bikepacking

My Experience Riding the Oregon Timber Trail Adventure Route (Part Four)

My Experience Riding the Oregon Timber Trail Adventure Route (Part Four)

Leaving Chemult after a comforting breakfast at Jens’ Coffee House, Joe Miller and his riding partner, Hanna (“Captain Hook”), rolled back onto the gravel roads of Oregon’s backcountry. Day 5 delivered a mix of fast, flowing OHV double-track and lake-side detours before they camped beside the quiet, unmaintained North Davis Lake Campground—Hanna’s last night on the trail before parting ways.

The following morning, Joe faced his longest day yet: 76 miles and over 4,600 feet of climbing en route to Sisters. From smooth gravel ascents to deep snowfields above Todd Lake and the rugged descent through the Peterson Ridge Trail System, the ride was a test of stamina, patience, and grit. By the time he rolled into town, exhausted and grateful, the journey had already carved itself into legend—a vivid reminder of why the Oregon Timber Trail Adventure Route earns its name.

My Experience Riding the Oregon Timber Trail Adventure Route (Part Two)

My Experience Riding the Oregon Timber Trail Adventure Route (Part Two)

“The climb begins immediately out of Lakeview and continues on good gravel, not too steep, with excellent views overlooking the valley below. After the first five miles, the grade lessens, but continues to climb gradually for another 3.5 miles, concluding at a busy intersection where six roads come together and where the Crane Mountain National Recreation Trail crosses.”

My Experience Riding the Oregon Timber Trail Adventure Route (part 1)

My Experience Riding the Oregon Timber Trail Adventure Route (part 1)

“This is a great route that puts you out into some of the most remote areas of the state, with lots of adventure riding and beautiful scenery. Although this version of the OTT is the ‘gravel’ version, don’t let that fool you—most of my time was spent on surfaces I would classify as ‘other than gravel.’ It is hard, technical, and most certainly not a traditional gravel ride.”