South Fork John Day | McClellan Mountain Backcountry Mountain Gravel Grind

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Dayville, OR, US

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Renaissance Cyclist

Insights to Inspire Adventure, Stewardship & Community

142 km

2.504 m

I wouldn't have believed desert canyons, arid buttes, rolling rangeland, alpine mountain ridges, lush forests & scenic river valleys could all be crammed into a ride less than 100 miles long prior to exploring this little known part of Oregon.

The South Fork John Day River & Aldrich Mountain Range are often overlooked gems in this sleepy corner of Oregon.

... Did I mention there are two rentable backcountry Forest Service Cabins along the way?

What more are you waiting for?

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Routendetails

An incredibly diverse backcountry #bikepacking experience located off the southwestern leg of the [**Old West Scenic Bikeway**](http://rideoregonride.com/road-routes/old-west-scenic-bikeway/) which takes full advantage of what the @photo[South Fork John Day River](2976464) & @photo[Aldrich Mountain Range](2976502) has to offer.

Never a dull moment, riders will experience Oregon's variety of flora, fauna, geology & topography along this route. Additionally, this route hosts an assortment of riding surfaces making a rigid bikepacker - such as a plus sized midfat rig - ideal for the trip.

This part of Oregon is a hidden gem within a hidden gem. Visitors will likely feel as if they have the entire world to themselves throughout the vast majority of the route during any time of the year (highest trafficked time of the year commonly being hunting season in the fall).

Riding preference is non-directional:
* **Conterclockwise** adventurers will experience a very long & mellow climb for much of the journey, with one steep section of two-track downhill & ending with a bit of blacktop riding along the Old West Bikeway.
* **Clockwise** riders will start off on blacktop followed by tackling much of the route's elevation gain - @slice[climbing from valley floor to mountain top - in a 12 mile stretch of blacktop, gravel & two-track which climbs 4,600'](d,86403.01,105765.84).

@photo[While the entire route is not possible (by the sane average rider) in the dead of winter, the South Fork portion of the route out of Dayville makes for a great winter out-&-back day trip with a likelihood of seeing dozens of various ice formations along Black Canyon.](2976520)

## this route contains 15 miles of mountain singletrack!

@slice[A portion of this route summits the Aldrich Mountain Range & traverses the McClellan Mountain Ridgeline Trail System.](d,67855.25,91605.16) This section can easily be bypassed by turning northwest on NF-21 towards the Murderer's Creek Guardstation & remaining on NF-21 (Field's Creek Rd.) until you reach Hwy 26.

For riders bypassing the jaw dropping beauty of the McClellan Mountain Trail (boo), a gravel bike sporting a wider tire of 38 or greater should have no problems managing the terrain. Take note: sections of the @slice[Southfork Backcountry Scenic Byway](d,1539.85,39525.43) can be difficult to ride even with wide tires during times of exceptional rainfall (uncommon) or snow-melt.

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# Camping
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Tucked almost entirely within the **Malheur National Forest**, with an additional sprinkling of state & BLM lands, there is no shortage of places to camp.

## Cabins
Splitting the route almost perfecting in half, visitors can stay at the following @photo[US Forest Service Cabins](2976511):

[**Murderer's Creek Guard Station**](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/malheur/recarea/?recid=39978) - @poi[View on Map.](4774387)

**[Deer Creek Guard Station](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/malheur/recarea/?recid=39938)** - @poi[View on Map.](4774394)

*Cabin stay is by reservation only.*

## Campgrounds
The following are developed campgrounds along the route.

[**Billy Fields Forest Camp**](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/malheur/recarea/?recid=39914) - Rustic FREE use campground. - @poi[View on Map.](4774395)

[**Oregon Mine Campground**](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/malheur/recarea/?recid=39940) - Rustic FREE use campground. - @poi[View on Map.](4774388)

*Neither of these campgrounds have on-site potable water.*

## Dispersed Camping
Most National Forests offer cyclists the ability to load up their rigs & hit the road &/or trail & continue to ride continuously, day after day. Bikepackers & tourers are welcome to take advantage of dispersed camping opportunities within National Forest boundaries.

***No permits are required for dispersed camping within the Malheur or neighboring BLM Lands; simply follow these guidelines:***

* Camp 150 feet away from roads, trails, & sources of water such as lakes or streams.

* Camp more than a half mile away from designated developed campgrounds.

* Limit your stay to 30 days for any single dispersed site annually. Stay limits on forest are 45 days.

* Pack out all your trash & waste.

* When disposing of solid human waste, bury waste a minimum of 6 inches in the ground & pack out your toiletries (unless you're using the *all-natural* varieties: leaves, rocks, moss, etc.)

