Hosted by the Oregon Timber Trail Alliance & Trans-Cascadia
August 25-27, 2017
Idanha, OR
Willamette National Forest

REGISTRATION CLOSED

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 fourth and final of our 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 Old Cascade Crest area is oft overlooked by backpackers for the wilderness trail networks closer to Mount Jefferson, leaving it untouched and rough around the edges for the more adventurous backcountry traveller. Lying deep in the Willamette National Forest roughly an hour from Sisters and Salem, and just over two from Portland, this zone is conveniently located a short drive from many riders' front doors. The trails are no joke, however. The Old Cascade Crest loop is about 30 miles long with almost 7,000' of climbing and if you add in Crescent and Bachelor Mountain trails you double those numbers. 

The Oregon Timber Trail Alliance is partnering with Trans-Cascadia and Bend Trails for this Stewardship Campout, complementing the many work hours they've already invested in these trails this season. 

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED - That's right, we just need a smile, a pair of gloves, and a good attitude from you. Our goals for this 3-day event will be focusing primarily on raking trail tread and lopping undergrowth along trail edges in the Crescent, Bachelor, Scar, and Coffin Mountain areas. These zones are densely forested, steep, and offer fantastic views of Mount Jefferson.

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. Basecamp will be located at Tule Lake.  

Friday, August 25th
Trail work: 9am - 5pm
Group meal: 6pm

Saturday, August 26th
Trail work: 9am - 5pm
Group meal: 6pm

Sunday, August 27th
Trail work: 9am - 11:30am
Group ride: 12:30pm - 3:30pm

GETTING THERE - Trail work will be done on multiple trails in the Old Cascade Crest region, outside of Idanha, OR. The roads to base camp will be passable by all passenger vehicles. There is no cell reception so carry paper maps. It's about a 2.5 hour drive from Portland. Driving directions to Tule Lake basecamp are here. 

LOGISTICS - We're camping high in Oregon cascades in mid summer. Weather will be hot and mosquitos quite likely. There is no cell service. There is no potable water. There are no toilets on site, the group will dig a latrine to minimize impact. 

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 Detroit, Oregon. 

MEALS - Trans-Cascadia has generously offered to provide dinners for all volunteers on Friday and Saturday nights. You are responsible for all other meals throughout the weekend. 

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 some high-cascade trails that none of your riding buddies have touched. 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 Willamette National Forest a huge thanks goes out to everyone lending a hand at this stewardship event.