Mothering Metolius Overnighter

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Jefferson County, OR, US

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Route Overview

Dawn Rae + Rob Knoth

Adventurous bikepacking routes for families

61 mi.

5,388 ft.

When you need to be hugged by Mother Nature, the Metolius River valley has got you every single time - mystical waters, eau de ponderosas, undulating terrain, ever-changing spectacular vistas, and sublime dirt ribbons that take you on a journey straight to your own heart.

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Route Details

Glorious, primarily unpaved tour of the gorgeous landscape surrounding the Metolius River. Ideal for an overnight bikepack, this route consistently delivers on scenery and views. It offers plenty of water, camping options, and opportunities to get your heart pumping and filled.

## Route Details
* Park at the @poi[trailhead](61790482) for Lake Creek Trail. No fee.
* The route starts by following Lake Creek Trail, through the [Metolius Preserve](https://www.deschuteslandtrust.org/protected-lands/metolius-preserve), paralleling North Fork Lake Creek at times.
* Leaving the trail, you begin the climb up towards Round Lake on gravel. The views open up as you gain elevation. You'll reach the summit before dropping down to @point[Round Lake](d,14326.55). Great place for a stop and snack. 
* Continue your (sometimes chunky) descent. Once you hit @point[Jack Lake Rd](d,23574.58), the surface switches to pavement, and the descent keeps going. 
* Just after crossing Jack Creek, the surface changes back to gravel and the second climb starts. The grade and the scenery are ideal.
* At mile 24, you begin one of the @slice[best sections](d,38692.18,41694.65) of the route - a remote 1.5 track line that affords fantastic views and feels like a secret passageway just for bikes. There are some choice options for car-free dispersed camping for the next ~1.5 miles, but no water. Fill up at @poi[Brush Creek](61790486) if you want to overnight here.
* Smooth, wide gravel returns at mile 26, and takes you all the way down to the Metolius River at @point[Bridge 99](d,50847.28). The web of forest roads in @slice[this area](d,48269.74,51288.49) can lead to some choice dispersed camp sites, often with direct water access. If this calls to you, may your camp sniffer lead you well. (The entire route has so many great dispersed camping opportunities. Just respect the few areas marked private property.)
* If a designated campground is more your style, there are several options around the halfway mark. In peak, summer season, these usually fill up weeks in advance, especially on weekends. Plan accordingly.
* Just past mile 32 - and hopefully on rested legs - you begin the longest, sustained @slice[climb](d,51695.01,60246.95) of the route. Never punishing, the long switchbacking climb rewards you with snow-capped mountain vistas.
* Topping out on Green Ridge, the next several miles are remote curvy gravel roads through big groves of towering trees and high desert meadows.
* If you're looking for singletrack miles instead, at mile 38, @poi[Green Ridge Trail](61790485) can be subbed for the gravel forest roads. Green Ridge Trail will rejoin the route at mile ~55.5. Check [BendTrails.org](https://bendtrails.org/trail/green-ridge/) for current status; it can have a lot of blowdown especially early season.
* Pavement returns for a little climbing and some fast miles before hitting (what will likely be very washed-board) red dirt road.
* Just when you've reached your jostle limit, turn onto a sweet little trail that connects to a bombing descent down the Metolius Windigo Trail. This trail is shared with horses (horses have right of way over bikes) but the descent is so ripping the staccato of their hoove-prints just adds a little interesting bass.
* Just past mile 58, the route does a small detour to the @poi[Head of the Metolius](61790484). Highly recommend a visit to see how the river births from an underground stream.
* The last few miles are a slow roll into Camp Sherman. The @poi[[Camp Sherman Store](https://www.campshermanstore.com)](61790481) is a perfect place to stop for a celebratory lunch or snack before pedalling the last half mile back to your car.

## Good to Know

* This route is rideable spring through fall. How early and how late depends on snow levels. Usually April/May through October. 
* Camp Sherman and the Metolius River are popular tourist destinations, especially in the summer. Pack your patience or visit during the shoulder seasons.
* Check and honor [fire restrictions](https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/deschutes/home/?cid=stelprdb5297376). The high desert is a tinder box a big percentage of the year.
* The surrounding area is filled with additional great riding if you want to extend your trip. Check heatmaps and other ambassador routes, including others of ours, for extension ideas.
* To shorten this route, (1) take out the @slice[loop](d,5729.06,23495.35) up to Round Lake and/or (2) at @point[mile 32](d,51695.01), continue straight/south on paved SW Metolius River Road; turn right on NF-1419 to link back up to the route at the Camp Sherman Store.

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Mothering Metolius Overnighter

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Route Details

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