Oregon Timber Trail

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Oregon, USA

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Oregon Timber Trail

Backcountry mountain biking adventures

1 106 km

21 528 m

The Oregon Timber Trail is a world-class bikepacking destination and North America’s premiere long-distance mountain bike route. It runs south to north and travels through a variety of landscapes, communities, ecosystems, terrain, and, most importantly, mountain bike trails.

Divided into four unique tiers, the Oregon Timber Trail is approachable by a wide variety of cyclists. If it sounds familiar, you’re not mistaken: the Oregon Timber Trail is inspired by the Pacific Crest Trail and other trails in the National Scenic Trail system. What sets it apart is that it’s designed with mountain biking in mind and consists of more than 60 percent singletrack.

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## The Oregon Timber Trail is a world-class bikepacking destination and North America’s premiere long-distance mountain bike route. It runs south to north and travels through a variety of landscapes, communities, ecosystems, terrain, and, most importantly, mountain bike trails.

Riders depart the California border and start their journey north just outside of Lakeview—the highest town in Oregon. Within the first ten miles the route crests 8,000 feet and continues north along the Fremont National Recreation Trail through little-traveled basin and range country. The riding is rugged, dry singletrack and the grandiose vistas of faraway Mt Shasta, the Three Sisters, and the giant Fort Rock Basin are keen on distracting one’s eyes away from the trail. As the route meanders through loose volcanic blowout from the massive Mount Mazama eruption the landscape slowly begins to change. Lakes and streams start appearing, and then as you crest the spine of the Cascades at Timpanogas Lake the forests shift dramatically from dry, tan open forests to dank, green towering groves. You’ll follow the faint gurgling streams as they come together and merge into the Middle Fork of the Willamette River leading you to the mountain biking mecca of Oakridge. Roughly halfway, and one of the largest towns on the route, Oakridge is a great place to treat yourself to some cask ale at the Brewers Union Local 180, a clean bed and shower at one of the lodges, or even a day of unloaded shuttles on some of the legendary trails in the area.

Once well-fed and rested, you begin the ascent of Bunchgrass Ridge through majestic old growth groves and alpine beargrass meadows. Eventually you descend the slopes of Fuji Mountain, crossing the Cascades a second time, and enter the Deschutes Tier. These high cascade lakes and peaks are the work of relatively recent and dramatic volcanic activity that created a rocky, sandy, and dry alpine environment. After crossing the shoulder of Mount Bachelor and camping in the shadow of the Three Sisters you descend into Sisters and cross over the range once again along the historic Santiam Wagon Road. Say goodbye to open ponderosa forests as you enter the roller coaster of the Old Cascade Crest and Olallie Lakes exploring lush ridges, pocket lakes and roaring streams all dominated by Mount Jefferson looming to the east. The trails are steep, narrow and demanding. As you continue north, Mount Hood steals your attention away as Jefferson recedes behind you. The trails loop around lakes and old forest camps while slowly leading you up Gunsight Ridge, prepping you for your final descent along Surveyor’s Ridge and towards Hood River via Parkdale and the Post Canyon trail system. Dip your tires in the Columbia River, lay in the grass, and buy yourself a beer and burger—you just rode your mountain bike across the whole state.

## See more photos, individual Tier maps, and download the Route Guide PDF on [OregonTimberTrail.org](http://OregonTimberTrail.org).

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# @slice[Fremont Tier](d,0,330787.74)

*Lakeview to Chemult. Traverse Basin and range country along Winter Rim and through the vast Oregon Outback.*

* Physical difficulty: 8/10
* Technical difficulty: 7/10
* Bikepacking challenge: Advanced

* 2% Paved
* 20% Dirt road
* 78% Singletrack
* 90% Percent rideable

* Longest stretch between resupply: 95 miles, 3-4 days
* Longest stretch between water sources: 45 miles, 2 days

The Oregon Timber Trail aptly starts in the middle of nowhere on the California border. You’ll leave Oregon’s highest town and traverse the 140 mile Fremont National Recreation Trail. You’ll be rewarded with the stunning views from Winter Rim, a feast at the legendary Cowboy Dinner Tree, and have the opportunity to stay at a number of primitive fire lookouts.

