Madras Hay Creek Gravel Ride

Route Details

A hilly gravel ride to the east of Madras. If ridden clockwise it has a great downhill ride back into town with great views of the Cascade Mountains. The road is mostly hard packed dirt with light cinder on top. There some sections of heavier gravel, especially near the top of Grizzly Road. The less maintained portions can be muddy after a rain. The whole route is scenic and fun to ride.

## Route

* From town, head east on B Street, which turns into Ashwood Road. This road is paved as far as the prison, about 4 miles.
* After the prison the road is dirt and gravel and climbs across several rolling sections for the next five miles. The road then descends into a valley with buildings at the bottom belonging to Hay Creek Ranch. Winter time is lambing season and most of the sheep are close by guarded by huge, white dogs that never leave the pastures.
* After the ranch, the road is not well maintained. It is a little flatter now and the road passes by a reservoir owned by the ranch. Water birds can be seen here year-round.
* The route turns right at mile 15 where the road can be muddy after heavy rains and rutted but passable when dry. This would be about three miles of the total ride. (Some of this can be avoided by going straight up Hay Creek Road rather than turning and then taking Grizzly Road. This would add four miles to the route.)
* Looking to the right there is a bare hillside much like the multi-colored clay found in the Painted Hills near Mitchell, OR. The rougher section of road improves and begins to climb again.
* Reaching the top, the road turns right. This is Grizzly Road and it is well maintained by the county. Grizzly and Grey Buttes are off to the left. 
* Passing under the power lines, the road reaches the final summit and the descent into Madras begins. The Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Hood are all prominent in the distance. Bachelor Butte, Mt. Washington and Three Finger Jack can also be seen.
* All the earlier climbing provide for an easy finsh to the ride. Grizzly Road becomes paved near town and should be followed back to the city park.

## Notes

Madras has a few restaurants and many fast food establishments. A new pub in town has a dozen taps with microbrews: [Wild Winds Station](https://www.facebook.com/WildWindsStation).

Bring a swim suit and stop by the [Madras Aquatic Center](http://www.macaquatic.com/). There is a 25 yard lap pool and a kids pool with water slide. The view from here is fantastic.

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Madras Hay Creek Gravel Ride

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