giant log has fallen across the trail near its eastern end. Please leave the log (as if anyone could move it!) as a filter to block motorized access. The singletrack then emerges onto a grassy logging road. Continue eastward about 1/2 mile. (Note: if you continue east even farther on this grassy logging road, you come to Sand Boulevard, then bear right to get to the blue gate on Rock Creek Road. If you head north, you will descend to a great rock lookout, then drop down a very steep/rutted trail that drops onto Sand Boulevard.)
To follow the most direct route back to Four Corners, however, turn right and spin steeply for 1/2 mile or so on the dirt doubletrack called Donkey Hoh Tea (if you still don't get the verbal pun, try "Don Quixote"). New logging covered this short section with branches and debris, but a MAMBA volunteer rakes it periodically, so it's usually rideable.
When you reach the top of Donkey Hoh Tea, bear sharp right on lightly graveled Rock Creek Road, which takes you back to Ridge Road just east of Four Corners. The entire loop is probably about 3 to 3.5 miles long.
Updated 07.26.08
Rolls Royce is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Updated 07.26.08Rolls Royce can be used to connect the bottom of Fruitcake to Rock Creek Rd. The west half of Rolls Royce is an active logging road. At the bottom of Fruitcake, turn west (left) where you will soon climb a short steep hill. Once at the top, follow the main road all the way downhill to the blue gate at Rock Creek Rd. An alternative to riding up Rock Creek Rd. is to jump on Sand Blvd. located across and slightly downhill on Rock Creek Rd. Take Sand Blvd., Alt Rock, and half of Rock & Hard Place to get back to Four Corners.
Updated 07.26.08
Sand Boulevard is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Sand Boulevard is the lower part of the sweet single track previously known as Sand Trail (reference Hog Heaven Guide). The west end begins at the bottom of Meadow Trail; however, the last 50 yds. of Meadow Trail has a lot of debris across the trail. An alternate route is to ride the first 1/4 mile of Cave Trail, then drop down an old skid road to the left which connects to Sand Blvd. Sand Blvd. can be used to bypass most of Cave Trail. You can connect back to the climb on the east end of Cave Trail about 0.7 mi later. If you choose to stay on Sand Blvd., at about 1 mi from the start you will come to an intersection with Whoop Dee Doo heading uphill to the right. About 1/4 mi later you'll come to a large sandy intersection. The start of Over Easy is downhill to the left, while Sand Blvd. continues to the right. About 1 mi later, if you look behind you and to the right you'll see the entrance to Alt Rock. If you continue on Sand Blvd. you will reach Rock Creek Rd. about 1 mi later.
From the end of Sand Blvd. you're only options back to Four Corners include some steep climbs. You can ride Rock Creek Rd. which is covered in gravel and quite steep for the next 0.6 mi. Alternatively, you can ride Rolls Royce, then climb (quite steeply) up Fruitcake (hence the name), and continue on Blonde Jeans and Nemesis back to Four Corners.
Updated 09.05.09
Southside is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Southside used to connect to Ridge Rd (and technically still does), but is now most commonly accessed from the middle of Headwaters Trail. To get to the beginning of Southside, head counterclockwise on Headwaters up to the first landing (see image). Continue ~0.3 miles up Headwaters where you cross another trail (see image).This is the lower end of Southside. (You may want to zero your trip meter.)
Turn right off of Headwaters onto Southside. Continue 0.1 mile and veer right when you meet a larger dirt road (Velo Rd). Note: Going left on either Velo Rd or the singletrack on the left side of the road take you back to Ridge Rd.
- About 100’ down Velo Rd, look for Southside to continue off the right side of the road.
- About 0.2 mile (and a little climb) later you will hit Velo Rd again. Stay to the right. Note: You will see the bottom of Hey Noose on the left side of the road.
- About 0.3 mile later (~1 mile from the start of Southside), there is a large road going uphill to the left. Continue to the right.