The Fremont Tier is one of the most challenging Tiers but also one of the most rewarding. Services are few and far between but the landscapes you’ll pass through are unparalleled in the state. 14,300 years ago, much of the low basin range country and alkali lakes were part of a giant inland sea teeming with wildlife. North America’s first settlers lived on the shores of this vast body of water, living off the cornucopia of aquatic life.

Today the sea has dried up and its floor dried out. The mountains are buried in snow each winter, feeding the gurgling small rivers and streams that meander out into what is now ranch land.

You’ll crest the highest point of the whole route at 8,200 feet shortly after starting and continue along ridge lines of ponderosas, rock and dry grassland. Nearby peaks offer rentable fire lookouts like Drake Peak, Currier Guard Station, Bald Butte, Fremont Point and Hager Mountain. The valleys are punctuated by trout streams, bird life, and even some relaxing hot springs.

## Highlights
* @point[Lily and Cave Lake](d,266.09) - The southern tip of the route begins at these two idyllic alpine lakes
* @point[Crane Mountain](d,19346.44) - The highest elevation on the OTT at 8,200 feet
* @slice[Fremont National Recreation Trail](d,67366.31,273273.43) - a lightly-used and stunningly scenic trail spanning south-central Oregon
* @point[Round Mountain](d,122646.69) - Open ridgeline riding with views of prehistoric lake beds and Gearhart Mountain
* @point[Chewaucan Valley](d,147991.07) - A small vivacious trout stream draining from the forests of the Fremont National Forest
* @slice[Winter Rim](d,167155.28,208912.09) - A 3,000 foot east-facing escarpment with a stunning rim trail
* @poi[Summer Lake Hot Springs](4419902) - Relax in the warm mineral waters and historic ranch buildings
* @poi[Cowboy Dinner Tree](4419904) - Legendary backwoods diner
* @poi[Silver Lake resupply](4420343) - Quiet plains town of Silver Lake for supplies
* Rentable forest service lookouts - Reserve a night or two at one of six Forest Service cabins and lookouts near the route.

View more Fremont Tier details on [OregonTimberTrail.org](http://oregontimbertrail.org/fremont)

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# @slice[Willamette Tier](d,330247.62,573877.51)
*Timpanogas to Waldo Lake via Oakridge.
Legendary trail systems, lush green forests, and roaring rivers.*

* Physical difficulty: 8/10
* Technical difficulty: 7/10
* Bikepacking challenge: Advanced

* 5% Paved
* 33% Dirt road 
* 62% Singletrack 
* 95% Rideable

* Longest stretch between resupply: 92 miles. 2-3 days
* Longest stretch between water sources: 15 miles, 1 day

The Willamette Tier is markedly different from the Fremont Tier. The dry deserts, sparse ponderosa forests and wide open rangeland give way to dark, verdant and loamy forests as soon as you crest the Cascade Range. You’ll follow feeder streams and springs of the Willamette River’s Middle Fork for much of this tier, putting your water scarcity worries at ease—at least for now.

Oakridge, one of the largest towns on the whole route, is a good halfway point to take a rest day, enjoy the pub, dip your feet in the river or hire a shuttle to take you unloaded to the top of one of the many world-famous Oakridge trails. If shuttling isn’t your thing, there are still a multitude of opportunities to ditch your bags at camp and ride some unloaded singletrack runs of Moon Point, Larison Rock or Alpine.

Once you’ve had your fill of rest and relaxation, you’ll climb the infamous Bunchgrass Ridge through glorious stands of old growth Douglas fir and sun-drenched alpine meadows. The tier rounds up with a descent down the slopes of Fuji Mountain and a lap around the bucolic shores of Waldo Lake.

