I'm planning a trip to the Wallowa Lake area this summer, can anyone suggest resources for trail info for this area? Anyone know of any bike shop in Lagrande or Joseph , OR?

Jolly

I'm planning a trip to the Wallowa Lake area this summer, can anyone suggest resources for trail info for this area? Anyone know of any bike shop in Lagrande or Joseph , OR?

Jolly
...they directed me to the Wallowa Mt. Visitor Center (541-426-5546). I'm awaiting some of their trail info handouts so I can get a rough idea of what areas I'm interested in before I go. There are forestry maps of the area too, but I didn't ask if they are topo and well highlighted/detailed for trails. They did tell me since most of the area is wilderness (mostly Eagle Cap), that the legal mt biking trails are lower elevation, so don't expect any high vantage points unless you secure your bikes and take a day hike. The area is very scenic though.

...they directed me to the Wallowa Mt. Visitor Center (541-426-5546). I'm awaiting some of their trail info handouts so I can get a rough idea of what areas I'm interested in before I go. There are forestry maps of the area too, but I didn't ask if they are topo and well highlighted/detailed for trails. They did tell me since most of the area is wilderness (mostly Eagle Cap), that the legal mt biking trails are lower elevation, so don't expect any high vantage points unless you secure your bikes and take a day hike. The area is very scenic though.

I'm probably find the same lack of good info on MTBing the area as you are.
But the search goes on. Thanks for sharing.

Terry

I'm probably find the same lack of good info on MTBing the area as you are.
But the search goes on. Thanks for sharing.

Terry...which was really disapointingly lacking in info, no rough trail outlines like other areas offer. There was only one sheet that had descriptions on how to get to some of the more popular trail heads, without any info on what the actual trails are like.

Kind of ironic how these areas with so much wilderness are so commercialized trying to entice people in for everything from rafting to fishing to hunting to an extensive gondola ride system, yet they call bicycles "motorized". I'm beginning to think Wallowa is all about making money off exploiting it's nature, just a big outdoor zoo.

I spent a four day weekend in a cabin on Wallowa Lake in '01. Unfortunately the guys I went there with weren't mountain bikers, but I brought my bike and managed to get away for an afternoon to ride. If you get the chance, drive up to Buckhorn Overlook (about 30 miles NNE of Joseph). The view from there looking down into the Imnaha and Snake River Valleys is breathtaking. Then go another mile or two past the overlook and you'll find the Cemetary Ridge trailhead. I rode down this steep doubletrack for a mile or two. I believe the trail goes all the way down to the river, although I'm not positive because I was alone and unwilling to go all the way down there by myself.

I wish I hadn't been. Hadn't been either alone nor unwilling to seek such adventure solo. The terrain, trail and views were absolutely awesome. I was there in late May and the weather was perfect. I'm sure it gets miserably hot in July or August. Bring lots of water. I hear there is plenty of poisen oak closer to river level.

I didn't take the photo below -- I found it on the web. But it looks like the same trail I rode that day almost three years ago. If it wasn't an all day drive, I'd go back in a heartbeat.

--Sparty

http://camptimeinc.com/PhotoDraw750.jpg

I spent a four day weekend in a cabin on Wallowa Lake in '01. Unfortunately the guys I went there with weren't mountain bikers, but I brought my bike and managed to get away for an afternoon to ride. If you get the chance, drive up to Buckhorn Overlook (about 30 miles NNE of Joseph). The view from there looking down into the Imnaha and Snake River Valleys is breathtaking. Then go another mile or two past the overlook and you'll find the Cemetary Ridge trailhead. I rode down this steep doubletrack for a mile or two. I believe the trail goes all the way down to the river, although I'm not positive because I was alone and unwilling to go all the way down there by myself.

I wish I hadn't been. Hadn't been either alone nor unwilling to seek such adventure solo. The terrain, trail and views were absolutely awesome. I was there in late May and the weather was perfect. I'm sure it gets miserably hot in July or August. Bring lots of water. I hear there is plenty of poisen oak closer to river level.

I didn't take the photo below -- I found it on the web. But it looks like the same trail I rode that day almost three years ago. If it wasn't an all day drive, I'd go back in a heartbeat.