- About 0.1 mile later, you will come to an intersection. Follow the gradual turn to the left (see image).Note: Very shortly after this turn you will see the bottom of Moose Marbles heading uphill to your left (see image).
- About 0.2 miles later (1.25 miles from the start), you will see a road coming in from the left. Continue on the main road bending to the right (see image).
- Another 100’ later will be another road coming in from the left. Stay to the right (see image).
- About 0.3 mile later, you should see an overgrown singletrack to your left (see image). Note: This is the bottom of Liposuction…only the cruel consider riding *up* this trail.
- About 0.3 miles beyond Liposuction (~1.85 miles from the start), you will reach a switchback (see image). This is the end of Southside and the bottom of Switchblade.
Updated 06.23.06
Updated 06.23.06Switchblade Trail is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Switchblade is one of the sweetest narrow singletrack trails on the mountain. Unfortunately, it is for sale to the highest bidder. It is possible an out-of-town buyer will clear-cut it and run, so if you just happen to have a cool quarter million you don't know what to do with, call MAMBA as soon as possible!
Switchblade is an alternative to Moose Marbles as a route between Paradise Point and Headwaters Loop. The tread is nicely packedand the switchbacks are rideable in both the uphill and downhill directions. It is mostly ridden downhill, but it is plenty rideable in the uphill direction as well. You can help by riding up or down Switchblade instead of the old trail (Liposuction), as this will reduce erosion on the old trail.If you're heading down the Deep Vee from Paradise Point, just after you drop off the 3rd root step, you'll reach a corner. Upper Moose Marbles is to your right and is a much larger trail. Switchblade is slightly overgrown and to the left. This section of trail is also shared with Liposuction, so be watching for a critical turn off of the trail in the first 1/4 mile off to your left side. Take this trail and enjoy many switchbacks that cross Liposuction over and over. The trail eventually drops you back on an old logging road, which is the east end of the Southside Trail. From here, you can continue on Southside and go back up Moose Marbles, or drop all the way down to Headwaters Loop.
Updated 06.18.06
Updated 06.18.06Triple Crown Trail is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Triple Crown consists of three short, interconnected loops off the north side of Ridge Road near West Twin.
Begin at Four Corners and head west. Ride up Ridge Road toward Paradise Point. After passing the gate on the way to Paradise Point, look for an over grown dirt road descending to the right.This is the entrance to the West Crown. Turkey Filters (huge dirt piles to keep motorized vehicles out) block the entrance, but mountain bikers are allowed to ride there. When you come to a new logging road, temptation is to turn to the first right, but just continue straight on the road (bearing neither left or right) and you’ll be back on singletrack in no time. To head back to Ridge Road after completing the West Crown, just keep heading uphill and you’ll hit it eventually. If you decide to ride Middle Crown, look for a singletrack descending on the left during the climb back to Ridge Road.
The Middle Crown starts with a singletrack descent with a small water crossing at the bottom. Currently the water crossing has no bridge across it. The most daring can ride it, but most will opt to dismount and hop across the water though. As you emerge from the singletrack, you will find logging roads. Turn uphill (to the right) on the main road. If you intend to do the Third Crown, take your first left. If you’re heading back to Ridge Road, just keep heading uphill.
The Third Crown was logged in 1997 and is just starting to come back. If you’re heading over to North Contour though, or are just looking for a sinister climb, then it’s still worth riding.Take the first left off the uphill road at the end of Middle Crown. About 75 yards later, you’ll come to another intersection of skid roads. Take the one going downhill with a slight curve to it. After a few turns you should find yourself going by an old dwelling. Right about there you start heading uphill again. You’ll pass an outhouse, then will enjoy another 75 yards of uphill. There’s a small turkey filter at the top, making it an extra challenge. There’s another landing/intersection at the top. Take the road that’s on the left and you’ll find yourself on Ridge Road again about 50 yards from the beginning of North Contour.
Updated 07.26.08
Updated 07.26.08The Tusk Trails are located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
UPDATE: The west end of Lower Tusk (beginning at the bridge) has been impacted by logging, and is currently not ridable. You can still use Lower Tusk to get to Cave Connector.
