Crescent Mountain Short Loop

Old Cascade Crest, OR, US

Route Overview

Oregon Timber Trail

Backcountry mountain biking adventures

14 mi.
2,638 ft.

The 14.5.-mile route along Crescent Mountain’s ridgelines isn’t for the faint of heart—it gains more than 2,600 feet—but rewards riders with up-close looks at the unique topography of the Old Cascades.

Route Details

The 14.5.-mile route along Crescent Mountain’s ridgelines isn’t for the faint of heart—it gains more than 2,600 feet—but rewards riders with up-close looks at the unique topography of the Old Cascades.

Appropriately enough, Crescent Mountain is named for its crescent shape; the alluring mountain forms an east-facing bowl with a trail that descends its north and south ridgelines. This route, noted for plenty of singletrack, starts with a mellow, seven-mile road climb before transitioning to a three-mile hike-a-bike to the summit; it’s a fine introduction to the area’s open meadows (where white, bulbous beargrass flowers in late spring and early summer), but more advanced riders may prefer the longer Crescent Loop Ride—which we’ll cover next.

Crescent Mountain Short Ride Stats:

  • Distance: 14.5 miles
  • Elevation gain: 2,638 feet
  • Ride time: Four hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Other routes by Oregon Timber Trail