--Sparty



http://camptimeinc.com/PhotoDraw750.jpg
...some good views. Did you locate any good topo maps that show detailed trail info, the info packet they sent me only talks about quads you can order?

...some good views. Did you locate any good topo maps that show detailed trail info, the info packet they sent me only talks about quads you can order?

I'm starting to think going to Wallowa Lake the first week in August is going to be a mistake, it is going to be hotter than blazes. Haven't looked for topo maps yet (they'll be easy to find) I'm trying to get some good MTB specific trail info, thank for your input.

I'm not sure where either of you fellers are from or if you're looking to go to the Wallowas specifically or just looking for some good stuff in Oregon.

If the latter is the case, you might consider the Summer RideFest in Oakridge July 15-18. There is so much great singletrack around there that you could stay two weeks and not ride the same trail twice. Moon Point, Waldo Lake, Alpine Trail, Bunchgrass, Flat Creek (no, it's not flat), Middle Fork, Suzanne Lake, Cowhorn Mountain, The Twins, Maiden Peak... the list goes on and on. Plus it's only about an hour's drive from the famous McKenzie River Trail. All this plus you'd be in the Disciples of Dirt's backyard so there'd be talented and fun locals to show you around.

On the other hand if it's the former, I'd suggest you get some USGS topos and start exploring that there NE corner of Oregon. That's what I was doing when I stumbled onto the Cemetary Ridge Trail. Beautiful country out there... but personally I wouldn't want to visit any later than mid-June. And that's saying something -- personally I like the heat!

--Sparty

I'm not sure where either of you fellers are from or if you're looking to go to the Wallowas specifically or just looking for some good stuff in Oregon.

If the latter is the case, you might consider the Summer RideFest in Oakridge July 15-18. There is so much great singletrack around there that you could stay two weeks and not ride the same trail twice. Moon Point, Waldo Lake, Alpine Trail, Bunchgrass, Flat Creek (no, it's not flat), Middle Fork, Suzanne Lake, Cowhorn Mountain, The Twins, Maiden Peak... the list goes on and on. Plus it's only about an hour's drive from the famous McKenzie River Trail. All this plus you'd be in the Disciples of Dirt's backyard so there'd be talented and fun locals to show you around.

On the other hand if it's the former, I'd suggest you get some USGS topos and start exploring that there NE corner of Oregon. That's what I was doing when I stumbled onto the Cemetary Ridge Trail. Beautiful country out there... but personally I wouldn't want to visit any later than mid-June. And that's saying something -- personally I like the heat!

--Sparty...like warm dry weather. It takes a while for the eastern stuff to dry out. Of what you mentioned, Alpine Trail stood out the most, as I know it's the descent for the legendary Cascade Cream Puff. I've been itching to sample the C C P route ever since I heard about it. I love distance riding on good singletrack, and I see only half a dozen guys or so doing that ride in my age group, I think I could do OK if in top shape for it. Do you know what time of year the Alpine Trail becomes rideable? I know that's a hard thing to pinpoint even with many western Or trails, as their snowpack and thaw varies so much from year to year.

Thanks for the tips Sparty, maybe I'll see you on the trails when I get my new bike. What bike/trails do you usually ride when you're not bikepackin'?

... so little time! You alluded to your age but didn't state it. Personally, I'm 50 so you're probably plenty younger than me. In the summertime I prefer the west-of-the-Cascades stuff to places like Bend, where it gets mighty dusty. I like riding the area around Summit Lake/Diamond Peak, but the skeeters will carry you off anytime before the end of August most years up there. Same with Waldo Lake area. Both those zones have fantastic singletrack that gets surprisingly little use considering the quality of what's there.

Alpine Trail is worthy of it's reputation but being a two time Cream Puff veteran myself, I've ridden the heck out of that trail (raced FS in '01 and singlespeeded the Puff in '02) so in spite of its excellence there are others that exhibit a more powerful draw on me.

One of those is King-Castle, a shortie but goodie. It climbs about five miles to the top of Castle Rock, where the veiws are sweet. The descent back down affords one of the best roller coaster feelings of anything I've ever ridden. Webster's should combine a picture of this trail under the definition of the word "flow." Another great thing about King-Castle is that it is only about five minutes from the lower trailhead of the McKenzie River Trail, which in itself is absolutely worthy of its legendary world class reputation.

