Love Machine Gravel Cycling Routes — Campbell River Tight Lines

Campbell River Tight Lines

Campbell River, BC

Distance:

68 km

Elevation:

970 m

Tires: 40 mm+

Unpaved: 94%

I left my heart on Tres Hombres trail, and so will you!

In early April, we headed up to Campbell River to explore some of the best FSRs and drop-bar-friendly singletrack the North Island has to offer. And let me tell ya, it delivered the goods. This was no doubt one of my favourite rides from the last few years. WORTH THE TRIP.

The majority of the route is on pristine forest service roads with well-graded surfaces. There are some climbs, but they’re pretty mellow; low percentage, sustained gradients. Nothing too pitchy or technical. Great for loaded bikes (but more on that later).

The last 15km is where this route really shines, as it enters the Snowden Demo Forest MTB trail system. Important: IF YOU LIKE FUN, DO NOT SKIP THESE TRAILS. The Lost Lake climb meanders steadily through lush ferns and old-growth understory. Tres Hombres is an incredible flow trail that’s just steep and technical enough to get the blood flowing. Lower Lost Frog is like riding on a mossy carpet. And the Water Tower Trail is some of the most enjoyable, non-technical descending I’ve done on a gravel bike. Good, clean, fun.

Now back to the idea of bikepacking. There are eleven (!!!) rec sites directly on this route (not to mention Provincial campgrounds at Loveland Bay and Quinsam). So, it’s perfect for an overnighter if you want to take it slow, leave adequate time for a few lake dips, and/or spend even more time checking out the local trail system. However, we rode this as a day trip only, so we can’t speak to the facilities, availability of potable drinking water etc. Make you sure you do your research before heading out.

And one more thing — cell service can be spotty out here (at best), and some of these roads are pretty remote. So make sure you’re self-sufficient in terms of food, hydration and mechanicals, even if you’re just heading out for the day.

Also, a big shout out to the Bikepacking's Snowden or Dust route — we grabbed a signifcant chunk of the FSR section from there and rerouted through some new singletrack sections.

So, is Campbell River a potential gravel mecca? This route barely scratches the surface, but it’s a heck of a start. And with the sheer number of FSRs and mountain bike trails in the area, I'm already keen to come back and check out more. If you have any other routes we should try next time we’re in town, DM us. We WILL ride them.

Happy trails,
Love Machine

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Each Reader or cyclist is warned, understands and agrees that cycling can be hazardous to their health, including risk of personal injury. Each person remains wholly responsible for their own safety at all times. Reader agrees to assume all risks connected to or arising out of the activity of cycling. Anything stated herein constitutes mere identification of routes or subjects, and Reader is warned to investigate wholly for themselves the current condition and potential fitness of a route for usage by themselves and others. Conditions change constantly. No person, nor Love Machine, makes any form of endorsement or recommendation of route, nor any form of representation or warranty as to the existence, condition, safety, or fitness of any part of any route. Additionally, the identified pathways, trails or routes were created long ago by others. Readers are warned that the routes or trails identified may cross Indigenous Lands, or Private Lands, where usage of route may be prohibited or unwelcome.

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