Etna Pass/Carter Pass loop ride

August 16, 2007

Drove down to Etna on the spur of the moment on August 15 to visit friends riding in or supporting the Oregon Bike Ride. That night I decided that instead of riding with the group to the North Fork of the Salmon, I’ do my loop counter-clockwise.

Starting at 6:15 a.m., I made it up to Etna Pass in by 7:55. This was a bit more industrial than the route the tour took, with a chorus of chainsaws whining in the backgound about halfway up the grade. The air was cool and crisp, but the climbing kept me warm. The sun was out at the summit, and warmed me as I checked out the PCT crossing there. I donned rain jacket and full-fingered gloves for the descent to the North Fork of the Salmon. The road is narrow and steep—about 12% grade for the first four miles or so. It was all in the shade under the trees that early in the morning.

Once down to the North Fork, the road began a constant series of ups and downs which slowed my progress. I still made it to the aid station at Forks of Salmon before any of the riders. But, after all, my route was 20 miles shorter! During my visit there, the first rider did arrive. After a 15 or 20 minute snack break, I continued on up the South Fork. I met more riders, and tried to greet each one with a “Howdy!” or “Good Morning!”

The ups and downs continued in the South Fork gorge. And the riders thought they were going to have an easy, downhill ride all the way from Carter Summit to Orleans! Sometime after 11 I met April and we stopped to chat for a few minutes. I had ridden a bit over 51 miles at that point, and she around 49 (she had started riding about half an hour after I did.)

At Cecilville the road became two lane, and the pavement smooth. But I still had about 40 miles to go and 3900 ft. to climb. The temps climbed into the 80s—not anywhere near as bad as a month before when I was riding in 100+ degree temps. Still, it was a relief to reach Carter Pass. The PCT is not signed as well here as it is at Etna Pass.

By the time I had reached the site of their aid station about a mile on the Callahan side of Carter Summit, the Jensens had already been gone for hours. The descent to Callahan was fast and enjoyable, and the return to Etna quick and without incident. Total distance was 100 miles, with 9500 ft. cumulative elevation gain.

North Fork Salmon River valley
North Fork valley from Etna Pass