There are many more individual trails that I could tell you about, but my trophy bride is waiting for me to get off this comp so I can take her out to dinner. Let me just leave you with this invitation: as founder of the Disciples of Dirt MBC (way back in '87), I'm not boasting when I tell you that if you come out here I can show you the good stuff. And if I can't get the day off to show it to you personally, I can at least point you in the right direction plus maybe hook you up with one or more other Disciples who love the dirt just as much as I do. We're one big dirt luvin' family.

C'mon out west and bring high expectations.

--Sparty



...like warm dry weather. It takes a while for the eastern stuff to dry out. Of what you mentioned, Alpine Trail stood out the most, as I know it's the descent for the legendary Cascade Cream Puff. I've been itching to sample the C C P route ever since I heard about it. I love distance riding on good singletrack, and I see only half a dozen guys or so doing that ride in my age group, I think I could do OK if in top shape for it. Do you know what time of year the Alpine Trail becomes rideable? I know that's a hard thing to pinpoint even with many western Or trails, as their snowpack and thaw varies so much from year to year.

Thanks for the tips Sparty, maybe I'll see you on the trails when I get my new bike. What bike/trails do you usually ride when you're not bikepackin'?

... so little time! You alluded to your age but didn't state it. Personally, I'm 50 so you're probably plenty younger than me. In the summertime I prefer the west-of-the-Cascades stuff to places like Bend, where it gets mighty dusty. I like riding the area around Summit Lake/Diamond Peak, but the skeeters will carry you off anytime before the end of August most years up there. Same with Waldo Lake area. Both those zones have fantastic singletrack that gets surprisingly little use considering the quality of what's there.

Alpine Trail is worthy of it's reputation but being a two time Cream Puff veteran myself, I've ridden the heck out of that trail (raced FS in '01 and singlespeeded the Puff in '02) so in spite of its excellence there are others that exhibit a more powerful draw on me.

One of those is King-Castle, a shortie but goodie. It climbs about five miles to the top of Castle Rock, where the veiws are sweet. The descent back down affords one of the best roller coaster feelings of anything I've ever ridden. Webster's should combine a picture of this trail under the definition of the word "flow." Another great thing about King-Castle is that it is only about five minutes from the lower trailhead of the McKenzie River Trail, which in itself is absolutely worthy of its legendary world class reputation.

There are many more individual trails that I could tell you about, but my trophy bride is waiting for me to get off this comp so I can take her out to dinner. Let me just leave you with this invitation: as founder of the Disciples of Dirt MBC (way back in '87), I'm not boasting when I tell you that if you come out here I can show you the good stuff. And if I can't get the day off to show it to you personally, I can at least point you in the right direction plus maybe hook you up with one or more other Disciples who love the dirt just as much as I do. We're one big dirt luvin' family.

C'mon out west and bring high expectations.

--Sparty...so I'm not all that much younger than you. I've ridden some with the COTA group that puts on the Big Fat Tour of Bend, twice in Bend, and once in Hood River. I also did a 5 day stint in Hood River, 3 days of which a buddy of mine from Seattle hooked up with me. I'd love to try the western Or stuff, but being as I usually try to escape the Seattle mud when I travel, I'd like to hit it at the right time. We had some guys from Eugene show up for the Bend rides, and one of them was fast and good at technical stuff. I guess I'm about average at tech myself, but do pretty good at climbing when I'm in good shape. Sounds like you're pretty skilled to be riding singlespeed at the CCP, but some have told me the road climb is not bad. I excell at road climbs being an old roadie, and rides that have rollers on the descent are kind of my forte I guess.

Thanks for the invite, I keep telling people the best mt biking I've done so far was in Or, good trails, good people, heck, I even came across a group of young pretty gals on horseback that were very friendly.

Seems like there are a lot of us guys in our 40's and early fifty's hitting the trails on MTB's these days. I'm on the D.O.D. email list although I've yet to go on any of their rides I hope ride with some of them come spring. The Lowell/Oakridge area seems to be the best MTB area in Oregon and I plan to try and do several ride over there this spring and summer. The D.O.D are probably the best MTB club in the state a group worth hooking up with.

