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Starting point: Top of Tiger - See introduction for directions

Ride Description: Ride up wide, graveled USFS Road 65 for 1.4 miles to where USFS Road 040 intersects on the right. Turn right onto 040 and look for the start of the North Fork Trail on the right within the first 200 ft. Descend the single-track North Fork Trail for 0.6 mile to USFS Road 6512. Cross 6512 and look for the continuation of the North Fork Trail across the road. Descend the graveled entrance to the trail and continue downhill, coasting through ancient trees on a buffed single-track. Continue down this excellent trail for 2.2 miles where you break out of the forest into a meadow. Bear right at the meadow onto an old jeep trail that climbs gently and then steeply out of the North Fork valley. The jeep trail climbs 760 ft. in 1.2 miles to its junction with the Government Mountain Road (USFS Road 6511) at Cow Camp saddle. This climb is relentless and abusive but entirely rideable by strong riders. Turn right on the Government Mountain Road (rocky dirt) which gently climbs the remaining 1.3 miles to the junction with Tiger Canyon Road at the Top of Tiger.

Remarks: This ride and the options listed below provide excellent opportunities for those wishing to have a true mountain bike experience without the commitment required by longer routes. The single-track part of the rides is excellent and will provide a little taste of the best that mountain biking has to offer. Be aware that any ride down the North Fork Trail below Road 6512 requires a significant, strenuous climb on the return. Beware of motorcycles on this route, particularly on the weekends.

Vital statistics:

Length: 6.7 miles

Total climbing: 1680 ft.

Time: 1-2 hours

Season: early June to late October

Techno factor = 4; narrow, rocky sections creek crossings, steep single-track climb

Grunt factor = 8; steep climb to Cow Camp saddle

Adventure factor = 3; some narrow trail sections with drop-offs

Some options:

1) When you hit Road 6512 after descending the upper 0.6 mile of the North Fork Trail, turn right and ride 1.0 mile back up to the Top of Tiger. This ride is easy (600 ft. of climbing) and very short (3 miles) but is suitable for older kids who want to go on a "real" mountain bike ride or for those who want to find out if single-track is for them. T=3 (roots and creeks), G=2, A=2.

2) Start the ride by heading down Road 6512 for 1.0 mile to the intersection with the North Fork Trail. This eliminates 520 ft. of climbing and 2.0 miles of distance. T=4, G=7, A=3. note: You can also combine this option with the Upper Indian Ridge loop (Ride #7) for an entertaining 11 mile figure 8.