## Highlights
* @point[Summit](d,397547.22) and @point[Timpanogas](d,405296.82) Lake - Gorgeous peak-rimmed alpine lakes perfect for pitching camp
* @poi[Windy Ridge](3250933) - An optional loop along ridges around Timpanogas Lake, this trail is one of the most stunning and unique in the state
* @slice[Middle Fork Trail](d,403882.48,447974.52) - A long, arduous classic following the Middle Fork of the Willamette River over a variety of terrain
* @point[Oakridge](d,483517.44) - A sleepy little logging town with a chance to go rafting, fishing, hire some shuttles, soak in some hot springs, or just stay in town and enjoy some R&R at the brewery and distillery
* @slice[Bunchgrass Ridge](d,512964.89,533267.81) - A backcountry epic up and over the Cascades a second time
* @point[Waldo Lake](d,562781.16) - A large bucolic lake, perfect for spending a summer day

View more Willamette Tier details on [OregonTimberTrail.org](http://oregontimbertrail.org/willamette)

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# @slice[Deschutes Tier](d,572158.46,780686.14)
*Cascade Lakes to Santiam Pass. Violent volcanic geology, historic wagon roads, alpine lakes, and mountain views.*

* Physical difficulty: 5/10
* Technical difficulty: 6/10
* Bikepacking challenge: Intermediate

* 2% Paved
* 48% Dirt road 
* 50% Singletrack 
* 100% Percent rideable

* Longest stretch between resupply: 37 miles. 1-2 days
* Longest stretch between water sources: 30 miles, 1 day

The Deschutes Tier takes you back over to the dry, volcanic eastern flank of the Cascade Range. Bend is famous for its large network of world-class mountain bike trails and the Oregon Timber Trail takes advantage of them as it leaves Waldo Lake and winds its way through the Cascade Lakes region and around Mt. Bachelor.

Crossing under the shadow of Broken Top and the Three Sisters you’ll visit Tam Mcarthur Rim and Three Creeks Lake before descending into Sisters for a stop at the brewery, stocking up at the co-op, and getting your bike tuned up.

The second leg of the Deschutes Tier takes you over the Cascade Range yet again on the historic Santiam Wagon Road. You’ll leave Sisters skirting Black Butte and Camp Sherman (worth a side trip) before popping out at Suttle Lake. A newly remodeled lodge offers rooms, cabins, hot food, cold cocktails and even canoe rentals. Once you’ve had your fill, you’ll climb to Big Lake with views of Mount Washington and descend the sandy wagon ruts to Fish Lake and the headwaters of the McKenzie River.

## Highlights
* Secluded alpine lakes and dry alpine forests
* Intense volcanic geology
* Many Cascade peaks dotting the horizon
* Small lake resort stores
* @poi[Little Three Creeks Lake](3251245)
* @poi[Suttle Lodge](4420008)
* @slice[Santiam Wagon Road](d,766503.83,781026.16)

View more Deschutes Tier details on [OregonTimberTrail.org](http://oregontimbertrail.org/deschutes)

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# @slice[Hood Tier](d,781026.16,1107022.66)

*Santiam Pass to Hood River. Forest camps, hot springs, Mt. Hood, and the Columbia River Gorge.*

* Physical difficulty: 8/10
* Technical difficulty: 8/10
* Bikepacking challenge: Advanced

* 30% Paved
* 30% Dirt road 
* 40% Singletrack 
* 90% Percent rideable

* Longest stretch between resupply: 90 miles. 2-3 days
* Longest stretch between water sources: 22 miles, 1 day

As you head into the Hood Tier you may think you’re on the final stretch—that is if you haven’t looked at the elevation profile. The Hood Tier takes you up and down across countless backcountry ridges and streams, first teasing you with imposing views of Mount Jefferson and eventually Mount Hood itself. The Old Cascade Crest is steep and rewarding, eventually dropping you near Detroit Lake and up to Olallie Lakes through the Breitenbush Hot Springs valley.

