Gravel Version of the OTT

New! Gravel version of the Oregon Timber Trail

The Oregon Timber Trail Alliance recently created a gravel version of the Oregon Timber Trail route. It winds 552 miles through the high country of Oregon east of the Cascade Mountains. About 73 percent of the route is on non-paved roads, 8 percent follows easy trails and 19 percent is on paved roads with sparse traffic. It’s isolated, challenging, and absolutely stunning.

This adventurous route begins in Lakeview near the California border and ends in Hood River at the Washington border.

Follow this link for a detailed map of the route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49206963

Mountain bikers have been riding the original version of the Oregon Timber Trail since 2017 and it’s an epic experience. The rewards are great but it does require a certain level of endurance, trail riding skill, and several weeks in the saddle. Over half of the 700 miles are singletrack.

As an alternative, the gravel version of the Oregon Timber Trail was created for those riders who are less sure of their trail riding skills or are looking for an adventure that demands less endurance, or just want to cruise through the mountains of Oregon at a faster pace.

The entire gravel version can be ridden in eight to twelve days. Or ride it in sections as your schedule allows.

The route winds through some of Oregon’s wildest terrain, following high rocky ridges, skirting alpine lakes, crossing rivers, and hitting a few small communities along the way. The gravel version roughly parallels the original version; the big difference in alignment is that the gravel version doesn’t drop down to Oakridge but instead stays on the east side of the Cascade Mountains.

The route is free of snow as early as mid-June in most years. Hot and dry weather usually sets in by mid-July and persists until late September. These conditions may result in wildfires and require riders to go off-route in order to get around them. The fall ushers in moderate temperatures and fewer fires so it can be an especially attractive time to ride.

The Oregon Timber Trail is a true adventure route. You’ll be far from creature comforts at times. Some roads are steep and rough and you'll need a GPS device to guide you. Finding food and water can be tricky, especially in southern Oregon. If your bike breaks a bike shop may be far down the road. Finally, cell coverage is spotty so your phone won’t be a dependable tool during an emergency.

The first 210 miles winds through the Fremont-Winema National Forest and is the most challenging because some of the roads are primitive, the terrain is rugged, food and water are scarce, and it’s isolated.

In contrast, the next 164 miles through the Deschutes National Forest is closer to civilization and even touristy in places. The terrain is flatter and finding food and water isn’t much of a problem. It’s a chance to catch your breath and take in the many lakes before riding the 49 roller coaster miles through the Willamette National Forest.

The final 144 miles is a sweep of the high country through the Mount Hood National Forest and ends with a big descent to the Columbia River.

Check out this user guide to find out more details of the route: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y7T9b0ANowUC3-cz1KA72LFESiP3pe_zMnpw34MwKBc/edit?usp=sharing