As far a Wallowa Lake I guess I'll just glean what I can for the www and go find out for myself what's over in that area.

Ok.. you've peaked my interest Sparticus! What's the skinny on the King-Castle trail? You've just encouraged me to put it on my "must ride" list for this year. Can't believe I never knew about it. How to get to the trailhead? What's the season for riding it?

I was actually on my way over the pass from Bend this weekend to do some kayaking on the Mac and saw a few guys loading up their bikes at one of the popular roadside stopping points for the MRT. I always just assumed it wouldn't be real good riding this time of year there. Have I assumed wrong? These guys were mighty clean though... I would assume there would be a good amount of mud in that area this time of year. If March offers decent MRT riding, I'll make sure to pack the kayak AND the bike next time over the pass!

...

One of those is King-Castle, a shortie but goodie. It climbs about five miles to the top of Castle Rock, where the veiws are sweet. The descent back down affords one of the best roller coaster feelings of anything I've ever ridden. Webster's should combine a picture of this trail under the definition of the word "flow." Another great thing about King-Castle is that it is only about five minutes from the lower trailhead of the McKenzie River Trail, which in itself is absolutely worthy of its legendary world class reputation.


--Sparty

Ok.. you've peaked my interest Sparticus! What's the skinny on the King-Castle trail?Okay, first I have to confess it's a five minute drive from the lower MRT trailhead, not a five minute ride. Hope I didn't mislead ya with that one.

Anyway, From McKenzie Bridge, head west a couple of miles and park your car behind Harbick's Store on Hwy. 126. Look south and you'll see a steep cone of a butte due south of Harbick's Store and directly across the McKenzie River. That's Castle Rock. In about an hour and a half you'll be at the top.

Now hop on your bike and head south (for about a tenth of a mile) on the paved road next to Harbick's gas pumps to the t-bone intersection with the road that parallels the river. (Sorry, I don't remember the names of these roads.) Turn west (downriver). In about a half mile you'll come to a covered bridge on your left that spans the river. Cross it and turn left on Rd. #2639 immediately upon reaching the opposite side (I believe the name of this road is King Rd.). The King-Castle trailhead will be a few yards down a short gravel driveway on your right just a couple tenths from the covered bridge. I'm pretty sure there is a trailhead sign on King Rd. (Note: the roads on the north side of the river do not show on the map below.)

Ride this trail (#4326 -- black dotted line on the map below) up and up. It goes through beautiful old growth. Unfortunately, there is a fresh cut a quarter of the way up, but at least they didn't log across the trail itself. At one point you will cross a road (see map). After that you'll intersect with trail #3506 (red dotted line below). Turn right (uphill). This is where it gets steep. Steep and good. Continue to the top of Castle Rock -- there you'll find the ruins of an old lookout's foundation.

Find you way out to a rocky point at the very north edge. You have to take a short makeshift path down through some fir branches but you must go. This is where the views are. You can look down and see your car parked behind the store.

Looking west you can see clear to the Coburg Hills north of Eugene(even see the beacon atop Buck Mountain). Look east and see the Sisters -- and I mean they're RIGHT THERE, baby. Then, whenever you're ready...

...try not to skid on the way down. :D

When you're finally done, you'll find that cold brews and hot chicken on a stick await you at Harbick's.

Enjoy!

--Sparty

http://www.puff100.com/sparty/Misc/castle3506.gif

Great description... and love the map. That helps a lot. I know the fried chicken on a stick of which you speak. My arteries are just now clearing from the sister food group (jalepeno corn dog) that I consumed on Sunday on my way back from the river thanks to the friendly folks at Harbicks! Gotta love heat lamp food after a long hard day on the river or trail.

Can't wait to get that ride in. One last question though... when would be the earliest one would want to venture on that trail? It would be nice to get some good, stout climbing in early in the season if possible! Thanks again!

... when would be the earliest one would want to venture on that trail?
Castle Rock tops out at 3808'. The snow level on this side of the mountains is such a variable that it's not possible to give a reasonable time range. I hope that knowing the elevation will help you.