An alternative to riding west on Ridge Road from Four Corners is a small trail called Lower Tusk. It is named for the alder that has grown out from the bank in the shape of an elephant's tusk. To find the trailhead, go west on Ridge Road from Four Corners. About 100' from the main clearing, look for a small opening in the brush on your right that drops fairly steep. You will want to walk the first part. Almost immediately there is a log dropped across the trail. We leave this log in place to keep the motorized access minimized (landowners do not allow motorized use on Moscow Mountain). From here, the trail is pretty self explanatory. About 3/4 mile along the trail there is a small wood bridge over some downed trees. There is a path around the trees just to the right. After this, the trail ascends up a short, steep, loose climb back to Ridge Road. About 50' to the west on the left side of the trail is the entrance to Upper Tusk.
Along with Lower Tusk, Upper Tusk provides an alternative to riding Ridge Road when heading west from Four Corners. If you didn't take Lower Tusk, head west on Ridge Road from Four Corners for about 0.2 miles. Look for a trail off the left side going slightly uphill. This is the entrance to Upper Tusk. The trail is pretty well defined and just contours Ridge Road on an old logging road. The majority of the trail is quite easy, but the end will probably be walked by most beginners. It drops steeply back on to Ridge Road. Directly across from the trail end is a blue gate that begins Meadow Trail. Ridge Road will be on your right and left.
Updated 06.18.06
Up & Over is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Just across Ridge Road from the top of Jump Trail is Up & Over. Of the two trail options, Up & Over is the ascending trail on the left side. It is an alternate singletrack route to Four Corners. There is a steep climb with rutted switchbacks. Nice view to the north at the top. The descent to Four Corners has some nice jumps. The trail is less than 1/2 mile long.
Updated 10.24.06
Wagon Trail is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Starting on the uphill trail to the east of Paradise Point, Wagon Trail begins about 100' up the trail off the right side. After about 0.3 mile, you come to an old skid road. Wagon Trail continues across this road (and slightly to the right) for another 0.2 mile of winding downhill, ending in the middle of Upper Moose Marbles (UMM). If you're riding up UMM, look for a trail on your left right before the log across the trail (just before the last climb where UMM would intersect Deep Vee and Switchblade).
Updated 07.26.08
Whoop Dee Doo is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
If you're looking for a fun, fast decent with some perfect jumping water bars, Whoop Dee Doo is for you! You'll have so much fun going down, you'll forget you have to ride back out. Starting at the Dyer Meadow (Cave Connector, Lickity Split, and Rock & a Hard Place intersection), go past the red gate and head downhill on doubletrack. The east end of Cave Trail starts about 1/4 mi down Whoop Dee Doo on your left. Whoop Dee Doo continues downhill for another 1/4 mi where it intersects Sand Blvd. Whoop Dee Doo is commonly used to get from Four Corners down to Over Easy. From the end of Whoop Dee Doo, take a right on Sand Blvd for about a 1/4 mi, then head downhill, and to the left at the big sandy intersection to get to Over Easy.
Updated 7.26.08
Wonderpup Trail is located on Private Land. Please tread lightly. More on Trail Etiquette...
Wonderpup is a smaller, cutier, and clumsier version of Wonderdog (which is closed due to active logging). From the view at the sign on East Moscow Mountain Lookout, head up the rock pile 50 ft to your right. Gradually descend for about 300 ft, staying to the left side, look for a singletrack that winds down through the pine trees. The first 0.6 mi is all singletrack which decends (steep at times) through lush, green, ground covered forest. When you drop onto the doubletrack, turn right and gradually climb for about 0.3 mi. Just before you reach Ridge Rd, look for a short bypass dropping (free falling?) to the left which will take you around the brush pile used to keep motorized vehicles off the doubletrack. Wonderpup joins Ridge Rd about 200 ft east of the Cedar Grove trail.