Oregon Outback Scenic Bikeway

Lake County, OR, US

Route Overview

Oregon Scenic Bikeways

The Best of Oregon Riding

89 mi.
4,327 ft.

Oregon Outback Scenic Bikeway is a wonderful cycling challenge filled with opportunities for wildlife viewing and quiet solitude. The route is nestled in the beautiful Warner Mountains, located where the forested Cascades meet the high desert basin and range. High peaks, sheer cliffs, gorgeous lakes and ample solitude are yours to savor and share with pronghorn antelope, wetland birds, bighorn sheep and sage grouse.

Route Details

Oregon Scenic Bikeways

Oregon Scenic Bikeways are a superb collection of cycling routes that inspire people to experience Oregon's natural beauty and cultural heritage by bicycle, and that offer economic and social benefits to the state's communities and residents. The program is administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

Trip Planning Resources

  • Downloadable map and cue sheet for the Oregon Outback Scenic Bikeway.

  • Information about local lodging and other businesses from the Lake County Chamber of Commerce.

  • Visit RideOregonRide for videos and photos, guide and shuttle companies, cycling events, attractions, lodging, Bike Friendly business locations, and more.

  • Information about road conditions from Oregon Department of Transportation's TripCheck.

Route Description

The Outback Scenic Bikeway begins and ends at the Lake County Fairgrounds in the vibrant small town of Lakeview. Cyclists can find food, lodging, and all supplies needed in Lakeview before embarking on the ride.

Leaving Lakeview, the route climbs over the forested north Warner Mountains before descending into the Warner Lakes valley with its expansive views of Drake Peak, the Coyote Hills, Fish Creek Rim, Warner Peak on Hart Mountain, and Poker Jim Ridge.

Cyclists can then put their heads down and cruise down a 1,300-foot descent to the desert outpost of Plush before riding along the rolling lakeshores of Hart Lake, Priday Reservoir, Crump Lake and the Narrows. Wetland birds and bighorn sheep enhabit the lakes and lands along the route.

From Adel, the route heads back toward the Warner Mountains, past Deep Creek Falls, and one last climb before the descent back into Lakeview.

Important Reminders

The Outback Scenic Bikeway route takes cyclists through a sparsely populated and arid area of the state with few opportunites to obtain food and potable water and with potentially extreme weather. Cyclists should be confident of their abilities when planning to ride the route.

Other routes by Oregon Scenic Bikeways