Johns Peak to Kane Creek |
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Unpaved route R&D in Southern Oregon and beyond
A fun mixed-surface loop that climbs gravel up and over the Jackson Creek watershed and Johns Peak area to emerge on the north side of Old Stage Road for a flat, mellow return. Great for fun weekend mornings and romantic summer evenings.
This route is a challenging but fun gravel jaunt up and over the mountain range to the northwest of Jacksonville, a historic gold-rush town that still features many original buildings from the boom days. A long climb on gravel and granite roads leads to a fun gravel descent with views galore, and a mellow paved route back to the start.
From downtown Jacksonville, you'll head west on highway 238, and a right turn onto Jacksonville Reservoir Road places you on hardpack granite and begins the climb. The road rolls a bit before climbing in earnest, entering Jacksonville's Forest Park land. Various kiosks along the way include trail maps -- there's a lot of great singletrack up here as well.
Proceed north and keep right at the first fork. You'll continue to climb up the side of the ridge for a while, switchbacking in and out of canyons. It gets fairly steep in a couple of spots, but not terribly so. Eventually, you'll exit Forest Park land and cross over into MRA-owned territory. Keep an eye out for OHV traffic through here.
Follow the road as it winds through to the MRA parking lot and further north, where you'll make a left turn at a kiosk. You'll soon start climbing again in earnest, eventually making your way up to a landing zone, where views of the forest below, Table Rocks and Mount Mcloughlin are abundant.
The road continues as you begin descending and cross over into public land, becoming Kane Creek Road. You may have to cross a gate or two; they are intended to keep motorized traffic out during recent logging operations. The descent gradually becomes steeper, and soon you'll reach a junction with another kiosk. Stay right and follow the road. You'll soon emerge from the forest onto a ridge with more great views.
Continue following the road downhill. Keep in mind that corners here don't get a lot of sun in the winter months; watch out for ice.
After wrapping off the ridge and continuing downward, you'll hit pavement and soon find yourself at Old Stage Road. Make a right turn and enjoy the spin back to town. This final leg, with rolling pavement and more vistas, can be as mellow or as intense as you want to make it.