Wonder Trail (Lower)
The (lower) Wonder Trail is a 2.6 mile connector from the Fairy Ponds up to the “old” Wonder Trail. But it is a perfect 4.5 mile loop using the Ashland Loop Road as a return!
Driving
– This 5 minute drive start through Lithia Park on Winburn Way. You will hit Granite Street so turn left to continue following Ashland Creek uphill. The road becomes gravel and you’re almost there. The road intersects with a sweeping left turn that goes around the swimming hole. Don’t take that! Continue straight and park to your left.
Parking
– Don’t park with all those swimming hole people! Drive just 100 yards further and park just past where the creek runs under the road. On a sunny weekend these 50 spots go fast!
The Adventure
– Across the dirt road from where you parked is trail head sign right next to Ashland Creek. That’s the last you’ll see of the creek because you start uphill very quickly and those switchbacks last for less than a mile.
Do not fret, the next 2 miles are a delightful hillside trail with occasional views and cool rock features. Riding this trail uphill on your mountain bike is apparently fun – I don’t get it, but it is a thing people do. Downhill biking is prohibited.
After 2.6 miles you hit the regular Wonder Trail and you can take that uphill for under 2 miles to Fell On Knee Trail and then off to Hitt Road and beyond. OR – you can just take Wonder Trail down to the left for 200 feet and hit the gravel Ashland Loop Road and take that downhill to your car for a nice 4.5 mile loop.