Trail Overview
Branching south from Clear Lake Road 2660, Forest Service Road 2630000 operates as a heavily trafficked, double-track through-connection within the Mt. Hood National Forest. This popular gravel route serves as a primary gateway for outdoor recreationists seeking access to the scenic network of roads tracing the rim of Clear Lake. The corridor winds through a lush, mature evergreen environment, shadowed by tall, dense conifers and a vibrant woodland understory. Travelers will encounter a green metal access gate near the 2660 junction—which is typically left open but can be locked by forest management. Continuing through the woods, the packed-dirt and gravel surface eventually transitions onto a fully paved section as it intersects with road 240. With a difficulty rating of 2, this forest connector provides a reliable and highly useful bypass for those looking to explore the rich lakeside recreation areas.
Difficulty
Earning a level 2 difficulty rating, this wide gravel road provides a largely relaxed drive but requires a bit of extra attention to the surface conditions. The route maintains a very mild profile, featuring gentle grade variations that stay well below 5% from start to finish. However, travelers will need to navigate through sporadic, sudden potholes scattered across the otherwise hard-packed dirt and crushed rock base. Because of these unpredictable dips, higher clearance is recommended to prevent the undercarriage or front bumper from bottoming out when rolling through the depressions. By simply reducing speed and picking a careful line around the deepest craters, navigating this corridor remains a straightforward task devoid of any steep climbs or technical rock crawling.