When We Like to Ride This

Late spring through fall. Especially beautiful in the late spring / early summer with the creeks running full and the wild flowers.

Terrain & Riding

The ride begins at the old Ochoco ranger station. The physical building is no longer there, but there is a parking lot with a kiosk, pit toilets and water from the blue handled hydrant. From the parking lot, you begin a gradual climb on pavement through the Ochoco forest. At mile 4.8 you veer left onto the Old Ochoco highway, gravel, and continue to climb. You will pass through the Bailey Butte fire area and at the top will get great views to the east – big, expansive views.

From the summit, begin a fun, windy descent for ~6 miles. Meet up with the US Highway 26 (a good shoulder) and ride into Mitchell for a water and food break. Mitchell has a couple of small convenience stores. Leave Mitchell and begin climbing south-west towards Big Summit Prairie. This is the most demanding part of the ride – a 26 mile gravel sector. The views continue to be outstanding, but different – high alpine prairie. Just when you have had enough of gravel, the road at the ridge summit becomes pavement … and it is all downhill from here. Enjoy the free ride!

The Start

Old Ochoco Ranger station parking lot. Pit toilets, water (look for hydrant between parking lot and road).

Food & Water

• Mitchell grocery store.

Have you ridden this route? Got a question? Join the discussion!