First of all, the 500' of advertised elevation gain is simply the elevation change from the trail low point to it's high point. Actual riding elevation total gain from Salmon la Sac, out the Pete Lake Trail, and return is 1500'. The Cooper River trail is in great shape, has wonderful rivers views, and is easy to follow until you get to Cooper Lake. When the trail crosses the road it wends it's way through the middle of the campground beside the lake. If the campground is busy, as it was when we rode, you are essentially riding through the middle of tents and picnic tables of campers. Awkward! The last mile of the Cooper River Trail from the boat launch to the Pete Lake Trailhead is completely unmaintained. We had to lift the bikes over waist-high downed trees at least 6 times. The easy way to avoid both the campground and the blocked trail is to simply ride the gravel road up to the Pete Lake Trailhead. The Pete Lake Trail is DECIDEDLY busier than the Cooper River Trail. We passed many hikers, backpackers and horses on that section. We passed ONE person on the Cooper River section.