Reviewed by: Charles Kim ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I rode this trail from Bear Meadow parking to the Norway Pass trailhead. The initial 1/2 mile is an uphill climb. After that, it's essentially all downhill to Norway pass. The first half is in the old growth forest terrain. However, you soon enter the blast zone with some great views of Mt. St. Helens. Overall the trail was not overly technical or aerobically strenous. However, the fun factor in going downhill was awesome and the views of the eruption is out of this world. It amazes me that one can bike so close to a mojor geological event. The trail that heads west at Norways Pass is for hikers only. I would not recommend to do the return trip on the road. It's too narrow and many blind corners that cars probably won't see you. Besides you'll be able to see some sights that you missed going the first way. Still a lot of blown down trees. But the trail is overall in good shape.

Recommended Route:
Bear Meadow to Norway Pass for an intial downhill or reverse to start with a climb then a downhill

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Sioxan Creek, Lewis River, Ape Canyon

Reviewed by: Brad Kay , from Olympia, Washington, USA

Summary:
The Boundary Trail actually continues for another thirty some-odd miles east from Elk Pass, along a ridge known as the dark divide. It is a motorcycle trail that is very worn in places and extremely fast and smooth in others. For the main part it is very fun. June and early July rides will still find patches of snow in the woods (sometimes traversable, sometimes not). I've long thought about doing it as a through ride but haven't organized that one yet. There are many access points from forest service roads in the area (mainly from the north side) with plenty of campsites along those roads, as well as a regular forest service campground at Council Lake. Just about any section of the trail is a blast, with the previously mentioned rides being the most easily reached. Since it's a ridgeline trail between Elk Pass and Council Lake you will be riding through some forest, some open meadows, past a few tiny lakes and access to a few small peaks (Council Bluff, above Council Lake, is spectacularly sited - seemingly within a stone's throw of Mt Adams). This is a trail for the adventurous at heart, not necessarily just for the strong. A totally out of shape rider won't have fun, nor will the rider who is scared of loose rock. There are enough smooth, fast sections to outweigh the worn out grades that are hike-a-bike on the uphill stretch and scary fun on the descent. Riders in moderate condition (or better) who enjoy exploration will love this trail and its access routes. Get a Gifford Pinchot National Forest map for an overall view (the Washington Atlas and Gazetteer by DeLorme Mapping is a good alternative or addition) and purchase the folowing Green Tails maps: Spirit Lake, McCoy Peak, and Blue Lake.

Recommended Route:
Two very fun rides of moderate length are Council Lake to Summit Prairie and either Elk Pass or Mosquito Flats to Badger Lake.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Gifford Pinchot National Forest is loaded with great trails. The Goat Mountain - Green River Trail loop starting near Ryan Lake is spectacular, as is the Blue Lake trail to the northeast (closer to the Goat Rocks).