The trails here on the wet side have suffered a lot due to the abundance of heavy snow this year. Many trees have been brought down across the local trails. The Disciples of Dirt have already put in hundreds of man hours doing trailwork this year, and more trailwork parties are on our calendar. I have not heard from anyone who has been up to Castle Rock, but with good reason. I went over Santiam Pass a couple weeks ago and the snow level was down around 2000-2500 feet. Certainly it will be a while before Castle Rock is snow free, and unfortunately longer yet until Castle Rock rocks. :p

Hey SL, if you're in Bend, maybe we have some common friends. Do you know Chris K, Smokin' Jerry, Wade/Vulture, Erica...(?) or Paul Thomasberg? Just curious. I did the BFT Epic a couple years in a row, but that was way back in '99/'00.

Maybe we can hook up for a ride one of these days. You havn't been to Barbie Camp, have ya?

--Sparty

Thanks for the additional info on Castle Rock. The snow pack is gonna make for a late starting season for sure... at least on the higher elev. trails.

As for those folks you mentioned, I can't say I know any of them. Paul sounds familiar though... and I know Wade only through his company. But who knows... I probably have biked with them before if they are in Bend! I typically ride with a pretty tight pack of 3 or 4 folks, but I speak for us all when I say "the more the merrier!" If you're even this side of the mountains, feel free to drop an email. We're actually going to try and hit Horse Ridge and Smith Rock/Grey Butte this weekend weather permitting (heck... even if weather doesn't permit we're going... I've got a new set of King wheels and disc brakes that are absolutely screaming to take their maiden voyage). As far as Barbie Camp goes... I've never been, and I think I'm afraid to even ask what it is :)



Hey SL, if you're in Bend, maybe we have some common friends. Do you know Chris K, Smokin' Jerry, Wade/Vulture, Erica...(?) or Paul Thomasberg? Just curious. I did the BFT Epic a couple years in a row, but that was way back in '99/'00.

Maybe we can hook up for a ride one of these days. You havn't been to Barbie Camp, have ya?

--Sparty

We're actually going to try and hit Horse Ridge and Smith Rock/Grey Butte this weekend... As far as Barbie Camp goes... I've never been, and I think I'm afraid to even ask what it is :)
Along with some local Benders, the Salem Merry Cranksters and the Eugene Disciples of Dirt will be riding Horse Ridge on Saturday, March 13th. Maybe you'll be out thataway again and can hook up with us. We're meeting in Bend at Hwy 20 and 27th Street at 10:30am, then stoping at the new Vulture factory for a quickie tour (20 minutes?) and then going out to ride. I figger we'll be hitting the HR trails right around noon, realistically.

Barbie Camp is a big mountain bike campout/mini-fest/jamboree that happens near Camp Sherman whenever the time changes to or from DST. This year marks the 10th annual BC. The event is named after our ever-present mascot, a three foot plastic Barbie doll. :p But it's all about the riding and the socializing and the big campfires. BC draws folks from all over Oregon and as far as Washington, California and even Florida. Last fall there were about 70 folks in attendance. This year the spring version happens April 2-4. It's a blast. E-me off-board if you want more info.

--Sparty

I'm planning a trip to the Wallowa Lake area this summer, can anyone suggest resources for trail info for this area? Anyone know of any bike shop in Lagrande or Joseph , OR?

Jolly

Did the Wallowas September three years ago. Took the MTBs but we were kind of disappointed. Don't get me wrong, the area is phenominally beautiful and a must see. But it is first and foremost horse country. Some of the trails were aweful even for hiking on. They don't cater to MTB much. Wallowa Mountain has a tram that will take to the top ~8800' elevation with your bike. Not sure what the elev. gain is but it must be over 4000'. We thought it was going to be Whistler of E. Oregon or something, but the trails themselves kind of sucked. Mostly dirt access roads with cobble sized bedding. Not a lot of fun. It's too bad too because this place has the infrastructure to be another Whistler, good elevation gain, a gondola to the top, but they need to hire a good trail crew to add the finishing touches. And open a good serious bike shop for rentals and promotion of the area towards MTBers. The only bike rentals we saw was for huffy type street cruisers. It could be a great destination place for MTB since they have all kinds of lodging and camping right at the foot of the mountain. If things have changed for the better in the past few years please let me know, I'd give it another shot.