Raspberry Run, Tasty Treats Ahead
- 2wheelsoverthewasa
- Oct 14, 2020
- 6 min read
But First: A Note About Being Prepared
Let me get something right out of the way when it comes to riding. Be prepared. I learned this lesson in a most disappointing way on this ride.I forgot to pack rain gear. Because of that, I was forced to turn around. Not only did I cheat myself out of adventure that day, I totally wimped out in my first video for this blog (see if you can find the moment I turn into a human chicken here).
My failings aside, the Raspberry Run "Bear Lake Loop" is absolutely one of my favorite ways to spend a hot June afternoon in Utah. This run takes you near the Idaho border at the northernmost point and all the way around Monte Cristo and the Wasatch back.
Since I'm on the topic of preparedness, I should mention cold weather gear too. There's still some snow around Monte Cristo even in midsummer.
Main Routes:
U.S. 89 North through Ogden to Brigham City
Turn right at Brigham City to stay on U.S. 89 through Sardine Canyon to Logan
Continue on 89 through Logan Canyon to Garden City
Turn right on SR 30 at Garden City to SR-16 through Randolph and Woodruff
Turn right on SR 16 and follow signs to Ogden, through Monte Cristo
First Leg: Heading North on U.S. 89
If you're familiar with Utah, then I don't need to bring up its most prominent north-south highway, Interstate 15. I don't know what you ride, but in my case I'm on a modest Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom. I call her "Mel C", named after Sporty Spice, of "Spice Girls" fame (Yes, I am a product of the '90s and proud of it 😎✌🏻). I-15 is what you want to take if you have to be somewhere on deadline, but since this trip is about the journey, I recommend taking Highway 89 for its more comfortable cruising speeds and more scarce traffic. I'm not saying there's no traffic, just less.
This route takes you through downtown Ogden, where you'll see their relatively new Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Temple (commonly called the "LDS Church," though the church is actively trying to get publications to stick with the long name), which takes a pretty picture (For more information, check out the Church's website here). Even though this is the Raspberry Run, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Farr Better Ice Cream right near the temple. If your sweet tooth just can't wait until Bear Lake, give it a try.
If you aren't ready for ice cream yet, just keep heading north through downtown Ogden. Once you get out of town, you'll notice some great views of Willard Bay to the west and several local fruit stands dotting the highway along the way. I don't have to tell you how much better local fare is from the grocery store. I recommend you stop and pick up some produce if you have room on your bike.
Even though I stopped to take a quick look and grab some video, I unfortunately couldn't linger too long. I needed to keep it moving toward Bear Lake. Once you see the "B" on the side of the mountain, you're nearing Brigham City. Though you will stay on 89, you need to make a right at 1100 South in Brigham City to proceed through Sardine Canyon.
Sardine Canyon offers up a taste of what's next to come on this ride, with its fun and lazy turns. However, watch your speed in the town of Mantua.
I'm unprepared to say whether anything has changed within that town at the time of this post.
While I would usually say that canyon riding is almost always a more engaging experience, I actually think the drive out of Sardine Canyon overlooking Cache Valley is more impressive than the canyon itself. Logan, Utah is an old-fashioned college town brimming with the kind of small-town charm that similar-sized cities can only hope to have. Depending on where you're coming from, it's probably time to fill up your gas tank. For the penny-pinchers out there, check out Gas Buddy for more information about best prices in the area.
Turn right on West 400 North to stay on U.S. 89 toward Logan Canyon. Logan Canyon is the best part of the trip yet with its tight turns, high walls and serene river running along it. Even in the summer, the canyon offers plenty in the ways of hiking, biking and camping. However, it's when the leaves change color that people say the sights take your breath away. Even though I advised you to bring cold weather gear, it's unlikely that you'll need it for this part of the trip. In fact, if you're riding in the summer you'll likely find the Cache National Forest to be a refreshing reprieve from the valley heat.
