Tygh Valley to Madras

“High Desert Highlights”

Start the morning taking in breathtaking views of Lake Billy Chinook. Cruise past rich agricultural tracks through Culver, and then test your vertigo looking over the steeply carved sides of Crooked River Canyon. From there it’s off to world-renowned Smith Rock State Park, where craggy spires rise from the riverbank and climbers look like tiny specks on the walls. Enjoy a little-used stretch of the Old Culver Highway on the way back to Madras. (less)

“Triple High-Pass”

This ride is a challenge. There are three – feel ‘em, three – major climbs, plus a bonus hill for masochists. Leaving Pine Valley, you’ll climb into the Wallowas, passing through multiple vegetation zones, but relax into it – the scenery makes it worthwhile. It’s your choice whether to propel up to the stunning Hells Canyon Overlook. Descend to the Imnaha River, then climb some more before soaking in the views along Little Sheep Creek, into Joseph and along the edge of Wallowa Lake. (less)

“Westward Exploration”

This route explores the western edges of the Willamette Valley, and even into the Coast Range a bit. The route passes in the shadow of majestic Marys Peak, enters the deep-forest setting of Alsea Falls, and returns via Alpine and Bellfountain roads. (less)

“Stairway to Heaven”

This is a quintessential Oregon forest ride. Climb gradually under a shady green canopy, alongside a boulder-strewn stream, then turn toward the sky for a sturdy climb past waterfalls, before smoothing out for a glide into the aptly named Eden Valley. After lunch the major climb of the day awaits, but the serene surroundings offer a worthwhile trade-off. And it’s (nearly) all downhill after that, including an amazingly smooth run-in that follows Cow Creek for miles of pick-your-pace pedaling. (less)

“Magic Carpet Ride” 

This route is another of Oregon’s signature rides: Aufderheide Memorial Drive. This smooth and sinuous road unrolls in front of you like a black carpet through a lush green world. The babble of a running river (the route follows water virtually all day) is your soundtrack as you ascend for 35 miles — so gradually you’ll barely notice. Then it’s one short, stout climb before the carpet flows down the other side, passing bucolic Cougar Reservoir on the way. (less)

(less)