Find your flow on trail systems close to Southern Oregon’s urban centers.
Southern Oregon has long been a draw for mountain biking, thanks to mountainous terrain, terrific scenery and local groups dedicated to maintaining trails. The last several years have seen several new trail systems expand or come online, many close to major towns. If you don’t fancy riding alone, The Handlebar hosts group rides every Tuesday afternoon that start and end at their Ashland shop. Honey Badger Rides hosts Sunday-morning group adventures roughly once a month. Whether you’re a regular shredder or contemplating your first jump, read on to find your trail.
Explore New Terrain Around Grants Pass
A local favorite, Cathedral Hills is a multiuse trail system in a pine-fir forest just south of Grants Pass. It’s studded with wildflowers in early summer, with stunning views of the valley all year round. You can thank Rogue Valley Mountain Bike Association and Southern Oregon Trail Alliance for tuning up some of the most popular trails. Bridges, a short Black Diamond trail that descends a ravine and includes several bridge crossings, now boasts bigger berms and steeper jumps. The mile-long Sugar Bowl offers a ripper of a descent, with rebuilt berms and jumps. It’s appropriate for mountain bikers of all skill levels.
You can also help break in the new trails at the Dollar Mountain Trail Park in northwest Grants Pass. A mix of multiuse, mountain biking and hiking trails, the system includes some bike-only trails with steep, technical features.
You’ll find Mountain of the Rogue just outside of Rogue River in Jackson County, where 13 miles of trails weave through hilly oak and madrone landscape, with expansive views of the valley below. Climb up the multiuse Rat Pack to access many trails in the network. Expert riders can test their mettle on the higher, steeper single-track on the peak’s west side, like Arm Bar and the double Black Diamond No Joke. Lower trails are suited for beginner and intermediate riders. Local favorites include Sasquatch, a 2-mile flow trail that’s fun uphill or downhill; the shorter PB&J; and Pay Dirt, which includes some small jumps.
Get Jumpy Out of Ashland
The Ashland Watershed is a forested playground with a plethora of multiuse and dedicated mountain bike trails, many within a mile of downtown. Try the recently refreshed and ever-popular BTI trail, which drops down into the back of Lithia Park, or Lizard, a short, zigzagging trail that features one of the area’s most popular jump lines. Continue along Jabberwocky, a longer, 2-mile route that skirts a beautiful green edge, with well-built bermed corners and great flow.
If you’re more ambitious, consider climbing or descending Mt. Ashland. Begin in lovely Lithia Park and follow the “Creek to Crest” signs up and away from town, or hop a ride to the summit with Ashland Mountain Adventures. Once there, create your own downhill adventure by stringing various trails together. The most straightforward route descends 5,000 feet over 13 miles.
Find Your Flow Near Klamath Falls
Spence Mountain is an ever-expanding trail system just 10 miles northwest of Klamath Falls. Thanks in large part to the Klamath Trails Alliance, there are over 50 miles of professionally built mountain biking trails; many of them unidirectional, making for a safer experience for all.
For a family-friendly loop that’s just under 5 miles, start on the 1.6-mile Old Eagle trail. You’ll hug the shore of Shoalwater Bay, then practice some easy climbing on Shoalwater trail before returning to your starting point. If you crave scenery, hop on the Spence Peak trail, where you’ll climb 1,600 feet along a switchbacking route 5.6 miles to your reward: expansive views of Upper Klamath Lake and surrounding peaks. For a more technical ride, try Nighthawk, a downhill-only Black Diamond route featuring multiple rocks, drops, berms and jumps.
If you’re willing to travel farther afield, Zach Gilmour of Zach’s Bikes also recommends Rye Spur, a hidden gem near Brown Mountain. Start at Four Mile Lake and climb through the forest to a dramatic rocky outcrop before descending to Highway 140. Return via the Cascade Canal for a 13-mile loop.
