Paisley OTT Overnight

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Paisley, OR, US

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Route Overview

Rob Knoth

Adventurous bikepacking routes for families

31 mi.

2,504 ft.

A mix of lonely paved roads, remote gravel, and high alpine singletrack. Suitable for a family bikepacking overnight, with good single track skills.

Red = paved
Pink = gravel
Blue = singletrack

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Route Details

Looking to escape into the mountains for a quick family adventure?  All members of the party comfortable with alpine single track and gravel climbs?  Curious what this beautiful, seldom visited area in Southeast Oregon has to offer?  This is the route for you!

Paisley, Oregon is the home base for a short loop on pavement, gravel, and delicious single track that showcases why our family keeps coming back to the Fremont-Winema.  This route is best done early Summer through Fall.  Snow in the higher elevations and fires late season should both be considered before heading out.  Check on conditions with the Fremont-Winema NF.  Part of the route borders property owned by the J-Spear Ranch - be respectful and courteous.  Travel prepared, with plenty of water - especially if you're planning to camp on the high plateau.

Riding out of Paisley along @slice[Highway 31](d,0,9500.16), there's precious little shade and a narrow shoulder.  The lack of traffic and good surface helps these miles fly by.  Once you turn off onto @slice[Clover Flat Road](d,9530.26,15106.59), you're into the quiet and solitude which makes this area so special.

The gravel starts once you leave Clover Flat Road (9.4 mi), and begin the @slice[climb to Avery Pass](d,15106.59,25075.59).  There's a great @poi[shade opportunity](11756932) shortly after turning on the gravel to rest and prepare.  This is a steep climb, peppered with occasional shade from the trees along the canyon.  At 13.5 miles, the route plateaus out and @point[dry wild camping opportunities](d,21646.26) abound.

The difficult climbing behind, the route switches gears and follows the @slice[Oregon Timber Trail](d,25189.84,37022.77) from Avery Pass down to the valley - 7.3 miles and 1800 feet below.  This is a real gem - sweeping alpine views and well designed and maintined mountain single track.

At 23 miles, the route crosses the Chewaucan (great fishing!) and rolls along paved @slice[NF-330 back into Paisley](d,36973.36,49342.73).

Celebrate with a burger and beverage at the @poi[Pioneer Saloon](11756936) and a soak in nearby Summer Lake Hot Springs!

This route is suitable for rigid mountain/gravel bikes with +2" tires.  Don't discount how much fun a fatbike is on a bikepacking loop like this.  The singletrack can get loose at times, and the extra rubber is a great asset.

* [Pioneer Saloon](https://www.facebook.com/PioneerSaloonandRestaurant/) - (541) 943-3289 
* [Summer Lake Hot Springs](https://www.summerlakehotsprings.com/) - (541) 943-3931
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# More resources
* [Oregon Timber Trail](https://oregontimbertrail.org/) - Stewards of single track, through endless hours of volunteer effort.
* [Fremont-Winema NF](https://www.fs.usda.gov/fremont-winema/) - (541) 943-3114 - Local conditions
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# Important Reminders

Like all things in life, make sure you and your ride are in good shape and carrying (and know how to use) the needed tools/gear to be self-sufficient in the backcountry.  Be careful with all stoves when camping - fire danger is always present.  Water is only reliable at the Chewaucan River and what you carry with you.  Make sure you leave your trip plans with a responsible party back home, and check in when back.  This route, and most bikepacking, traverses through/along a mix of public and private land - be respectful, courteous, and leave it better than you found it.

# Thank You

This ride wouldn't be possible without the help of many.  Thanks to:
* [Fatback Bikes](https://fatbackbikes.com/) - Legendary fat bike brand from Anchorage, Alaska
* [Oregon Timber Trail](https://oregontimbertrail.org/ottevents) - Single track is much more fun when it's ridable.  That only happens with volunteers.
* All the local ranchers and farmers in and around the Paisley area.  The lands we ride through are maintained and loved year  round.

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Paisley OTT Overnight

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