Shoofly and Hares Canyon Trail Loop

The Shoofly and Hares Canyon Trail Loop offers a diverse mountain biking experience. The Hares Canyon Trail is largely a sustained, smooth climb, often described as a fire road or doubletrack, with some singletrack sections. It's rated as 'Green' for climb difficulty. The Shoofly Trail is more technical, considered Intermediate/Difficult or Blue, featuring purpose-built singletrack, steep descents with switchbacks, a creek crossing, and equally steep climbs. It includes fun, swoopy turns and occasional root features.

Based on average speeds, the Shoofly and Hares Canyon Trail Loop typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete. However, this can vary depending on your skill level, pace, and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

The best time to ride the Shoofly Trail is generally during the drier months, specifically July, August, and September. The Hares Canyon Trail is typically open and rideable year-round, offering more flexibility for your visit.

Yes, dogs are permitted on both the Shoofly and Hares Canyon trails. Please ensure you keep your dog on a leash as required by park regulations and always clean up after your pet.

The loop is located within L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, which has designated parking areas. The Hares Canyon Trail, for instance, leads to a specific mountain bike-only access point that includes a kiosk with maps and a hitching post for bikes. Check the park's official website or maps for the most convenient parking for your starting point.

Yes, L.L. Stub Stewart State Park requires a parking pass or day-use fee. You can purchase a day pass at the park or use an annual Oregon State Parks Pass. Always check the official Oregon State Parks website for the most current fee information.

You can expect appealing forest scenery throughout the loop. The Shoofly Trail winds through hemlock and young Douglas fir groves, offering scenic views of Hares Canyon and Genzer Creek, and a notable viewpoint of the coastal mountain range. The Hares Canyon Trail, particularly the multi-use path, is rich with trees and birdlife.

Absolutely! Both Shoofly and Hares Canyon trails are part of a highly interconnected network within L.L. Stub Stewart State Park. The route itself utilizes sections of the Hares Canyon Trail and Shoofly Trail, but also passes through parts of the Stub Stewart Free Ride Area, Stub Stewart XC Area, Banks-Vernonia Trail, and North Caddywhomper Way, allowing for many diverse loop configurations.

Yes, the Hares Canyon Trail is allowed for Class 1 e-bikes. Upper Shoofly also permits e-bikes up to Class 1. Always confirm current regulations with L.L. Stub Stewart State Park before your ride.

The Shoofly Trail features double-log wooden stringer bridges over Genzer Creek and William's Creek. However, as of early 2026, the main bridge at the bottom of Shoofly was out, requiring a hike-a-bike over a bypass bridge. It's always a good idea to check recent trail reports before heading out for any updates on conditions.

Given its 'difficult' rating and the technical sections of the Shoofly Trail, this loop is generally not recommended for beginners or very young families seeking an easy ride. The Hares Canyon Trail offers a more moderate climb, but the full loop combines varied terrain and significant elevation changes that require intermediate to advanced mountain biking skills.