Bass Lake & Porterfield MC Trails

[2weelpilot]

These are 2 MC only trails in the U.P. of MI.
Can someone describe these trails?
Are they challenging?
Are the hilly?
Is it all sand?
Can a 14 year old do it without too many issues?
How busy are they?
Anything else I should know?
Thanks!

 

[nickolino]

Porterfield Lake is a fun easy trail. Mostly flat and sandy. Its a cloverleaf design. Bass Lake is a single loop more difficult but well marked mostly hard pan some hills. But take your time and the 14 year old will have a good time.

 

[2TrakR]

Photos & video of those trails here (maps too):
http://www.vvmapping.com/trails/bassLake.html
http://www.vvmapping.com/trails/porterfieldLake.html

Bass Lake has a couple partly technical climbs (rocky/eroded) but nothing show-stopping. Porterfield has some tighter stuff with a lot of rocks/roots (sharp edged stuff) and about the same amount of open two-track.
They are not busy trails.

 

[24mph,m/l]

Age No Handicap

I don't understand worrying about a 14 yr old. At that age my son was a district hare scrambles champ and I've never been able to keep him in sight since. Just be sure to have Motrin for the older generation !

 

[duckboy]

The ten year olds I took did just fine at Bass Lake. Its really not that tight.

 

[2weelpilot]

I don't understand worrying about a 14 yr old. At that age my son was a district hare scrambles champ and I've never been able to keep him in sight since. Just be sure to have Motrin for the older generation !

I suppose my son just isnt as good as yours eh??

duckboy-can you run the whole trail on the crf70? I just picked up an 05 for my 10 year old and am wondering..
Thanks for the info guys

 

[SNDMN2]

There will be a couple of spots the he'll needs dad's help on. Hey, we can still be hero's when they are at this age. Take advantage of it. It won't be long before he rides what you can't. :ride:

 

[2weelpilot]

can I do these on a CRF70 on one tank of gas or do I need to be prepared to cut it short or refuel somewhere?

 

[jaction125]

Anybody know if these trails are open this time of year? I imagine with it being sandy they drain fairly well?

I'll be up that way this weekend, and was wondering if I should bother bringing the bikes.

 

[Richter415]

One tip for Bass Lake in June is to watch out for ticks. i've never seen so many in my life.

 

[2TrakR]

Anybody know if these trails are open this time of year? I imagine with it being sandy they drain fairly well?

I'll be up that way this weekend, and was wondering if I should bother bringing the bikes.

I understand the area just got another foot of snow in the last week.
It's melting but not all gone yet (I hear, maybe somebody in the area can give the correct answer).

 

[nickolino]

The woods is mostly open now some snow lots of frost in the ground. It is time it doesnt get any better. Let'er RIP

 

[barkbuster67]

Both trails are much more fun in the snow.

 

[UP Magoo]

Both trails are much more fun in the snow.

Always my favorite ride of the year with Team GWG! :nod:

 

[UplandHntr]

are two strokes with an arrestor allowed on these two trails??

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Must be from California, eh? As long as you have a spark arrester and an ORV sticker you are good to go on all michigan trails year round.

 

[KTM Mike]

# of strokes dont matter - but as Steve said - sparky mandatory - also must test at or below 94db

 

[UplandHntr]

California? must be another country

Thanks for the info- we had a great time at Baraga and Portfield. Trails were perfect after the rain the night before