Staff Pick: Reade Hill Loop Trail | Forks Washington

Posted on 20 July 2026
By Nate Braks | Mitch McDougall
Posted in Staff Pick, Trail Breakdown, Video

For this Staff Trail Pick, shop rider Mitch McDougall hopped on his Specialized Status, accompanied by Aimee on her Stumpjumper, to explore one of the peninsula's few dedicated XC singletrack loops.

Location: Forks, Washington (Near Sportsman's Biking Area)

Rider: Mitch McDougall (Riding with Aimee)

Bike: Specialized Status 160

Video Filmed by: Mitch McDougall | Edited by: Nate Braks

If you’re a cross-country rider on the Olympic Peninsula, you already know the drill: outside of the epic line of the Olympic Adventure Trail (OAT), true XC singletrack can feel pretty tough to come by in our sea of steep, rugged, and moto-heavy terrain. That’s exactly what makes the Reade Hill Trail System out in Forks such a hidden gem.

For this Staff Trail Pick, shop rider Mitch McDougall hopped on his Specialized Status, accompanied by Aimee on her Stumpjumper, to explore one of the peninsula's few dedicated XC singletrack loops.

Trail at a Glance

Location: Forks, WA (Near Sportsman's Biking Area)

Land Manager: Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

Local Trail Alliance: Forks MTB Trail Alliance

Pass Required: Discover Pass

Difficulty: Blue (Moderate physical rating)

Trail Type: Cross-Country Multi-use Singletrack (Mountain Bike, Class 1 E-Bike, Winter Fat Bike, Hike, Horse, Trail Running)

Network Distance: ~4.2 miles full system (~1.5-mile Reade Hill Loop)

Season: Year-round / Excellent in the rain

Trailhead Amenities: Picnic tables and a fire ring

Reade Hill Mountain Biking Area Forks Washington

The Ride Experience

1. The Interpretive Working Forest Warm-Up

The ride kicks off on the main Reade Hill Trail, a mostly gravel, multi-use singletrack that double-functions as an educational interpretive route. As you begin climbing, the trail guides you through four distinct forest stand types, including breathtaking 100-year-old coastal rainforest. Along the way, interpretive trail signs illustrate the lifecycle of PNW forests and explain how the DNR manages working lands to support state public services. The Reade Hill Trail is primarily climbing when ridden towards the Reade Hill Loop Trail.

2. Pure Peninsula XC on the Reade Hill Loop

A little way after the connection trail intersection, you hit the Reade Hill Loop Trailhead. Originally cut as a hiking trail, this 1.5-mile singletrack section has evolved into a rare, highly cross-country (XC) and wet-weather-friendly singletrack option for mountain bikes.

While it offers that rare XC pedal flow, don't expect a complete cruise. This loop packs in classic Peninsula character:

Sustained climbing sections and punchy, technical grinds.

Short, punchy technical descents across roots and rocks.

Rolling, flat-ish singletrack weaving through dense greenery.

A top section with a steep, brutal climb that will test your legs before rewarding you.

3. The Flowy Finish

Once you conquer the top climb, the trail opens up into a fun, flowy descent (18:14)! Crossing back over the access road, you connect back onto the main Reade Hill Trail to finish out the loop with maximum speed and big smiles.

Why We Love It

A Rare XC Option: Aside from the Olympic Adventure Trail, true XC singletrack options are scarce in our neck of the woods. Reade Hill delivers a legitimate pedaling singletrack experience without requiring long sustained climbs or long sustained descents.

Year-Round Riding: Thanks to solid trail construction and soil quality, Reade Hill handles PNW rain remarkably well, making it a reliable go-to spot when other regional trails are soggy.

Family & Dog Friendly: Easy to navigate, well-marked, and suitable for a wide range of trail users (dogs, hikers, runners, equestrians, and Class 1 e-bikes welcome).

Great Base Camp Setup: The trailhead comes equipped with picnic tables and a fire ring—perfect for post-ride tailgating.

Watch the Full Trail Preview Video

Want to see every climb, technical feature, and descent before you hit the dirt? Check out the full first-person POV video above from our YouTube channel, filmed on location by Mitch and edited by Nate Braks!