Finding your way around the Syncline/Coyote Wall can be a bit of a struggle. There are unmarked or unofficial trails everywhere. But it’s a great ride. And the views from the heart of the Columbia River Gorge are spectacular. The geological feature known as the Syncline, though in this case a bit of a misnomer, is in the transition zone of Washington. This is where the flora, fauna, and weather begin a dramatic change from the rainy conditions of the west to the arid environs of the east. Because of this, the Syncline is a great place to go riding when things are still wet and cold in Portland.
Start: Syncline Trailhead
Distance: 4.0-mile lollipop
Riding time: 1 to 3 hours
Difficulty rating: Intermediate to difficult
Trail surface: Singletrack, doubletrack, dirt roads
Elevation gain: Up to 2,500 feet; 800 feet as described in this ride
Land status: National scenic area
Seasons: Late winter to fall
Nearest town: Bingen, Washington
Other trail users: Hikers; equestrians May to Nov
Canine compatibility: Leashed dogs permitted
Wheels: Suspension recommended
Fees and permits: Toll bridge
Restrooms: Vault toilet at the trailhead
Maps: DeLorme: Washington Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 101 C9
Special considerations: Rattlesnakes, poison oak, and ticks become an issue in late spring and summer.
Getting there: From Portland, take I-84 East to exit 64. Cross the toll bridge into Washington and make a right onto WA 14. Go through Bingen and continue 2 miles past town to Courtney Road. Turn left onto Courtney; trailhead parking is on the left. Cross the street and ride along Old Highway 8 for 0.5 mile to the access to the trail system, on the left. GPS: N45° 42.027' / W121° 24.153'
The Ride
Starting out along an abandoned segment of Old Highway 8, keep an eye out for an access trail about 0.6 mile from the start of the road. Follow this singletrack path upward. After one big, sweeping turn, the path widens and becomes a jeep road. The Little Maui Trail continues sharply to the right and is more fun to come down than go up. So stay straight and continue up the jeep road, passing a junction with the Little Moab Trail. After about 2 miles of riding, you’ll come to another junction with the Little Maui Trail. Peel off to the right and follow Little Maui as the trail levels out. Take in the sweeping views now, because once the downhill starts, you’ll want your faculties about you. There are plenty of spots for speed here, but corners can be tight and there are a few loose areas, so use the speed judiciously. Follow the trail all the way back down to Old Highway 8 and back to the trailhead to complete the 4.0-mile loop.
Alternatively, you can follow the jeep road up to the face of Coyote Wall and a junction with the Little Moab Trail. This is an exciting run along a rather sheer cliff back down to Old Highway 8. Read that last sentence again. This is not a trail for the faint of heart or the unsure. The penalty for failure along the Little Moab Trail is severe indeed. And it’s happened in the past. So please exercise extreme caution if this is your chosen route down.
There’s still more to explore if you’re up to it. You can continue up the jeep road to a large junction near a farmhouse. There is a lot of private property in this area. Residents have historically been very amenable to mountain bikers and hikers passing through, but please be respectful and obey any posted signage. From this spot you can continue to the west, eventually arriving at the Cry Baby Trail. Take everything I said about Little Moab and double it. That’s the Cry Baby Trail. Please be careful. If you head east, you’ll hit the Hidden Valley (or Canyon as it’s sometimes referred to) Trail. The Hidden Valley Trail traverses wide-open rolling fields, rocks, and tight trees. It crosses creeks and passes a waterfall. It is an absolute joy, but it does have a couple exposure spots to look out for. You can follow Hidden Valley Trail all the way back down to Old Highway 8 as well.
Miles and Directions
0.0 Start at the trailhead and ride east on Old Highway 8.
0.5 Take the path on the left and follow it up.
0.8 Stay straight on the jeep road at a junction.
2.2 Make a right onto the Little Maui Trail.
3.5 Arrive back at Old Highway 8. Make a right.
4.0 Arrive back at the trailhead.
Local Information
Post-pedal food and drink: Everybody’s Brewing, 151 W Jewett Blvd., White Salmon, Washington