The Trails
“That is the magic word: singletrack. We have the narrow trails where you feel like you're way back in the middle of nowhere, where you don't meet another soul for hours on end—if at all. And it's very fast singletrack, smooth, rolling, very speedy and very beautiful”
—David Chamberlain, Oakridge resident
A Taste of the Trails
ALPINE (The Crown Jewel)
Oh glorious Alpine! Known as the Crown Jewel, this is one wicked trail. A combination of every pleasure known to mountain biking, you can’t not love Alpine. Buff and narrow singletrack is the name of the game. Vast views, tight corners between 400 year old trees, high speed railing on steep side slops; Alpine delivers. The trail is not highly technical; however there are many distractions for the eye and mild exposure. Everyone from relative newbies to seasoned pros love to roll tires on Alpine. It’s a ridiculously fast and fun ride.
CLOVERPATCH (ATC)
Alpine Trail is known as the "Crown Jewel" of trails at MBO... but add Tire Mountain and Cloverpatch to the second half of your ride and prepare for epic scenery, long, steep sections of climbing and descending, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the Oakridge valley. You will have to work hard on this ride, but it's worth every pedal stroke as you feast your eyes on breathtaking views of the Cascade mountains followed by a buff, flowing downhill glide. You get a bit of all Oakridge has to offer on ATC. There are many fast corners, most with good sightlines, but speed can get out of hand very easily.
The same start as ATC and Alpine. You get fast, flow and old growth in ample amounts. After ATC turns off to Clover you finish Tire Mt. and climb Winberry divide..and when we say climb…we mean climb; you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy some of the last stands of old growth Madrone trees, don’t worry…they’ve seen it all. Steep, rugged, high exertion climbing (note the 7 switchbacks of the Apocalypse). Tight singletrack descents, exposure and challenging terrain. If Alpine is too mundane…Winberry might be your answer.
This is a technically challenging trail with a slight incline on the way out, but promises miles of beautiful creekside scenery along with roots, creek crossings, rocky chutes, as well as a few uphill grunts and swooopy corners. Plan equal pedaling between climbing and descending sections. This is a seriously fun fitness ride, or casual out and back with plenty of opportunities to learn and session new skills. Highly recommended if you are new to riding in Oakridge and seeking an experience to help you get your "legs" on.
LARISON ROCK
A classic Oakridge downhill screamer with LOTS of ridgeline exposure that will keep you on your toes. The trail itself isn’t highly technical, but there are lots of visual distractions and it’s easy to let your speed get out of hand. Expect a few creek crossings, off-camber turns, lots of tight corners, and some loose rocky patches toward the bottom half of the trail. There’s a lot of steep exposure. If you miss the shuttle from camp, you can opt for a straight forward, paved road climb for about 5.5 miles before you reach the trailhead.
DECEPTION BUTTE
If different is good, rugged is what you look for and challenges to your ability and focus are the stuff of your dreams then Deception will not disappoint. There’s extreme exposure on this one and it’s not your trip down the brown buff carpet of Alpine… but this ride will leave you smiling. Deception is for advanced bike handlers and those comfortable with exposure and speed.
TOP OF THE MIDDLE FORK (MFT) ADD-ON
If you decide to ride the entire trail, you'll begin right above Timpanogas Lake. Middle Fork starts off rough, rugged, steep in spots, and beautiful all over. It stays beautiful the whole way and rugged for most of it. It’s a classic river trail so climbs are short but steep and require a lot of effort. There’s lots of roots, rocks and technical challenges with some moderate exposure in a few spots. It’s an all day ride and all day fun. This ride is an add-on ride offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Be sure to sign up for the ride when you register. (Cost $50)
MIDDLE FORK/ LOWER MIDDLE FORK
Lower Middle Fork give you the classic cross country river trail ride you always hear about. It has enough creek crossings, rocks and roots to keep you entertained without wrecking your nerves and won’t crush your soul or spirit with long climbs or all day grinds. You have to pay attention, but it’s just a fun cross country ride.
MOON POINT/MIDDLE FORK
Distance: 16 miles
Moon/Middle is the tale of two trails. Moon Point (technically Young’s Rock) gets you warmed up with a mellow climb through meadows. There is a five minute detour to Young’s Rock overlook which is possibly the best view in the state. The descending begins quickly after you return from Young’s Rock and it gets fast…quick! Moon Point is steep and tight in spots and wide open and ripping in others. Your brakes better work. You’ll “cool down” after screaming Moon on the bottom several miles of Middle Fork. You’ll see great views, ride alongside and over the water in several spots and enjoy a traditional river trail ending.
Lawler: Warm up with a gravel and trail combo climb. Enjoy beautiful old growth trees and buff, flowy singletrack before hitting a brief, steep grunt up a few switchbacks, then get into some ridiculously fast, narrow and moderately exposed singletrack. There are several tight corners and exposure, but good sightlines into most. We say buff…but Lawler has enough rocks, twists and dips that you need to have your A-game on to shred this one.
Hardesty: You get longer to warm up on Hardesty, you’ll climb for a couple miles (mostly gravel, ½ mile trail) before you get to the meadow and it flattens out just before the descent into the trees. This is an especially steep trail, fast and smooth with enough rocky patches and roots to keep you awake. There are a ton of high speed chicanes, jukes and jives on this… like flying on top of dirt. This trail is relatively easy to ride but takes big nerves and good skills to truly unlock the speed and thrills that lie within. The lower mile sees A LOT of mixed use and we’ll slow folks down at the end…but please keep your eyes wide and alert for other trail users. This ride ends at the Goodman/Hardesty parking area.
LOST CREEK
Looking for a true cross-country experience? Start with a 2 mile climb on old road and singletrack (Hardesty), then Sawtooth that lives up to its name. Stiff climbs and descents happen frequently, interspersed with the occasional roots/rocks/shale/gorgeous views/exposure. Follow that trail up with Lost Creek, super fun downhill, flowy in sections, technical in others. Many switchbacks. A road connector takes us to Eagles Rest/Goodman. Predominately downhill in the beginning and finishing with an up/down shady trail along Goodman Creek.
Bunchgrass is like that new carbon sled you lust after: if you have to ask… you shouldn’t ride it. Bunchgrass is challenging for even the best of riders. It’s extremely steep, has many spots with extreme exposure, very tight, has high speed sections and is rugged throughout… and extremely awesome! You must be an advanced rider and up for an adventure to bag Bunchgrass.
HECKLETOOTH
Bunchgrass’ little brother. It’s not less primitive or rugged… or less steep… it’s just shorter. Bring your bike handling skills and nerves as Heckletooth will challenge even the best. Very few clean lines the whole trail, but go ahead and try, just be aware of the extreme exposure and very steep grades and sidehill action at times. There are some of the best views in the area on this one.
SALMON CREEK
There are TWO DISTINCT and DIFFERENT trails here: The North side of Salmon Creek has no steep ups/downs or super-technical challenges, it is a great beginner or family ride BUT the South side will test your legs and bike handling. South Salmon is classic technical river-style trail with a couple rough and tumble climbs and moderate exposure. Easily ridden from camp and looped into each side or added with Flat creek.
FLAT CREEK
This trail is FAST and fun... plan to keep at least one finger on the brake! This is an easy flowing, smooth trail surface with a couple of tight corners. It’s as fast as you want it, but keep your eyes peeled. Caution on the exit... you'll hit a gravel road for about a half mile before entering the paved surface. Just for your riding pleasure this trail is being extended and will be about twice as long by the time the 2013 MBO’s are here! The new sections will be in the spirit of the original: Fast, flowy and fun! We’ll get the exact specs the second we can get tires on dirt!
