Dark Divide 300 Bikepacking Grand Depart

The Dark Divide 300 is a challenging mixed-terrain bikepacking route that traverses through the southern Cascade Mountain Range from Olympia to Portland.

The route begins in Olympia, Washington, then heads southeast into the Cascadian hinterlands via the Elbe Hills State Forest. Riders deep into the backcountry through a combination of unmaintained and forgotten forest roads and seldom-traveled scenic byways until reaching the Dark Divide Roadless Area, one of the most rugged and beautiful landscapes on the continent.

After traversing Juniper Ridge, riders head southwest again toward the Columbia River through the Monte Cristo Range and eventually the Yacolt Burn area before finishing in Portland, Oregon. Resupply is limited, cell phones are useless, and the terrain can be steep, rutted, and utterly unforgiving while simultaneously surrounding riders with profound and indescribable natural beauty and wonder.