Bikepack - Olympic Adventure Route + Spruce Rail Trail

This was an out and back trip starting at Olympic Adventure Route trailhead and connected the Spruce Rail Trail to Fairholme Campground.  

Exceptional trail through much biodiversity with great company.  The columbines, foxglove, and paintbrushes were blooming during our ride. We took breaks to soak in the wonderful scenery and rest our legs, there are plenty of benches and picnic tables along the way.  The only regret I had was that I didn't start our trip earlier in the day so that we could enjoy a swim in lake crescent in the sun.  The water is so clear with brilliant hues of green and blue.  On the ride in we bypassed the first tunnel on spruce rail trail to see devils punch bowl (the trail bypasses the tunnel and goes over a bridge).

The OAT is mostly flowy single track, with a short section of dirt road.  The spruce rail trail is all paved, if you are camping at Fairhome-ensure you drop down to camp david jr road at the signage (about 3 miles from camp).  Fairhome camp gets road noise from the hwy, but quiets at night.  Apple IPODS noise cancelling earbuds worked well!  Also, the snafflehounds are out in full force at the camp, so be sure to store your food and packs in the bear boxes at camp.  Don't forget to get ice cream at the Ferry Holding area and a celebratory beer in the galley after all that hardwork!

Although the OAT is mostly rated green single track, I would not recommend for new to MTBing single track riders: there are areas where loss of control could end up with a catastrophic crash on steep mountain terrain.  

This trail can easily be ridden on a hardtail MTB/Gravel bike.  The +2in tires are nice to have. (skinny tires or drophandle would get exhausting in my opinion)  Navigation is simple with obvious signage throughout the trail.  It would be hard to get lost.  

Good to know that there is a bus that runs from Fairhome camp HWY 101 back to within 1.5miles of the trailhead parking.  This makes an easy bail out due to physical or mechanical issues OR the trip could be easily done as a one way.

Total Millage: ~66 miles

Total Elevation gain: 6235 feet

Total ride time with breaks and regroups: 11 hours 40 mins