MERA- Sasquatch/Ricochet Loop |
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Wonderful mountain bike route encompasses almost ten miles of riding, much of which is in the remote north section of MERA. This collection of trails is fun because 1514 feet of elevation gain and loss is broken up into three snippets of climbing with different yet agreeable rewards.
My current favorite route encompasses almost ten miles of riding, much of which is in the remote north section of MERA abutting the La Grande Ranger District Wallowa Whitman National Forest Land.
The four trails featured in this delightful adventure are MERA Loop, Sasquatch, Ricochet and Red Apple. I like this collection of trails because 1514 feet of elevation gain and loss is broken up into three snippets of climbing with different yet agreeable rewards.
Start at the Owsley Canyon Trailhead exiting the parking area to the north, slipping over a bicyce cattle guard next to a gate, which puts you onto Red Apple. Red Apple, otherwise known as the 700 trail, is highly trafficked by walkers, runners, equestrians and cyclists. Stay on the east traveling option as it drops a little elevation then starts the trek to the north crossing a meadow frequently full of Camas and a wooden bridge. Follow the signs to MERA Loop. Watch for intersection three, a little over one mile from the trailhead, it is where MERA Loop revisits itself and one of the easiest places to get lost. Follow the sign that says West MERA Loop and gains elevation.
The first climb gains around 300 feet of elevation in a rolling two and a half miles scattered with wild flowers. There are two roadbed crossings and one major intersection where Hotshot, Zig Zag, and MERA Loop all meet in the same area. MERA Loop is distinct in that it is the most traveled and therefore the smoothest trail available. Also remember Sasquatch, the goal of today’s ride, is in the far north of the park so traveling west on Zig Zag or southeast on Hotshot will not lead to finding the great mythical beast.
The reward for the first climb is a meandering trail that follows the contours of the unit eliminating large sections of exhausting uphill and rocky terrain. It gains and loses elevation in delightful bursts crossing Conley Creek on an Eagle Scout project and hiding under the canopy of a coniferous forest. The fun ends when the 609 road reappears and a sign boasting various Sasquatch stickers heralds the second climb.
Sasquatch starts with a one-mile climb that gains 249 feet of elevation. The reward is immense. To the west, the hot scab hillside often produces Cervus canadensis, Balsamorhiza sagittata and lupine. The rest of the vista takes in; a ravine that cradles Conley Creek, the Elkhorn and Eagle Cap Mountains and the towns scattered around the Grande Ronde Valley floor. The trail descends loosing 586 feet of elevation in a stately manner using the natural features of the hillside to its best advantage to keep speed in check and adventure at a high. Sasquatch itself is not a long trail but it feeds into Ricochet at a road crossing.
Significantly more time has been spent grooming Ricochet. Bermed corners, more challenging rollers and smooth trail take Ricochet to the next level of fun as it bust through the west side of MERA Loop to finally comes to a rest on an old road bed that intersects the east side of MERA Loop. The road is where the outward adventure ends and the return to the trailhead starts.
Briefly travel south on the road, back towards La Grande, and look to the west for the trail to start again. The third, and to me the most arduous, climb starts here. The elevation gain is measly but the timing makes it seem extreme. MERA Loop travels up past an old gravel pit and briefly visits two roads before tying back into the West MERA Loop. Follow the same route back to the trailhead or finish out Red Apple. Whatever your choice, follow the signs indicating the trailhead and your car should soon be in sight.