Peterson Ridge Trail

Route Description for Peterson Ridge Trail

This trail roughly mimics a ladder, with two rails (PRT East and PRT West) running the full length, with several rungs connecting the rails periodically. This setup allows for the completion of loops of almost any size. If you don’t wish to complete the full loop, you can simply continue along one rail for as long as you wish before crossing over and heading back along the opposite rail. The full loop will be described in this report.

Beginning just behind Three Creeks Brewing, ride along the wide ‘Five Pines Acres Trail’ to reach the Peterson Ridge Trail (PRT) proper. Following this trail, you will cross a road then enter the narrower single track of the PRT. Continue left at the first junction and start heading up PRT east. You will follow this trail almost to its end, turning left at all the junctions.

The beginning of the PRT is quite mellow, mostly flat single track. There are a handful of slightly rocky sections which do not cause much of a concern. The first few legs of the PRT are a fantastic place to learn to mountain bike, and several contributors actually learned to ride on this exact trail!

After passing a few rungs on the PRT ladder the trail will start to get slightly more technical. A few short climbs later you will have gained a small plateau. Here the riding will mellow out a bit more, and you will reach your first viewpoint, called Eagle Rock.

Shortly after this viewpoint you will reach junction #28. Here you will turn right to head along the Top Rung Connector towards Peak View. At junction #33 head straight again towards Peak View. We cut the full loop short a bit — not going all the way to Whychus Creek Trailhead — since that involves a useless descent.

Once you arrive at Peak View be prepared to sit at a picnic bench and enjoy the stunning views of Mt Hood and the Three Sisters. After enjoying the view continue riding along PRT west returning the way you came. On your way back you will pass the Peterson Ridge Viewpoint, another great spot for a break! The general trend is downhill coming back along PRT west.

Finally, you will re-enter the mellow section and cruise all the way back to your car! If you parked near downtown, then continue going strait. If you parked near Three Creeks Brewing, then turn right at junction #3 and find the Five Pines Connecting trail to return back to your car.

Insider Hints for Peterson Ridge Trail

• If you have kids just do the first couple rungs of the trail to introduce them to some beautiful, mellow single track.
• Head for a meal and a beer at the Three Creeks Brewing restaurant, or better yet stay at Five Pines Lodge.