The star of the Cascade Mountain Range, Mount St. Helens might be best known for its eruption over 40 years ago. And while the summit is craterous, and dried volcanic streams are still visible, the area features verdant forests riddled with creeks, lakes, and waterfalls. There is plenty to explore and enjoy in the shadow of this iconic peak. During your six day summertime Mountain Biking Tour with Escape Adventures, we’ll cover all of the highlights and hidden treasures (did someone say cave exploration?) while enjoying gourmet meals and first class camping under the stars.
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and Gifford Pinchot National Forest boasts a remarkably extensive trail system that runs through this geological patchwork. This area has been left dormant for years, and has been reopened to the public fairly recently, revealing coils of backcountry single-track to explore. The scenery will transition between deep shaded forests twists and turns to majestic views along exposed mountain ridges.
You’ll get an up-close look at volcanic lahars and the new and different terrain created by the eruption, but you’ll also enjoy serene evergreen forest complete with colorful wildflowers, magical meadows, and plenty of plenty of cold, crisp water to refresh you during the summer months during which this tour operates.
We take on a moderate amount of mileage each day, but keep in mind, our routes contain lots of climbing and several ridge trails. So while the mileage is relatively low, the landscape can prove challenging for the less experienced. If you have any concerns, they can be discussed while booking. At Escape Adventures, we can help you through every step of the process so that you can feel confident in your tour’s fit for you!
Here’s a brief little breakdown of the 6 days:
Day 1-2 Ride 9 scenic miles of Siouxon Trail dotted with waterfalls. Continuing the waterfall trend on day 2, we follow the Lewis River Trail.
Day 3-4 Shuttle to McClellan Meadows for tightly wooded singletrack. The next day, shuttle to the Craggy Peak for a 10.5 mile out-and-back ride..
Day 5-6 We’ll check out the looming Eagle Cliffs and Swift Reservoir on the way to Ape Canyon Trail. When we reach the trail’s summit, we are rewarded with views of a waterfall cascading out from the top of Ape Canyon. The final day, shuttle to Ape Cave for some spelunking.
This Trip is Rated Fitness Levels 3-5 and Technical Levels 3-5
While every Escape Adventure trip is designed to appeal to active adventure seekers, and in many cases, particular skill levels, there is always a different idea of what that exactly means. That is why we have designed the chart below to help make sure you join the proper tour. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companions’ may differ as well. We present a range of mileage options on each tour as well as provide support vehicles as much as possible. That way you can take a break and do as little or as much as you would like each day.
You will be riding and sleeping at elevations over 4,000 ft. for this trip. Weather predictions in this area are often unreliable due to the elevation, so it is best to be prepared for cold evenings and inclement weather. Please use the following location when checking the weather online: Cougar, WA
All internal land expenses and services are covered in the cost of your tour. This means from the time we pick you up at our meeting point, until we drop you back off to head home, all transportation, food preparation, meals (except where noted on itineraries), snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, group supplies and community gear (portable chairs, large awnings, coolers, utensils, etc.) are included. Backcountry permits, licenses, park fees, reservations, and accommodations (lodging) are also included, along with at least two professionally trained trip leaders, a mobile first aid and mechanic station, spare bikes, and a support vehicle(s). Trip price does not include airfare, lodging prior to trip start or bicycle rental and/or camping gear (if on a camping tour) unless otherwise noted on itinerary or website.
Renting Bicycles
Not only do we run an international bike tour business, but we also own and operate two premiere bicycle stores – www.LasVegasCyclery.com and www.MoabCyclery.com. We have learned over the years that every cyclist is different and prefers different types of bikes for different types of terrain. That is why we offer the best bicycles for rent in the business. If for some reason you are not happy with the quality of your rental, we will refund the cost of your entire bike rental. If you are bringing your bike with you, check with your airline’s baggage policy in advance and be sure to pack your bike accordingly. If you are shipping your bike to your destination, confirm the address with our office and allow enough time for your bike to arrive. We’re happy to help you ship your bike. Whatever you need to get the most out of your tour, we are here to make it happen.
