Strava Link: Hansen Ridge Strava Ride

Conditions: Beautiful fall day around 45 degrees to start, sun and clouds all day.  The trails were in perfect shape, only one mildly muddy spot. Streams weren't really running because it's been so dry.  It had rained a lot the two days previous and there was some water but not enough to get you wet.

I will refer to this map of the trail system:
   Hansen Ridge Map PDF

Starting at the end of FSR5510 we rode to the upper trailhead on the road. The road is approx 1.6 miles and gains around 500' of elevation.

The start of Phase 1 takes you onto single track and you keep climbing. Another 1.5 miles with only a 200' elevation gain. There are sections of this that have large loose rocks and it can be difficult to maintain speed.

Turning onto Phase 2 you continue to climb a little more.  Only .3 miles at about 100' elevation gain.  This small section is easier than some of the Phase 1.

Now the fun begins. The downhill section starts for Phase 2 (about 2 miles).  For 1.4 miles you drop 600' before you have any significant pedalling.  This is a fun section with no large loose rocks and some narrow bridges to pass over. There is also a nice steep banked section. Then a gradual climb along a cut-out hillside (don't look down) for .5 miles with about 160' of elevation gain.  This ends the first Phase 2 section.

You turn right onto FSR510 and start heading down. Over the length of the road (1.9 miles until the interesection with FSR 310) you will lose 550' of elevation with some minor elevation gain. The main ride description for this section says to take specific forks in the road. The forks are not really noticable any longer and you can just following the main road until a 'T'. The road had some large rocks in it but they are easy to avoid.  Turn left.

This puts you on FSR310. This 'road' has not been used for a long while but is easy to ride. It is approximately 1.2 miles and has a 200' elevation gain in places.

At some point the road just ends and the second part of Phase 2 begins. It's not a significant transition. But it happens around the 8.5 mile mark for the trip. Phase 2 begins with some gradual downhill then gradual uphill around a ravine. The steepness factor picks up and you end up ascending 400' to get to the lake over 1.2 miles.  The first half of Phase 2 is easy, then it gets rocky and steep.  Plenty of switch backs with rocks in them to keep you on your toes.  If you are like me you'll walk up this section.

Returning from the lake is is a mixed bag. The steep switchbacks with rocks are tough, but after those it's an easy ride and short climb. to get you to FSR 510.

Hitting the main road (FSR 510) is the hardest part. All climbing with very little downhill for resting.  This is the 2 mile stretch and you climb 550 in elevation overall, but with one downhill section it's more than that.

When you hit the first part of phase two there is a short climb followed by a rejuvinating downhill, only to be followed by the trek to the top. The last section really isn't that steep, but if you didn't bring enough food to fuel your entire trip, it will be exhausting.

When you reach the intersection of Phase 1 and Phase 2, turn left and it's almost all downhill to the lot.  It seems way longer than the 2+ miles it actually is if you are tired.  The first third is very fun with fast easy trail with no obstructions. Then the rocks start appearing. Not as bad as the beginning of Phase 1. Thankfully all downhill at this point.  You will pass by a very open section near the end with good views. The last short bit is mostly flat with pedalling just to keep momentum.

The trip overall took 5 hours start to finish. This was with plenty of walking up hill and quite a few breaks for resting. We saw a bear near the lake so if you have a bear bell it's probably worth using.  Don't do this ride alone as you are not near anything and there are plenty of sections where a fall could really hurt.