High Lakes Trail - Brown Mountain Loop

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Klamath County, OR, US

Route Overview

Zach's Bikes

Bicycle Retailer and Service Center

19 mi.

1,691 ft.

Head to Lake of the Woods for endless views, deep forests, and alpine lakes, a scenic one-hour drive from Ashland. After the ride, take a dip to cool off and then visit Lake of the Woods Mountain Resort for dinner overlooking the shoreline.

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Route Details

The ride starts on the High Lakes Trail, an improved-surface path that provides a smooth line through chunky lava rock, giving you insight into the formation of the surrounding landscape. It may sound boring to those of us on long-travel bikes but it is a nice way to get the legs moving while simultaneously enjoying the stunning scenery. Also consider that this ride starts at 5K’; if you’re coming from sea level you’ll appreciate the gentle grade.

At just past five miles into the ride you’ll turn right onto @point[Brown Mountain Trail](d,12086.62), which starts as a scenic segment of doubletrack for about two miles. Soon enough the route switches to singletrack and you’ll climb and descend through old-growth trees and more lava fields, with occasional views of Mt. McLoughlin.

At Mile 11 you begin a @slice[long, gradual climb](d,17647.13,27593.79) up to the highpoint of the ride. You’ll ascend for six miles but the grades are merciful, avoiding the relentless throttling of other climbs in the Cascade Mountains. Regardless, you’ll be relieved to top out with views towards Eastern Oregon and to start a fun, flowing descent down classic PNW singletrack. You’ll lose all your elevation in the final two miles, arriving back at the trailhead with a huge grin. Not an easy day by any means, but one with a big reward for your day in the saddle.

If you really need to rest your legs but still want eye-popping scenery then an out-and-back on the High Lakes Trail will give you plenty of photo opportunities to fill your social media feed. This shortened route is also a good one if you want a quick break from riding the ever-growing bike-optimized trails at [Spence Mountain](https://ridewithgps.com/ambassador_routes/1269-spence-mountain) outside Klamath Falls, less than an hour away.

## **Riding Season**
Located high up in the Cascade Mountains, this ride can remain buried in snow late into the spring if the previous winter was a good one. Generally, the route is clear from early summer to early fall, but can also be prime in the shoulder seasons depending on the year.

High Lakes Trail - Brown Mountain Loop

Route Overview

Route Details

Other routes by Zach's Bikes

Spence Mountain Advanced Loop

Hagelstein via Old Fort Road

Lava Beds

Morgan Butte - Chewaucan River Loop

Running-Y Loop

Lower Klamath Lake Loop

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