The scent of sweet pine fills the air. The most perfectly sculpted berms. The feeling of being transported onto the forest moon of Endor, with Ewoks peering from behind fallen logs. As part of our Hood River mountain biking trip, we explored the legendary Post Canyon MTB trail network, and it left an indelible mark on us. It’s unlike any other destination we’ve encountered. An impression so deep that we’re itching to return and delve deeper into this iconic mountain biking destination. Here’s a glimpse of what we gleaned from the locals and our own observations from riding it.
Before You Arrive At The Trailhead
Download the Post Canyon Trail Map
Spanning more than 60 miles of trails with nearly 3,400 feet of vertical relief, Post Canyon is massive and only getting better Similar to LA’s I-5, New York’s Van Wyck, and Chicago’s Dan Ryan, Post Canyon is constantly being worked on. One major difference is you won’t be stuck in traffic. Instead, you’ll always find something fresh to explore! With that being said, download the latest Post Canyon trail map on Trailforks before you head out. New trails emerge, others may retire, and temporary closures can pop up throughout the season, so it’s also worth checking the Hood River County Trail Status page before you ride.
Post Canyon Parking Pass
Parking permits are required at or near Hood River County Forest staging areas, including Seven Streams and Family Man. As of July 2026, a daily permit is $10 and an annual permit is $45. With spotty cell coverage in parts of Post Canyon, it’s a good idea to purchase your pass through the Hood River County website before you head out. The good news is that the parking permit revenue goes directly back into maintaining and improving the county’s recreation trails, so your money is helping keep places like Post Canyon rolling.
Where to Start
With a trail network this large, you’ve got several trailheads to choose from. The two main ones are Seven Streams and Family Man. For first time visitors, I’d recommend starting at Family Man. It’s home to a great progression zone for kids and newer riders, and its central location makes it easy to branch out toward a bunch of different trails.
Location of Family Man staging area on Google Maps
Location of Seven Steams staging area on Google Maps
Can You Shuttle Post Canyon?
For those mountain bikers channeling their inner Marie Antoinette and just want to eat cake, a.k.a. skip the climb, Post Canyon can absolutely be shuttled. Local shops like Fat Tire Farm and Mountain View Cycles used to offer commercial shuttles, but we were told that rising insurance costs made the service increasingly difficult to justify. These days, most riders either self shuttle with two vehicles or use an e bike to knock out hot laps. If you’re shuttling yourself, Trailforks has several route options, including descents from the Kingsley Reservoir area that can drop more than 2,500 vertical feet back toward the lower trail system.
What to Expect
The loud ZZZZZzzzzzz of your rear hub. Beams of sunlight pierce through the canopy of tall pine trees and highlight the neon-green vegetation on the forest floor. As the route yips and yaws, you’ll swear you’re being chased by the Emperor’s soldiers on your hover bike. Was that a laser blast that flew past your head? Probably not, but Post Canyon will definitely leave you grinning from ear to ear and wanting more.
Perfect For All Riding Abilities
The region’s dirt composition leans heavily towards clay, so don’t anticipate stumbling upon sprawling rock gardens. Instead, prepare to be captivated by an endless serpentine maze of gravity fed flow tracks. Each one weaves through dense forests with meticulously crafted berms and exhilarating roll downs. There are even a few rooty sections to keep things interesting. And for the seasoned vets seeking some air time, the expert marked trails boast colossal wooden kickers that launch you into the stratosphere onto perfectly shaped landings. If there’s one word to sum up Post Canyon, it’s undeniably “FAST.”
When To Visit
Post Canyon is at its best in late spring or, better yet, fall. We can vouch for that. We hit it in early October and it was pure gold. The trails were tacky and empty. The only time it’s best to avoid riding is when the ground is frozen. Then, as the top layer thaws, it becomes a peanut buttery slip-n-slide. On those days, it’s a good idea to head over to Hood River’s other trail system, Syncline, instead. And during the hottest part of summer, it can be weeks between rainfall, creating little ball bearing sized clumps of dirt that can get surprisingly slippery. Summer is also fire season in Hood River County, so temporary restrictions or access closures can pop up when conditions get especially dry. Check the Hood River County Trail Status page before heading out.
Mountain Bike Trails We Hit
Grand Tour
As you’ll see below, there are A LOT of trails at Post Canyon, and while each one isn’t very long by itself, they can all be connected to make a grand tour through the Post Canyon Trail network. The following tour is a great sampler of Post Canyon because you get a little bit of everything: a mellow climbing trail, fast flow, technical features, big berms, and a classic ridge descent back toward the lower trail system:
Difficulty: Intermediate (ride around technical jumps) / Advanced
Distance: ~14 miles | Elevation Gain: 2,320 Feet
Start: Family Man Staging Area
Climb: Baby GP -> El Dorado
Descend: 140 Hybrid XC -> 140 to BMS Connector -> Splash & Giggle -> Bad Motor Scooter -> Upper GP -> Lower GP
Climb: Spaghetti Factory
Descend: Mitchell Ridge
Climb: Seven Streams -> Family Man Mainline
El Dorado – The Best Climbing Trail Ever!
Difficulty: Easy | Length: 3.7 miles | Climbing 1,073′ | Descent: 212′
Map & info about El Dorado on Trailforks
Being based in Tahoe, we’re used to brutal climbs that pulverize your soul and spit you out at the top. El Dorado isn’t one of those climbing routes. Instead, it has the perfect pitch to make it actually enjoyable to keep the pedals at a good cadence but doesn’t blow you out.
