The proposed 5,000-mile trail, Orogenesis, is set to unveil its first section, Loowit Tier, in Washington, marking a significant milestone in the project’s development.
The Loowit Tier: A 197-Mile Trail
The Loowit Tier, spanning from Packwood to White Salmon, weaves through the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and towards Mount Saint Helens, before turning south. The trail takes riders past the Lewis River and wraps up at the Columbia River. •
- Length: 197 miles
- Difficulty: 8/10 physical, 6/10 technical
- Estimated completion time: 6-8 days
- Recommended for: Experienced mountain bikers
The trail features over 33,000 feet of elevation gain, with the highest point at just over a mile above sea level. Riders will encounter unmarked portions and stretches without cellular reception, making it essential to download the Ride With GPS app for navigation.
Access and Logistics
You can access the trailhead in Packwood by taking Highway 12, or a Lewis County bus from Centralia or Chehalis. The end of the trail in White Salmon is located right off of State Route 14 and State Route 141. •
- Trailhead access: Packwood (Highway 12) or Lewis County bus from Centralia or Chehalis
- End of trail: White Salmon (State Route 14 and State Route 141)
- Camping: Widely available along the trail
The trail includes some unmarked portions and stretches without cellular reception, so it’s crucial to download the Ride With GPS app for navigation. Camping spots are widely available along the trail, according to the project’s website.
A Major Milestone for Orogenesis
The Loowit Tier is the first section of Orogenesis to be unveiled, marking a significant milestone in the project’s development. The trail has been in the works since 2017, according to Gabriel Tiller, Orogenesis’s executive director. •
- 2017: Orogenesis project begins
- 2025: Four more sections of the trail to be unveiled
- 2025: Main portions of the trail to be released
The group plans to unveil four more sections of the trail over the course of 2025, with the entire trail expected to consist of 24 tiers over 5,000 miles and 470,000 feet of elevation gain.
A Trail Comparable to the Pacific Crest Trail
When complete, Orogenesis will be mountain biking’s answer to the popular backpacking route the Pacific Crest Trail. “Mountain bikes aren’t allowed on the PCT, so mountain bikers have wanted something similar to the PCT for decades now, and thought that this could become that,” Gabriel Tiller said.
Challenges Ahead
The project faces several challenges, including navigating difficult stretches and estimating the completion time. However, the group is committed to releasing new sections of the trail every year going forward. •
- Challenges: Navigating difficult stretches, estimating completion time
- Solutions: Releasing new sections of the trail every year
The Loowit Tier is now open for riders to explore, offering a unique and challenging experience for mountain bikers. With its stunning scenery and diverse terrain, Loowit Tier is an exciting addition to the Orogenesis trail network.
