Hosted by the Oregon Timber Trail Alliance
August 11-13, 2017
La Pine, OR
Deschutes National Forest
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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 third of four trail work parties—or Stewardship Campouts—that the Oregon Timber Trail Alliance has committed to coordinating throughout the state in 2017. Expect to work hard in a stunning landscape, drink good beer and coffee, and ride through some amazing backcountry forests and alpine meadows.
The Deschutes National Forest has a reputation as a destination for mountain biking and the dedicated members of the Central Oregon Trail Alliance and other user groups do an excellent job of maintaining trails from year to year. Because of this we're headed towards the southern boundary of the Deschutes NF to work on trails that are less frequently used and even less frequently worked on.
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 3-day event will be focusing primarily on the connections between Waldo Lake and the Cascade Lakes, as well as sending an adventurous crew to the Windy Lakes zone. These zones are high altitude and dry alpine singletrack. Despite the arid climate, there are many small green-blue lakes scattered throughout the landscape, inviting frequent dips in August temperatures. The work will primarily be focused on controlling erosion and bucking fallen trees. We are in peak fire season so will not be operating chainsaws anywhere in the Deschutes National Forest.
SCHEDULE - We'll set up base camp on Thursday evening, and plan on beginning work after breakfast on Friday morning. Expect to put in a solid 8 hours of trail work on Friday and Saturday. Sunday will be a partial day—leaving some time for a ride after an early lunch.
Friday, August 11th
Trail work: 9am - 5pm
Group meal: 6pm
Saturday, August 13th
Trail work: 9am - 5pm
Group meal: 6pm
Sunday, August 14th
Trail work: 9am - 11:30am
Group ride: 12:30pm - 3:30pm
GETTING THERE - Trail work will be done on several trails in the Cascade Lakes area, outside of La Pine, OR. The roads to base camp will be passable by all passenger vehicles.There is likely no cell reception so carry paper maps. It's about a 3.5 hour drive from Portland. Exact location and driving directions TBA.
Group camp will be on the Southwest side of Wickiup Reservoir (43.665272, -121.805930) off of the Cascade Lakes Highway and NW of NF-44. Link to Google map here. This is a dispersed camp site with plenty of room for our group but no bathrooms or potable water. There are a number of developed campgrounds nearby that may have potable water and pit toilets. Nearest fuel, supplies, etc. are approximately 25 minutes away at the Odell Sportsman Center on Highway 58 near Crescent Lake or the small town of Crescent located on Highway 97.
LOGISTICS - We're camping in central Oregon in mid summer. There is likely no cell service. There is no potable water, though campgrounds with water are nearby. There are no toilets on site, the group will dig a latrine to minimize impact. Temperatures will be high and mosquitos likely.
Our partners at Base Camp Brewing and Stumptown Coffee have generously supplied us with coffee and beer. Nearest fuel and services are 45 mins away in Crescent, Oregon.
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 6-point suspension helmet (some loaners provided), eye protection, gloves, long pants, long sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes/boots. Bring a pack, with water, snacks, mosquito repellant, and sunscreen each day as well. If you have a large pack or BOB trailer, consider bringing it as the trails are steep and rugged and getting tools to where they're needed will be a challenge. 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 temperatures to be very hot. Manage your body temp by taking frequent shade breaks, hydrating, and keeping your skin covered. A shirt or bandana soaked in water does wonders.
This is going to be a fun event working, camping, and riding through the high alpine desert on trails you likely haven't lain eyes on. 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 and the Deschutes National Forest a huge thanks goes out to everyone lending a hand at this stewardship event.