Navigating El Dorado felt akin to playing a game of peek-a-boo with the surrounding ridgelines. When we were there, each turn revealed a stunning vista of fluorescent fall colors intermingled with the rich greens of the pines. The soil was that Velcro stickiness that clay at its best provides. Slowly but surely, we climbed. The trail’s gradual slope proved to be a climbing cyclist’s dream.
Splash n Giggle – Easter Eggs
Difficulty: Intermediate | Length: 0.45 miles | Climbing 62′ | Descent 305′ – includes Connector trail
Map & info about Splash n Giggle on Trailforks
The mountain bike network is brimming with hidden gems, much like Easter Eggs for mountain bikers waiting to be discovered. Take, for instance, Splash n Giggle (also known as slip n slide), a trail we stumbled upon. Its entrance has a sign with a three-dimensional bear kayaking down a stream. Though short, this route is an exhilarating ride, zigzagging across the landscape until it deposits you at the convergence of a massive jump line from another trail called Extended Play. Don’t worry, you don’t need to hit those jumps.
On Trailforks, they call the jumps on Extended Play medium but to us they looked huge! Instead of a normal table top, the last two had towering wooden kickers with a gap to the dirt landing.
140 Hybrid Moto Trail
Difficulty: Intermediate | Length: 1.52 mile (but can be extended) | Descent: 431′
Map and info about the 140 Hybrid XC-Moto (Mid-section) and (Lower Section) Trail on Trailforks.
Certain trails at Post Canyon, like the 140 Hybrid Moto Trail, are shared with motorcycles, but not all. Heads up—especially on connector trails like this one—uphill dirt bikes / motos may be coming, so stay alert. However, for mountain bikers, it serves as an excellent warm-up for the descent. This one offers up a rapid set of twists and turns, rolling down the mountain at a gentle angle.
Bad Motor Scooter
Difficulty: Expert | Length: 0.53 mile | Descent: 265′
Map & info about Bad Motor Scooter on Trailforks
The name fits. It dives into a deep dark valley. Massive curvaceous berms slice their way down the mountainside until it delves into the heart of the darkest lion’s den… here, huge kickers beckon, offering an optional thrill before finishing up with a raucous root fest, spitting you out back into the welcoming embrace of ample sunshine.
Grand Prix
Difficulty: Expert (Upper GP) / Intermediate (Lower GP) | Length: 0.95 mile | Descent: 390′
Map & info on Trailforks for Upper GP and Lower GP
This trail usually is ridden after finishing Bad Moto Scooter and is split into two main sections: Upper and Lower GP. As an iconic trail in Post Canyon, it features immaculate banked slalom like berms and a variety of features, including booters and gap jumps. While the upper section is labeled as expert, the more advanced features like gap jumps have intermediate friendly ride around options. For intermediate riders and confident beginners, navigating down using these ride-around options should pose no challenge, allowing them to experience its awesomeness and yet avoid the more advanced features.
Spaghetti Factory
Difficulty: Intermediate | Length: 1.6 mile | Climbing: 124′ | Descent: 357′
Map and info about Spaghetti Factory on Trailforks
Yet another name that describes what it will be like. Brace yourself for a blend of rapid, punchy ascents interspersed with smooth, rolling descents. All of it winds through a dense thicket of slender pines as effortlessly as slicing through a pile of spaghetti. Hence the Spaghetti Factory.
Mitchell Ridge
Difficulty: Intermediate | Length: 1.1 mile | Climbing: 40′ | Descent: 582′
Located on a ridgeline by itself, it feels more like a classic tour ride in the mountains. The trail begins wide as a double track, but as you venture farther, it narrows, beckoning you into more daring terrain. At one point, the path becomes so steep and slick that a giant sign warns of “Caution: Tumbling Water Buffalo.” Heed this warning—it’s no exaggeration! The journey finishes with another series of expertly maintained tight switchbacks, adding a thrilling finale to the adventure.
7 Streams
Difficulty: Easy | Length: 1.3 mile | Climbing: 374′ | Descent: 16′ – Climbing trail
Upon completing Mitchell Ridge, our only route back to the Family Man staging area was a climb up the 7 Streams trail. True to its name, this path leads you across the stream seven times. As you ascend through a narrow, winding valley, you’re surrounded by vibrant neon green trees that form a canopy overhead, guiding you back up to the mid level section of the trail system.
A word of advice: opt for the Cardiac Bypass route
The final stretch is a steep ascent straight up the mountain that doesn’t justify the shortcut. If you’re climbing out of the 7 Streams staging area, take the Cardiac Bypass.
Our Wish List
With just a single day at our disposal, we couldn’t possibly tackle all the iconic bike trails this place has to offer. However, after seeing a few photos and videos, one trail stood out: Dirt Surfer. We truly regret not having the time to experience it firsthand. Sitting higher in the trail system, the terrain appears to take on a different character, with a different soil composition and noticeably more rock than many of the smooth, clay based flow trails we rode lower down. Trailforks describes it as a fast ribbon of singletrack with embedded rocks, plenty of flow, and a few small tables and optional booters. But alas, that only solidifies that we need to return for another adventure!
Where To Eat, Stay, And More
Post Canyon is just one of three major mountain bike trail networks near Hood River. For a deeper dive into the other trail systems, the history of Post Canyon, where to eat, and more, check out our: “All You Need To Know About Hood River Mountain Biking.”
And when it comes to lodging, there’s no shortage of great options in town. The historic Hood River Hotel puts you right in the middle of downtown, while Adventure Lodge makes a great basecamp if you want something a little more geared toward outdoor adventure. You can read about our firsthand experience there in: Adventure Lodge Hood River – An Ideal Basecamp For Outdoor Fun.
