Alsea Falls Loop (Corvallis/OSU)

“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)

“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)

This route includes plenty of the windy wide-open. After a “good morning-legs” climb leaving Tygh Valley, head to the Warm Springs Reservation for a taste of the high desert. Big rollers will make you appreciate gravity’s power, and you just might see wild horses. Kah-Nee-Tah Resort provides an oasis; in the afternoon enjoy splendid views of Pelton Dam and Lake Simtustus before taking on one of the toughest climbs in Oregon before finishing in 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)

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