This is a bikepacking trip on mixed terrain in remote areas of the Olympic National Forest and other public and privately owned lands. There is no cellphone coverage for most of the route between Quilcene and Sequim. I will have an Iridium (satellite) communication device. Parking is available at Quilcene Campground for $25/night, but we may be able to either leave vehicles at Mount Walker Inn or take the fast ferry to Kingston and ride to Quilcene before the official start (as your ride leader will be doing). It is possible to ride to Quilcene via Kingston on 104 and Center Road with lodging at Mount Walker Inn or camping at Quilcene C.G. Bring cash or checks for campground fees.
You must be in excellent physical condition with an ability to handle mechanical issues up to and including broken chains, flat or destroyed tires, broken derailleurs, and possibly hiking out. A positive attitude is required! Wildlife encounters are a possibility. This is not a suitable route for E-bikes. A minimum of 35 mm tires are recommended (The eponymous Rene Herse tires are 35 mm but wider is better for bikepacking a loaded gravel bike on this route). We will check in at the ranger station prior to departure from Quilcene to check on road conditions. The ride may be postponed or cancelled due to poor weather or wildfire smoke at the ride leader's discretion. A final go/no go decision will be made at the ranger station prior to departure.
Day One: We will climb up Penny Creek Road and NF 27 approximately 17 miles and 3,800 feet on pavement to the first summit of the day where we will stop to regroup and eat lunch. This is just beyond where the pavement ends. From this first summit we will follow USFS gravel roads for another 17 miles/1,700 feet via Bon Jon Pass to Dungeness Forks Campground. NOTE: There is no potable water at Dungeness Forks C.G., so bring a water filter. This is a first come/first served campground and if it is full we may need to proceed to either Sequim Bay State Park or Dungeness Camprgound - which would make this is very long day but still doable at 50-60 miles with about half of that on pavement. Total for the day: 34 miles/5,000 feet.
Rerouting is possible and negotiable, we won't necessarily follow the exact route or itinerary except for the first day. Be prepared for at least one night of camping.
Day Two: We will exit the national forest and head to Sequim for lunch (about 20 miles) and supplies, and then proceed to either Dungeness Campground or Sequim Bay State Park. Both campgrounds have hiker/biker sites, and showers. Bring cash for the campground fee and quarters for the shower (the latter is free at Sequim Bay). Total for the day 27 miles/1,700 feet (Dungeness option).
Day Three: Back to Quilcene via the Olympic Discovery Trail, Blyn, Woods Road, Snow Creek Road and Lords Lake Loop Road - 36 miles/2,000 feet.
Per insurance requirements, this ride is open only to members of COGS. Participation is limited to 6 club members, with a waiting list available.