Mountain Biking’s Pacific Crest Trail Answer: Orogenesis

Orogenesis, a 5,000-mile trail, is unveiling its first section, Loowit Tier, in Washington, marking a significant milestone in the project’s development.

The Loowit Tier is 197 miles long and takes riders through the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, past Mount Saint Helens, and towards the Columbia River.

The trail features over 33,000 feet of elevation gain and is recommended for experienced mountain bikers.

Riders will encounter unmarked portions and stretches without cellular reception, making navigation essential with the Ride With GPS app.

The trailhead is accessible by 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.

Camping spots are widely available along the trail, according to the project’s website.

Orogenesis has been in the works since 2017, with the Loowit Tier being the first section to be unveiled.

The project 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.

When complete, Orogenesis will be mountain biking's answer to the popular backpacking route the Pacific Crest Trail.