About this place

Pioneer Bridle Trail connects the towns of Government Camp and Rhododendron. Part of the trail follows segments of the historic Barlow Road. The entire trail stays in the Forest and is within earshot of the highway. Accessed via Glacier View Trailhead or Pioneer Bridle Trailhead. This is a major mountain bike route. From Glacier View Trailhead (3,600') this trail descends most of its length to Tollgate Trailhead (1,800'). The first segment from Glacier View to the "tunnel" is mostly gentle climbing and is fairly wide. From the tunnel the trail climbs up to a mineshaft then descends more steeply to where it crosses US Hwy 26. Immediately after crossing US Hwy 26, stay right where the trail intersects the powerline trail, which parallels the Pioneer Bridle Trail to the south. Take the time to occasionally look up for power lines to make sure you are following the correct trail. This section also has a narrower trail width. From US Hwy 26 the grade becomes gentle but several areas of the trail section are very rocky. After crossing the Zigzag River, the trail returns to narrower single track trail. This popular trail is open to hikers, horses and mountain bikes so an awareness and consideration of other users is needed. From Portland, OR - travel 27.5 miles east of Sandy on US Hwy 26. Turn left (north) at the Forest Road 2600-522. The trailhead is on the east side of the parking area towards Government Camp (approximately 0.5 miles east of milepost 44). The trail leaves from the parking area.