* [Be informed of & follow any active fire bans.](https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/home/?cid=fsbdev3_033802) Make sure all fires are dead out upon departure.

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# Trails & Backcountry Mountainbiking

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**This route provides access to the most stunning backcountry riding in the John Day Valley.**

Unless otherwise indicated, all Malheur National Forest trails are open to cyclists with the exception of those within designated Wilderness Areas. Few trails on these forests are currently designed or maintained specifically to cater to mountainbike users. Forest trails may have steeper grades & sharper turns than ideal for cycling. Be prepared to get off & walk sections of trail or hoof your bicycle over fallen trees & other debris when exploring this region's remote multiuse trails.

With these caveats in mind, trails in this area offer solitude for the mountainbiker rarely found elsewhere as well as a diversity of breathtaking views & ecosystems to explore.

## [McClellan Mountain Trail System](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/malheur/recarea/?recid=39972)

The McClellan Mountain Trail System is a little known, little traveled fusion of 3 backcountry multiuse trails:

* [**Field's Peak Trail**](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/malheur/recarea/?recid=39952) - Steep & quick access to alpine environment, although entirely rideable for moderately-strong riders with appropriate gearing. @photo[This section is loose-shale two track & open to 42" wide motor vehicles to Field's Peak summit.](2976509) Encountering on OHV (or anyone for that matter) along the route is rare.
* [**McClellan Mountain Trail**](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/malheur/recarea/?recid=39972) - Alpine ridge trail with elevations ranging from 5600-7400'. In reality this trail's trailheads are the start of Riley Creek (east) & Fields Peak (west) trails.
* [**Riley Creek Trail**](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/malheur/recarea/?recid=39998) - Trail providing access to eastern McClellan ridgeline via wooded mountain slopes; a significantly gentler grade to access alpine over the western approach. Trail surface is predominantly compacted dirt.

These trails are not maintained specifically with bikes in mind nor with regularity. The low use & alpine nature of these trails keeps them pretty clear of erosion & downed trees.

Cross country cycling is allowed in this area, opening up the possibility for additional @photo[*side-questing* along adjacent connected ridgelines](2976505). Topography, surface type (mixed dirt & rock) & flora make these alpine ridgelines ideal candidates for low impact mid-fat & fatbike exploration.

Dispersed camping is allowed off these trails, affording visitors with jaw-dropping sunsets & sunrises on the top of the world.

**There is little to no water available along these trails or adjacent ridges.**

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# Important Reminders

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While touring in this region, come prepared; this area is exceptionally remote by most cyclist’s standards. Food, water, & mechanical assistance & supplies are scarce.

Pay attention to your water supply & be prepared to filter water. Many alpine springs run dry by mid/late summer - just because your map shows a stream or spring, doesn't mean it always has water. The South Fork John Day River is a dependable source of water.

If you travel far from any major roads, you will likely find your cell phone to be of little use aside from cached maps & photographs.

Pay attention to the weather - **summer days can be exceptionally hot with cool/cold nights.** The upper sections of this route can still be snowed in well into June. The John Day Valley & surrounding area tends to be windy often as not. Strong headwinds can radically reduce anticipated travel times.

**Respect all private property signs** – there are many areas where the Forest as well as neighboring public land units intermingle like a patchwork quilt with private property. While many folks welcome cyclists within our community, most prefer their solitude & property rights respected. Respect all wildlife.

Respect fire bans & be aware of any potential wildfire hazards in the area. **This is fire country!** [Active Wildfires in Oregon.](https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/state/38/)

[Follow Leave No Trace principles & outdoor ethics.](https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles)

## Additional Resources

The following bicycle shops are located in the John Day Valley. Specific supplies may be limited, call ahead in advance if possible:

* [Fossil Shift](http://rideoregonride.com/resources/fossil-shift-bike-shop/)
* [Dayville Mercatile](http://www.dayvillemerc.com) - @poi[View on Map](4774389)

Visit the John Day & Prairie City US Forest Service offices for maps, conditions & other information. See Southern Blue Mountains &/or the Bear Valley District maps for area specifics.

[More on cycling the **Malheur National Forest**.](https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/malheur/recreation/?cid=FSEPRD507499)

[More on the nearby **John Day Fossil Beds National Monument**.](https://www.nps.gov/joda/index.htm) The Condone Paleontological Center is a must see.

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#Bikepacking	#RideOregonRide	#TravelOR	#EasternOregon	#GoPlay	#ItsAllYours	#GravelGrind

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South Fork John Day | McClellan Mountain Backcountry Mountain Gravel Grind

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