Second Leg: Garden City/Bear Lake
Before getting to Garden City, stop at the Bear Lake overlook at the end of Logan Canyon and get a few pictures because it's a view your friends won't fully believe unless they see it (Hopefully they're riding with you, but I understand the appeal for some alone time on the bike.)
With its love of all things "raspberry," Garden City is the reason this loop is known as the "Raspberry Run." One look at the main thoroughfare and you'll immediately see that every food joint claims to have the best raspberry shakes in town.
For my trip, I went to Merlin's to get one of its famous "over the top" shakes where, as you'll see from the "2 Wheels Over the Wasatch" video featured in this blog, I found satisfaction.
Even though I stopped in Logan to fill up, which was a little more than 90 miles into my trip from West Valley, I recommend filling up again in Garden City. It's only about 40 miles between Logan and Garden City but the next leg offers fewer opportunities for pit stops.
From Garden City head south and follow signs to Laketown along SR-30. The first thing to notice on this road is immediately to your left: Rendezvous Beach State Park, which encompasses several miles of the southern end of Bear Lake. Stop and get a few pictures while you're there.
This part of the route is unlike the rest. After passing the beach, the terrain is more like the plains of Wyoming than the adventurous mountains of Utah. Make no mistake, its curves and high elevation make for a fun ride. Now that I mention it, I'm pretty sure if you look just right you can see the entire state of Wyoming to the East.
As you travel along this road, don't get too complacent. Keep your eyes peeled for SR-16, which takes a southward turn toward the small towns of Randolph and Woodruff (How small is Woodruff? The answer is surprising)
As you approach Woodruff, turn right immediately after the Woodruff Country Corner and follow signs for Ogden and Monte Cristo.
Last Leg: Monte Cristo and the Wasatch Back
As I rode this loop, I pondered what my favorite leg of it is. It's difficult to say for sure, but if I had to pick it's a toss up between Logan Canyon and Monte Cristo. When I made this video for the "2 Wheels Over the Wasatch" YouTube channel in late June - there was snow on the mountain even that late in the year. The chill in the air in Monte Cristo at this time of year is not so bad that it will stop your tour. But, all things considered, I absolutely recommend bringing something to keep you warm for this part of the trip. It can get cool.
Monte Cristo, with its exciting turns and gorgeous landscapes, has stunning scenery. Just don't get distracted, as its mountainous curves and high elevation require your full attention. Be safe and keep your eyes on the road.
Huntsville is the last town in this leg. If you're like me, it's probably time to hop off and stretch your legs. When I took this trip, I was ready for a nice meal and a cold beer by the time I reached the end of the Monte Cristo drive.
Check out the Shooting Star Saloon, the oldest bar in Utah. Known for its long history, their eccentric atmosphere and their friendly demeanor, this popular hangout is one worth checking out.
After filling up my belly, this was the point in the run where the sun was hanging low in the sky and I was ready to wrap it up. Stay on SR-39 and follow signs to Ogden. You'll leave the loop through Ogden Canyon, following the river and Pineview Reservoir along the way.
That's the Raspberry Run!
A total of 281 miles later, I made it home. With its varied terrain and weather, the Raspberry Run is one I hope you check out.
For the full experience and more information about it, watch my video about the run.
Subscribe to "2 Wheels Over the Wasatch" for more excellent ride reviews, stunning landscape photography or follow if you just want to see more of scenic Utah.
Have you done this route? How was your experience? Are there any rides you'd like me to do for the blog or the channel?
You can reach out through any of the channels posted above, leave a comment on the blog or just shoot me an email:
Raspberry Run sounds like such a fun and delicious adventure! If you're documenting your tasty treats and sharing the experience, I’d recommend using https://www.movavi.com/. It’s a super intuitive tool for editing photos and videos, making it easy to showcase your recipes and creations. I’ve used it for my own food content, and it really helps enhance everything with minimal effort while keeping it looking professional!