The Ultimate Post Canyon Flow Loop: A Mountain Biker’s Dream Ride in Hood River, Oregon
Tucked into the forested hillsides just above Hood River, Oregon, Post Canyon is one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier mountain biking destinations. While the network boasts dozens of trails for riders of all skill levels, one ride in particular stands out as a must-do: The Ultimate Post Canyon Flow Loop.
This guide covers everything you need to know to ride this exhilarating route—from parking and trail tips to detailed directions and what to expect along the way. If you’re looking for an unforgettable combination of steady climbs, forest switchbacks, exposed ridgelines, and buttery-smooth flow trail descents, this loop should be at the top of your list.
Trail Overview
Location: Hood River, Oregon – Post Canyon Trail System
Start/End Point: 7 Streams Staging Area
Route Type: Loop
Mileage: Approx. 12-14 miles
Elevation Gain: ~2,000 feet
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced (due to sustained climbing and high-speed descents)
Ride Time: 2-3 hours depending on pace
Season: Spring through Fall (snow at higher elevations in winter)
Parking & Access Info
Begin your ride at the 7 Streams Staging Area, the lowest access point in the Post Canyon system. This staging area is the perfect launch point for this full-featured loop.
Pro Tip: A Hood River County Forest Parking Pass is required to park here. Passes are available online or at local bike shops in town—don’t skip this step, as rangers do check.
Trail Guide: Climbing to the Top of Post Canyon
Your ride begins with a mellow warm-up on Seven Streams (Trail #100). This short segment gently guides you into the heart of the forest with smooth tread and light undulation. It’s the perfect appetizer for what’s to come.
➤ Cardiac Bypass: Where the Climbing Begins
After cruising along Seven Streams, you’ll connect to Cardiac Bypass, where the real climbing begins. As the name suggests, this section ramps up the intensity with a series of tighter switchbacks and steeper grades. Thankfully, it’s shaded by lush fir trees and is well-maintained for traction.
You’ll pass the Family Man Staging Area along the way—a great place to regroup, hydrate, or use the bathroom. There are even a few wooden features and beginner loops here if you’re riding with less experienced friends or family.
➤ Lower 8-Track (Trail #150): Into the Heart of the Forest
From Family Man, continue climbing on Lower 8-Track. The switchbacks get tighter here, and the pitch steepens as you gain elevation. The surface transitions to loam and roots, typical of Oregon riding, but still flows smoothly with good line choices.
Midway through the climb, you’ll get a quick breather on Lower Eldorado, a short traverse that offers a break in elevation gain and a mental reset before the final push.
Upper 8-Track: Climbing Through Exposure
After Lower Eldorado, prepare for the most physically demanding section of the ride: Upper 8-Track. This segment breaks out of the dense forest into a more exposed hillside. With fewer trees for shade, it can heat up quickly on sunny days—so plan ahead with water and sun protection.
You’ll cross a couple of fire roads during this section, offering short moments to catch your breath. While it’s tempting to stop, you’re almost to the top—and the best part is yet to come.
The Reward: Epic Flow Descents
Once you crest the upper trail junctions, you’ve earned every bit of the epic descent that follows. From here, it’s almost all downhill back to your car, and the ride quality is nothing short of spectacular.
➤ Remix: Scenic and Flowing
Start your descent with Remix, a top-tier trail with wide, sweeping turns, perfect berms, and some of the best panoramic views of Mount Hood and the Hood River Valley. Be sure to stop for a photo if the view is clear—it’s a classic Pacific Northwest moment.
➤ Upper and Lower Grand Prix (Trail #158): Post Canyon Classics
From Remix, dive straight into Upper Grand Prix, a trail that will test your cornering and pump skills. The transitions are smooth and fast, offering the kind of flow that makes Post Canyon famous.
The momentum continues onto Lower Grand Prix, which maintains the rhythm with berms, rollers, and optional jumps. Even at high speeds, the trail feels predictable and well-built, letting you focus on the ride rather than the terrain.
Spaghetti Factory Connector, Sister Wife & Kleeway: Finishing with Flair
Just when you think it’s over, the loop throws in a few more surprises:
Spaghetti Factory Connector offers a quick link with more mellow terrain.
Sister Wife is a short segment that acts as a transition into the final stretch.
Finally, you hit Kleeway, a fast and fun flow trail that winds its way back to the bottom. With rollers, jumps, and smooth lines, it’s a crowd favorite and the perfect ending to the loop.
By the time you roll back into the 7 Streams Staging Area, you’ll have climbed over 2,000 vertical feet and descended some of the finest machine-built singletrack in the Pacific Northwest.
🛠️ What to Bring
To make the most of your Post Canyon adventure, don’t forget:
Parking pass (required at 7 Streams)
Hydration – at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water
Snacks or energy bars – the climb is sustained
Helmet and gloves – full-face optional but not necessary
Trail map or GPS – many junctions in the network
Sunscreen and sunglasses – especially for the exposed climb
Camera or phone – for views of Mt. Hood from Remix
Final Tips
Best Time to Ride: Spring through fall. Summer mornings are ideal to avoid heat during the exposed sections.
Trail Conditions: Check trail status with local sources or Trailforks before heading out, especially after rain.
Riding Direction: This loop is designed for clockwise travel to maximize the climb-descent balance.
Skill Level: While not highly technical, the sustained climb and fast descents make this loop best suited for intermediate and advanced riders.
Why You Should Ride the Post Canyon Flow Loop
If you’re visiting Hood River or live nearby and love mountain biking, this loop is a rite of passage. It combines:
Forest serenity
Stunning mountain views
High-speed flow trail descents
Satisfying climbs
There’s no better way to experience everything Post Canyon has to offer in a single, rewarding ride.
