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Klamath County, OR, US

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Route Overview

The Pelican Guard

Adventure rides in Klamath County.

26 mi.

2,294 ft.

Named after the sighting of a baby bear on-route durning a scouting mission, this challenging 25 mile route offers scenic gravel roads traversing through the beautiful Fremont-Winema National Forest.

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Route Details

The [Fremont-Winema National Forest](https://www.fs.usda.gov/fremont-winema) showcases classic southern Oregon charm -- tall evergreen canopies punctuated by picturesque views of surrounding geological features. Quiet forest roads allow for everyday worries to fade under the comforting crunch of gravel and rubber. Challenging enough to make you sweat, chill enough for it not to matter.

# Two climbs, two descents.

Starting out from @poi[Pelican Guard Station](63836015), you'll get a one mile paved warm up before ascending Old Pelican Butte Road, aka NF-3455 for @slice[six and a half miles](d,1766.7,12247.89) -- and gaining more than 1300ft | 412m. About 10 mins into the climb, @point[the route switches to NF-3458](d,3586.28), but you can stay on NF-3455 for an [alternative climb](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39757091).

At the intersection with the Cold Springs road, NF-3651, you've reached the @point[highest point](d,12247.91) on the route! Prepare to be rewarded with a @slice[five mile descent](d,12247.91,20474.97) on a near pristine gravel surface. 
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## Tough Stuff
*For an extreme [challenge](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39757149), try riding to the top of @poi[Pelican Butte](63836016) for an epic view of the @poi[Pelican Bay](74093649).* 
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A stand of [Sugar Pine](https://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/sugar_pine/#.YqJoRuzMI-Q) populates the route with their @photo[enormous cones](12503875) just as you are turning right off of NF-3651 and getting ready to climb again. The next eight miles consist of undulating punches and shallow reliefs that briefly joins with [Dead Indian Memorial Road](https://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/dead_indian_memorial_road/#.YqJr1OzMI-Q) (@slice[a short paved section crossing HWY 140](d,28100.64,28804.44)) giving you notice that you are actually close to civilization. 
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## Lunch Break?
Just across the highway, you'll turn back onto gravel -- *or, if you are in need of snack, head over to @poi[Lake of the Woods Resort](63836024) for American fare, lakeside views, and live entertainment during the summer.*
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The final push to up @slice[Varney Creek Trail](d,28804.44,33233.09) raises the total elevation gain to about 2300ft | 700m. It's all downhill from here... basically. Enjoy the almost @slice[four-mile downhill](d,33263.59,40100.81) back to HWY 140! Take care crossing the highway as you make your way back to the Pelican Guard Day Use Area.

Vault toilets can be found at the @poi[Pelican Guard Station](63836015), but you'll need to bring your own water. Food and lodging available at nearby resorts:
* @poi[Lake of the Woods](63836024)
* @poi[Rocky Point](63836025)
* @poi[Harriman Springs](63836027)
#
The best time to ride this route is late May through mid-June (Memorial Day through the Summer Solstice). It's rideable anytime there's no snow, and sometimes when there is -- depending on your set up (38mm tires or larger are recommended).

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Baby Bear

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