Best Day Rides on the OTT
We’ve spent several seasons talking to riders and exploring sections of the Oregon Timber Trail ourselves to find the best gems of backcountry trail along the route. We’ve partnered with Travel Oregon and Ride with GPS to share best day rides in each of the four tiers and came up with something for every skill level. Our rider surveys have shown that nearly half (48%) of OTT riders are doing day rides and not bikepacking. 44% are bikepacking shorter segments and only 8% are bikepacking the whole trail. We hope these guides will get you out exploring the state’s best singletrack on two wheels. Keep reading to find GPS files, overview of the riding, and other attractions in each area. This is your year to explore the OTT. Let us know what you find out there…
Great Summer Lake views from Winter Rim on The Bear Creek loop. Photo: Daniel Sharp
Fremont Tier
Lakeview
Tall Town Bike and Camp 19 N E St. (503) 314-6095
Thom Batty’s bike shop. Camping supplies, bike sales, and service. Call to see if Thom can give you a ride to the start. The go-to shop for Timber Trail riders.
Paisley
Contact Michael Norris at Paisley Adventure for guided trips and local intel
(541) 219-6659 M W F 10-5 or by appointment
Great views of Summer Lake. Great loop to experience our Watson Fire trail rehab!
So you want to know what the very beginning of the OTT is like? Crane Mountain is at 8,300 feet.
Get to know the OTT just sound of the Chewacan River. Great ride when camping at Marster’s Spring
Willamette Tier
Big views up on the Sawtooth Stuggle! photo: Gabriel Amadeus
Oakridge
Stop in at The Willamette Mountain Mercantile aka The Oakridge Bike Shop for intel
541-782-1800 Hours: 9-5 (If you are needing special early assistance please call them the day before)
Give a call to learn about fire closures. (Rides like Heckletooth and Grasshopper are closed until further notice).
Want an Oakridge shuttle? Contact Cogwild,
Oregon Adventures
Salmon Creek OAB
Fun ride close to downtown Oakridge. Possibly the most family-friendly ride in town.
Middle Fork
The upper part is technical. The lower part is slightly less so. 30 miles of rugged fun.
So you want a challenge up above Timanogas? Check this one out!
Anyone will tell you this trail is challenging in either direction. But those views!
The classic! Views of that gorgeous lake all day long. Best late summer riding with camping, swimming, sailing
What to ride the day after your Waldo Lake loop if you want a new challenge
Deschutes Tier
Trail 99 never disappoints, bonus points for post-ride pints and/or burgers & milkshakes in Sisters. Photo: Daniel Sharp
Sisters
When in Sisters, stop in at Blazin Saddles for info, repairs, and bike demos
(541)-719-1213 Hours: 10:30 - 5:30 M - Sat Closed Sundays
Ride to three different lakes as you circle Cultus Mountain. Swim and grab a meal at the Cultus Lake Resort when you’re finished.
Again, hit 3 lakes in this challenging but fun 19-mile loop. Leave time for a dip after your ride!
Great rugged backcountry ride with spectacular mountain views and finishing in Sisters
More Deschutes Tier ride ideas
Classic Bend ride that kisses the Met-Win. Be courteous to hikers on the way up.
Check out this handy map for ride ideas. Make your own rides using Suttle Lodge as a home base.
Hood Tier
Unobstructed views of Mt. Hood from Surveyor’s Ridge. Photo: Daniel Sharp
A very challenging all-day loop ride in the heart of the Old Cascade Crest
We usually kick the season off here. Often clear before many other trails
A day on Surveyor’s is always epic. Hood views galore!
Challenging and rugged backcountry riding in the 44 Trails system
Multi-day loop starting in The Dalles