The Olallie Lakes Scenic Area is another quiet, high-elevation landscape speckled with pristine pocket lakes brimming with trout. (and mosquitoes) Many great dispersed campsites are abound, and the Olallie Lake Resort is well-stocked for PCT thru-hikers so should have a good selection for the bikepacker as well.

Keep heading north—here the Oregon Timber Trail follows dusty roads that were once the Oregon Skyline Trail, a predecessor to the Pacific Crest Trail established in 1968. You’ll loop around Timothy Lake, marvel at Little Crater Lake, cross the White River at the historic Barlow Crossing, and begin your long climb to Gunsight Ridge. Gunsight connects to the famous Surveyor’s Ridge, before dropping you into the Hood River valley where a plethora of fresh fruit, wine, beer, and BBQ await in Parkdale.

Don’t celebrate too early as you’ve got another stiff climb ahead to the top of the Post Canyon trail system and a fast, rowdy trail down into the Columbia River Gorge and the bustling northern terminus of Hood River. Dip your tires and toes in the Columbia River: it’s time to celebrate—you just rode your mountain bike across the whole state!

## Highlights
* @poi[Fish Lake Work Center](3251471)
* @poi[Crescent Mountain](7215492)
* @poi[McCoy Shelter](4419977)
* @poi[Breitenbush Hot Spring Retreat](4419945)
* @poi[Olallie Lakes](6523830)
* @point[Timothy Lake](d,950466.61)
* @point[Keeps Mill](d,987481.78)
* @poi[44 Trails System](7218610)
* @slice[Surveyor’s Ridge](d,1035720.98,1050233.79)
* @point[Parkdale](d,1058194.43)
* @point[Post Canyon](d,1091937.79)

View more Hood Tier details on [OregonTimberTrail.org](http://oregontimbertrail.org/hood)

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# Summary

Riding the Oregon Timber Trail is a serious undertaking, both physically and logistically. We’re excited to share the route and this guide with you to inspire and inform you to ride it this summer or in a subsequent year. We want you to have fun and be safe, so please study the materials carefully to understand the challenges you’ll face.

The Oregon Timber Trail is a new, unrefined route and the route materials are likely to be incorrect or lacking in some sections. As a bikepacker, be aware that change is inevitable and adaptability is the best skill you can take with you out on the trail. Stay in touch, we’d love to hear from you after the journey about your favorite areas, the hardest parts and what improvements you think could be made.

Start scheming, plan carefully, rope in some friends and have fun exploring the varied wild landscapes that have enthralled generations of Oregonians before you.

On behalf of the Oregon Timber Trail Alliance we sincerely hope you have a great season exploring the bounty of beauty that is Oregon.

## Segments
The view each of the ten individual segments on Ride With GPS follow the links below:

**FREMONT TIER - 207 miles**
1) [Basin and Range](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27287687) - 91 miles, Lily Lake to the Chewaucan Valley
2) [Winter Rim](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20725917) - 57 miles, Chewaucan Valley to Hager Mountain
3) [Mazama Blowout](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20725967) - 59 miles, Hager Mountain to Chemult

**WILLAMETTE TIER - 148 miles**
4) [Kalapuya Country](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20726019) - 94 miles, Chemult to Oakridge
5) [Bunchgrass Ridge](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20726066) - 55 miles, Oakridge to Waldo Lake

**DESCHUTES TIER - 113 miles**
6) [Cascade Peaks](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20726114) - 77 miles, Waldo Lake to Sisters
7) [Santiam Wagon Road](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20726184) - 37 miles, Sisters to Fish Lake

**HOOD TIER - 200 miles**
8) [Old Cascade Crest](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20726252) - 78 miles, Fish Lake to Olallie Lake
9) [Wy’east](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20726283) - 92 miles, Olallie Lake to Parkdale
10) [The Gorge](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20726310) - 29 miles, Parkdale to Hood River

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# [Learn more on OregonTimberTrail.org](http://oregontimbertrail.org/)

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