Renting Camping Gear
We rent high-quality camping gear for all of our camping tours. These include a tent, sleeping pad, raised cot, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, full size pillow, and ground tarp. Your Trip Leaders will always help to ensure your equipment is set up properly each night.
Camp Gear Kit Rental: $100.00
Free With Every Tour
When you join an Escape Adventures tour in 2024, you will receive a FREE custom sublimated Limited Edition Jersey!
Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle free on tour. By choosing to rent a bike from us, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. Escape Adventures provides only high-end bicycles from Santa Cruz and Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our rentals meet our high standards. All of our mountain bikes are equipped with full suspension frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who are touring with a companion who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, we now have electric mountain bikes (electric pedal assist) available on select tours. For multi-sport tours, daily bike rental fees are charged on mountain biking days only.
Santa Cruz Bronson Carbon Full Suspension Mountain Bike ($85/day)
Carbon frame w/160mm (6in) Front and 150mm Rear Travel
29″ front 27.5″ rear Wheel Size and plush VPP suspension
SRAM GX Eagle 1×12 drivetrain & Code Disc Brakes
FOX 36 Float Performance fork, RockShox Super Deluxe Select+
and Reverb dropper post
Mountain Bike Rentals
Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle free on tour. By choosing to rent a bike from us, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. Escape Adventures provides only high-end bicycles from Santa Cruz and Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our rentals meet our high standards. All of our mountain bikes are equipped with full suspension frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who are touring with a companion who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, we now have electric mountain bikes (electric pedal assist) available on select tours. Looking to upgrade? We have carbon mountain bike rentals available as well – call our office for details. For multi-sport tours, daily bike rental fees are charged on mountain biking days only.
Specialized Full Suspension Mountain Bike ($70/day)
This new Specialized Full Suspension bike is the best bang for your buck! This bike features 140 mm of front and rear travel, which is plenty of cushion to soak up any bump in the trail. Visit the Specialized site for more information. Individual components on rental bikes may vary slightly. Call for more information.
Mountain Bike Rentals
Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle free on tour. By choosing to rent a bike from us, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. Escape Adventures provides only high-end bicycles from Santa Cruz and Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our rentals meet our high standards. All of our mountain bikes are equipped with full suspension frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who are touring with a companion who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, we now have e-bikes (electric pedal assist) available on select tours. For multi-sport tours, daily bike rental fees are charged on mountain biking days only.
Specialized Full Suspension Mountain Bike ($70/day)
This new Specialized Full Suspension bike is the best bang for your buck! This bike features 140 mm of front and rear travel, which is plenty of cushion to soak up any bump in the trail. Visit the Specialized site for more information. Individual components on rental bikes may vary slightly. Call for more information.
Specialized Carbon Stumpjumper Full Suspension ($85/day)
With the Specialized Carbon Stumpjumper, we’ve bottled up that “new bike day” feeling and put it into a radical new trail bike so agile, so lively, so in-tune with the trail, that it feels like an extension of your body. Levitate up the climbs. Decimate the descents. The Stumpjumper is going to make you rethink how a trail bike should ride.
For over 25 years, the hallmark of an Escape Adventures tour is personalized, hands-on service. Before, during, and after each trip. We are a company of honesty and integrity and we stand behind our product 100%. From the moment you learn of our trips, to the time you return home and start planning your next trip, we are here to bring you the best possible experience. From our Guaranteed Trip Departure Confirmation Policy, making sure your trip is never cancelled*, to our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Policy, backing the unrivaled consistent quality of all our tours, our commitment to you is never compromised. * Scheduled Domestic trips only.
