Hosted by the Oregon Timber Trail Alliance and Klamath Trails Alliance
June 1-4, 2017
Paisley, OR
Fremont-Winema National Forest
REGISTER HERE
The Oregon Timber Trail is an iconic 670-mile backcountry mountain bike route spanning Oregon’s diverse landscapes from California to the Columbia River Gorge. The route is composed of four unique tiers, each presenting their own challenges for trail maintenance and rehabilitation. This event is the first of four trail work parties—or Stewardship Weekends—that the Oregon Timber Trail Alliance has committed to coordinating throughout the state. Expect to work hard in a stunning landscape, relax around a campfire at night, drink good beer and coffee, and get some riding in on new trails in the evenings.
Winter Rim and the Fremont National Recreation Trail have a rich history and vision for long-distance backcountry recreation. Thanks to groups like NW Youth Corps, Backcountry Horsemen, Central Oregon Trail Alliance, and Klamath Trails Alliance these trails exist for us all to enjoy. The Oregon Timber Trail Alliance is excited to join these ranks and improve the trails and forest experiences for everyone.
NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED - That's right, we just need a smile, a pair of gloves, and a good attitude from you. Our goal for this 4 day event is to clear several sections of the Fremont National Recreation Trail that has been effectively impassable to all trail users for several years. An intense forest fire burned much of Winter Rim in 2002 and pine beetles have killed many large tracts of the remaining forest since then. These dead trees have fallen, blocking the trail in many areas, and new undergrowth has sprouted, choking the trail corridor. Certified sawyers (chainsaw operators) will cut out the trees and volunteers will remove debris and brush from the path as well as armor the trail tread where needed.
SCHEDULE - Thursday we'll get a late start at 12:30 and do some scouting and a half day of trail work. Expect to put in a solid 8 hours of trail work on Friday and Saturday. Sunday will be a half day as well—leaving some time for an afternoon ride after lunch. Volunteers will camp at Jones Crossing Forest Camp in the Chewaucan River Valley, about 8 miles south of Paisley.
Thursday, June 1st
Meet, prelim scouting: 9am - 12pm (opt)
Trail work: 12:30pm - 5pm
Friday, June 2nd
Trail work: 9am - 5pm
Group meal: 6pm
Saturday, June 3rd
Trail work: 9am - 5pm
Group meal: 6pm
Sunday, June 4th
Trail work: 9am -12pm
Group ride: 12:30pm - 3:30pm
GETTING THERE - Trail work will be done on the Fremont National Recreation Trail, easy walking, riding, or vehicle access from our base camp at Jones Crossing Forest Camp on the Chewaucan River. Jones Crossing is 8 miles south of Paisley, OR on Cnty Hwy 2-08 (NF330). The road is paved all the way to the campsite and is accessible by any type of vehicle. It's about a 6 hour drive from Portland. There is no cell service in the canyon so carry paper maps. Directions are here.
LOGISTICS - We're camping at the Jones Crossing group camp just past Marsters Spring Campground. There is no cell service. There is no potable water, though Marsters CG has a spigot less than a mile away. There are toilets on site. There is plenty of room for vehicle parking and tent camping. Our partners at Base Camp Brewing and Stumptown Coffee have generously supplied us with those beverages. Velo Cult will be on site grilling from their team trailer on Friday and Saturday nights, but plan on bringing enough food for all other meals. Paisley is 8 miles away and has wifi, some cell service, a tavern, a diner, and a small store. Summer Lake Hot Springs are a great place to rent a cabin or soak in the geothermal pools and is 6 miles north of Paisley. Paisley is a cool little community with lots of history, so talk to some locals while you're in town.
YOU SHOULD BRING - Tent, sleeping bag, pad, extra toilet paper, lots of water, cooking gear, food, and a camp chair. During the work day Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required to work on public lands; this includes a helmet, eye protection, gloves, long pants, long sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes/boots. Bring a pack, with water, snacks, and sunscreen each day as well. And don't forget your bike gear—we'll make sure there's some time to ride if you're not too exhausted at the end of the day.
WEATHER - Expect the nights to be cold (even freezing) and the days to be hot. Base camp is in a protected valley, but at about 4,800'. All trail work will be between 5,000' and 7,300' so the potential for sun, wind, and cold exposure is high. Spring in Lake County is a gorgeous time to be there, but there's a chance we get some nasty weather too, so keep your eyes on the forecast.
This is going to be a fun event working and riding in a gorgeous, backcountry forest that many in Oregon have not had the chance to experience. We're excited and grateful that you're spending a valuable summer weekend giving back to our public lands.
On behalf of the Oregon Timber Trail Alliance, Klamath Trails Alliance, and the Fremont-Winema National Forest a huge thanks to everyone lending a hand at this stewardship event.
