East Fork of Lake Fork

Closest Major City: McCall

Distance: 9.20 miles (14.80 KM)

Description:
You get a lot of fun out of this quick in and out and so close to town. At the campground, follow the trail as it slopes downward through some forest and the occasional stream crossing (depending on time of year). After about a mile, you'll hit a short section of steep switchbacks lined with rocks. These rocks will be tough to get up on the way in but a blast to come down. Most people walk up this section (and the few others like it) but I recommend trying to ride it, I did and was surprised how much fun it is to bounce up using the rocks. Anyway, after this section, there's about three miles of excellent single track through more forest and logs/rocks to jump over. Check out the river you ride next to most of the way. Check out the awesome alpine meadows and views. Incredible granite mountains. At the 1.6 mile mark, hang a left a the junction. At 4.6 miles you'll hit a river crossing (ok, a big creek crossing) and this is where you turn around and go back.

Directions to the trail:
As you're leaving town going east, turn right at the blinking light and follow the signs for Ponderosa State Park. Take a right at the Lick Creek Road (lots of potholes) for about nine miles to the Lake Fork Campground and Guard Station. Just past the station the road crosses the East Fork and a small, unimproved campground is on the right. Park there (no bathrooms).