Our Commitment to the Environment
Our environmental commitment is second to none. It is our way of doing business, our way of being. We run our tours the same way we run our company, with an eye on the triple bottom line: People, Profit & Planet. At Escape Adventures, we elected to pursue a more comprehensive approach to actually reduce our carbon footprint, rather than just offset it. We overhauled our entire operation — from our vehicles, to our buildings, to our procedures — to become an outdoor industry leader in the charge to help our people and our planet.
Exceptional Service and Exceptional Guides
Leading tours naturally followed from our passion of exploring our favorite places with our friends. Our support staff includes our reservation team who is there to answer your questions about the tours, our service team who prepares your bike and gear for the tour, and our guide team – the ones who take you into the great outdoors. The highest level of responsibility, good nature, integrity, and dedication are standard traits of all those who work at Escape Adventures. We our proud of it and we think you should know it.
The Best Support Vehicles
Having custom-made vehicles allows us to take you to places few other outfitters can, or will go. Every Escape Adventures tour is accompanied by at least one support vehicle, trailer, and in some cases a second and third transfer van. After purchase, we custom engineer our trucks, vans, and trailers by our on-staff mechanic to meet the unique needs of different tours. For example, certain trucks are specifically designed for The White Rim and The Maze, while others are designed for The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. Each of our guides is required to be trained in safe vehicle operation, 4X4 driving, and basic maintenance. Our experienced guides make it look easy, transporting you and up to 12 guests, along with their bikes, fresh food, camping gear and plenty of drinking water to a remote location.
The Best Bicycles and Gear
Make your trip as comfortable as possible on the body, as simple as possible for traveling, and hassle-free on tour. By choosing to rent a bike from us, we will fit you with the newest, highest quality gear in the industry. Escape Adventures provides only high-end bicycles from Santa Cruz and Specialized. We replace our rental fleet each season to ensure all our rentals meet our standards. All of our mountain bikes are equipped with full suspension frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who are touring with a companion who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, we now have eMountainbikes (electric pedal assist) available on select tours.
The Best Food
Our food isn’t just good, it’s good for you.
Food is a big part of the Escape Adventures experience. Our guides prepare all of your meals on our camping trips. Expect three delicious meals a day consisting entirely of freshly prepared foods. These include fresh organic fruits and vegetables as well as meats. We also have energy snacks aboard our support vehicles. Don’t be surprised if your guides purchase fresh fruits and healthy snacks throughout the day while you are out riding. They may just show up on the trail with a local treat! Many of our guests are vegans or vegetarians, whom we are more than happy to accommodate. If you have special diet requirements or limitations, just let us know when you sign-up and we’ll work with you to meet your needs.
The idea of taking your friends or family somewhere cool and amazing is actually pretty easy. Tell us what you’re thinking. We’ll make it happen.
Any trip in this catalog, any specific time frame, any group size, we can custom-fit if not comfortably accommodate. A Custom and Private Escape Adventures trip affords the ultimate bonding, or team-building experience for:
Clubs and co-workers
Family reunions
Corporate retreats
Friends
To shape a Custom or Private Trip, we begin a dialogue: first, to develop a group specific itinerary, tailored to respective abilities and preferred tempo. Next we schedule, bookmarking and working in your optimum or ideal getaway dates. Size-wise, we can build a multi-day trip for as few as two people, scaled up to as many as 30 plus. Contact us today to start the custom trip building process.
Rates on Private and Custom Departures:
All Private Escape Adventures Trips are priced in the structured method below. Some Custom tours are priced differently if they vary from the Classic Escape Adventures itinerary and price. In this situation we will provide your group with a custom itinerary and price.
10+ GUESTS Price as advertised*
8-9 GUESTS +$400 per person to trip price*
6-7 GUESTS +$900 per person to trip price*
4-5 GUESTS +$1,900 per person to trip price*
2-3 GUESTS +$2,500 per person to trip price*
* Pricing, availability and guest minimums are all subject to change at any time. Certain dates have a minimum number of guests required, please contact us for details. All private tours on The White Rim must meet a 13 person paid minimum. All private tours on The Maze must meet a 7 person paid minimum.
