Mt. Ashland Super D shuttle

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)

Berms. Rock gardens. Jumps. Booters. More berms. If it’s fun to ride on a mountain bike, then it’s part of Alsea Falls, a trail system set in the thick, green forest of the Oregon Coast Range. A parade of top-notch pro and volunteer trail builders have labored in the dirt here for your riding pleasure, and with an easy road climb to the top, you’ll want to do two loops — because once is just not enough. (less)

The McKenzie River Trail (MRT) is possibly the most famous mountain bike trail in Oregon — and with good reason. Its easily accessible trailheads allow you to quickly become enveloped in a rollicking ribbon of single-track that includes massive log bridges, old-growth trees and one of the state’s clearest river pools. (less)

Mountain of the Rogue may be the best trail system right off a major interstate, just minutes from I-5. The network is designed to provide something for everyone, with fun, flowy trails down low and rocky, techy trails up high. You can choose your own adventure depending on your skill level, timeframe, and desire for climbing. If you’re with the family then multiple laps down low is your game; if you want to test your ability to navigate narrow, exposed tread then you’ll want to head to the upper routes. Most of the trails are directional which means that even if the trailhead is crowded you’re unlikely to encounter many people once you start climbing. Afterwards, food and drinks are mere minutes away in Rogue River, as well as a quick dip in the namesake waterway. (less)

This is one of the top routes in the state, offering a bit of everything: tough climbs, scenic traverses through flower-laden alpine meadows, and a fast, hair-raising descent to finish the ride. The highlight, though, is the unparalleled views of the backside of Oregon’s iconic Mt. Hood, seldom seen by most visitors to the state. (less)

Time Warp is a little more difficult to access than other Ashland-area trails but definitely worth it. With rocky terrain, and peppered with small natural jumps and drops, you’ll descend from above the tree line into a green forest highlighted by white granite slabs.
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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)

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)

Built by local riders with an eye towards fun, MERA maximizes the available vertical and takes advantage of the variable terrain with a seemingly endless parade of berms and rollers punctuating the narrow single-track. Don’t worry, though, the aptly named Rock Crusher will keep you on your toes, as will several fast chutes.
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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)

Some trails have historical significance, and others are fun to ride — but combine the two, and you have something truly special. The Timberline to Town Trail not only highlights some critical moments in Oregon’s history, but it’s also a blast, starting at treeline on the state’s most iconic mountain and descending 4,400 feet through an increasingly lush landscape. (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)

Some trails are physically difficult, with long, grinding climbs; other are technically challenging, with endless rocky exposure. The Elkhorn Crest Trail is both, but that’s not all: it may also be Oregon’s most beautiful ride, just a narrow ribbon of singletrack that threads past jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and shaggy mountain goats. Toss in a three-mile, hell-raising descent to finish and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better adventure for those who possess both strong legs and nerves of steel. (less)

Those whoops and hollers in the woods at Sandy Ridge aren’t Bigfoot but your fellow riders expressing their overwhelming joy. You can see it in their loam-eating grins as they blast back into the trailhead after rallying an unending collection of deep berms, blazing fast straightaways, and chunky rock gardens. (less)

Without any heartbreaking climbs, this loop allows you to get in the groove of a wonderful slice of PNW scenery. Mostly circumnavigating the namesake lake, the trail provides plenty of swimming opportunities and shots of Mt. Hood to the north. Bring a cooler full of food and drinks, and make a day out of your visit to this relaxing destination. (less)

Get to know the Ashland area with this fine sampling of near-town trails. The green and blue descents get you in the groove of the riding you’ll see in the region, and the directional nature allows you to enjoy the flow. Thanks to the doubletrack climb with multiple trail crossings you’ll be able to loop your favorite trail of the day, go higher if your legs allow, or quickly drop back into picturesque downtown Ashland if you decide that the beautiful afternoon would go best with a local IPA. (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)

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)

You want rock? Maybe more rock than you can handle? Then get ready to scare yourself silly. This trail is chunky, fast, AND narrow, with tight switchbacks thrown in to keep you guessing. While the out-and-back nature of this ride can be physically demanding, it does give you the opportunity to scope the line on the way up, because it all comes at you fast (and with consequences) on the way down. Fortunately, the lower half of the trail is mellower but not any less fun, and the larch needles create a twisty, golden ribbon of drift punctuated by rocky chutes. (less)

The recently constructed Broadway Flow Trail is a great way to warm up on your visit, with a base elevation of 7,100’ to keep you cool as the valley floor heats up. If you want additionally rocky terrain in your day then jump on the singletrack trails that roam around the resort, tucking in and out of the trees and across granite lines cut into the hillsides. (less)