Camp 1 to Shelton Round Trip

Allow 2 hours for this Vance Creek Railriders adventure.  From Historic “Camp 1” down the rails toward the city of Shelton and back, this trip is for those seeking a fun peaceful, athletic adventure.  Individuals and families alike enjoy this beautiful trip. The 13 mile round trip explores a beautiful timbered forest featuring fir, cedar, and maple trees. You will pedal over bridges and might see a salmon or two who have returned to the crystal waters of the creek.  Birders will thoroughly enjoy the trip as a vast range of species calls the forest and creek side home.   There is only one way to see the countryside like this and this is it.

When and Where does the trip start?

Please arrive at Camp 1 at our departure site located at 421 W. Hanks Lake Road, Shelton, WA  98584 (8 miles west of Hwy 101 at the Shelton Matlock/City Center exit.  Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your departure time so that we can get you checked in and your seats adjusted for your trip.  Allow yourself some time to gather your belongings and to use the restroom if need be.  We have a restroom at our departure site as well as at our turn around site 6 miles down the track.

What do I need to bring?
  • All riders are suggested to wear sun hats, sun screen, and other weather gear dependent on the conditions such as rain gear.
  • Bring water, or a sports drink. We have water available for sale at our departure site if you need to buy some.
  • Don’t forget to bring your camera.
  • If you have children who may not be able to reach the pedals you may bring along your car seat. We can strap it in just like you do in your vehicle. Each Railrider seat has a lap belt. Generally children under 3 are best in a car seat. And typically depending on leg length children ages 6-8 can reach the pedals to help.
Available pedal assist

The average grade is .75%, with a short section 2.2% grade and will be uphill on your return trip.  Two guides will accompany you throughout your journey.   If you feel you may need pedal assist, please be sure to let us know.  You will still get a genuine Railrider experience as you will continue to pedal, our pedal assist will take the edge off and make pedaling more comfortable.  The ride is not difficult but can be more challenging on the return trip for some guests. Most people have no difficulty pedaling all the way up on the return trip, and find it is easiest if they follow the guidelines of conserving energy pedaling down toward Shelton, to saving energy and setting a gentle comfortable pace on the return journey.

What’s Shelton have to offer?

Shelton has all sorts of services; adventure, shopping, food, drink,  public restrooms, parks, motels, and more.

Check our Contacts tab for more information