McKenzie River Trail

Don’t be fooled: Although this ride is just a couple miles from the famous McKenzie River Trail, the O’Leary route couldn’t be more different. While the McKenzie offers easily accessible trail, O’Leary serves up deep backcountry single-track, tight switchbacks, rock walls built decades ago, and stiff climbs rewarded with a descent that will have you grinning for days. (less)

One of the original gravity networks in the U.S., Post Canyon has matured into a dense network of single-track that challenges experienced riders with a variety of trails. Here, visitors can choose their own adventure — from a quick 60-minute ride to an all-day loop that drops you down to the trailhead after a nearly 3,400-vertical-foot descent. The local trail builders are an enthusiastic group, peppering these evergreen hills with everything from bermed turns to steep roll-downs. (less)

The trail that helped define backcountry riding in the Oregon Cascades. By the time you finally reach the covered bridge next to Westfir, you’ll have descended 9K’ of loamy, twisting, blazing-fast singletrack, surrounded by giant, ancient trees. Just be prepared to spend the rest of your life searching for a trail that matches this one. (less)

Catch a morning shuttle to warm up on one of the area’s newer trails, Dead Mountain, and then catch an afternoon shuttle to Larison Rock. You can ride back into town from the bottom of either trail and by the end of the day you’ll have notched over 6K’ of descending. (less)

An Oregon classic, the Waldo Lake Loop is an IMBA Epic Ride that will leave you in awe as you circumnavigate this pristine body of water. The 21 miles of buff single-track are no stroll through the park, but the relatively minor elevation change makes it a good pick for those not quite ready for the 6,000-foot climbs on surrounding trails. (less)

Big. Bad. Bold. The 71-mile North Umpqua Trail (NUT) serves up more mountain biking adventure than most people can handle. You might only get occasional glimpses of the stunning scenery as you fly by, your eyes riveted on the narrow section of trail in front of your tire. Your bike will break, you’ll run out of food, and you’ll crash into the rocks — it’s all possible, and you’ll love the challenge of riding deep, deep in the woods on one of the most beautiful trails in the world. (less)

The original backcountry ride that put Oakridge on the map, this has the same start as the ATCA but you stick just to the Alpine Trail all the way down. A great combination of deep forests, narrow singletrack, and scary-fast segments that will have your palms hurting from handing out so many high fives to your riding buddies. (less)

Have you replaced your brake pads yet? Might want to check them before heading out on this double-header day. If you ride both Hardesty and Lawler, as is frequently recommended, it is easy to arrange for the shuttle company to meet you after the first run and take back up. While this is a shuttle be prepared to do some climbing, but it is so worth it. Rugged, steep, and sometimes exposed, the trails will demand your attention all the way down. (less)