Powerhouse Plunge is one of the most fun trails to ride in all of Squamish and is part of the Test of Metal race course. The upper half is a challenging technical ride, especially at high speed, with loads of roots and rocks. It descends roughly 80m of elevation before reaching a gravel road near the half-way point. Here, riders have the option to either continue along the trail, or follow the gravel road to the right towards Bonzai and Somewhere Over There. Turning left onto the gravel road will lead you down towards the Crumpit Woods/ Valleycliffe area.
Continuing across the gravel road, the trail becomes much steeper with many sharp switchbacks and a few short bumpy downhill sections. Welcome to the plunge! Over 120m of elevation is quickly lost on the switchback portion before flattening out in the final minute or two.
The trail ends at a trail map station directly beside the powerhouse. Turn left to cross over the Mamquam River to quickly access the trails of Crumpit Woods/ Valleycliffe, or turn right instead to head towards Garibaldi Park Road by Carpenter Son’s Bridge.
To access Powerhouse Plunge, take either Fool’s Gold, Another Man’s Gold, or the connector trail lower down Garibaldi Park Road to Darwin’s Crossing. From here, cross and follow up Ring Creek Rip, then veer right at the trail map station, and continue along for 1.3km before reaching the end and the trailhead for Powerhouse Plunge.
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On the Long Ride 