Elk River Ramble
5 Star Route
~ Port Orford, Oregon
A mixed gravel bike route along the Wild & Scenic Elk River and a loop up through the Siskiyou Mountains. The Elk River basin is home to a wealth of wildlife, including elk, black bear, mountain lion, black-tailed deer, norther river otter, bald eagle, and the red-legged frog.
Route: Lollipop | 39 mi
Gain: 3,600 ft
Surface: ~ 65% gravel, 35% paved
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Locale: Extremely Remote
Green Ridge Lookout
5 Star Route
~ Bend, Oregon
The Green Ridge Lookout perches high up on Green Ridge; one of the rare places that dishes out a full panorama of the Cascade Mountains. The ride also a visit to the Wizard Falls fish hatchery and beautiful views of the Metolius River.
Route: Loop | 38 mi
Gain: 3,100 ft
Surface: 60% gravel, 20% single track, 20% paved
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Locale: Remote
Hat Creek Crossing
5 Star Route
~ Redding, California (North)
A mixed gravel ride with great views of Mt Shasta and an exploration of some of the best trout fishing rivers in northern California.
Route: Loop | 51 mi
Gain: 3,200 ft
Surface: 50% gravel, 50% paved
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Locale: Remote
Hell of Hess
5 Star Route
~ Baker City, Oregon
A bucket lister route for the avid cyclist. One of the most demanding climbs in the state. The deepest canyon in the United States. Big views. And some interesting history.
Route: Loop | 46 mi
Gain: 5,198 ft
Surface: ~ 30% gravel, 70% paved
Technical Difficulty: Very Demanding
Locale: Remote
Lookingglass
5 Star Route
~ Elgin, Oregon
A rural route with historic homes and ranch buildings from the late 1800's; big color; creeks, streams, and rivers; distant snow capped peaks; and fast gravel (for the most part).
Route: Loop | 41 mi
Gain: 3,400 ft
Surface: ~ 55% gravel/dirt, 45% paved
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Locale: Rural
Milli-Mania
Development Route
~ Coos Bay, Oregon
If you seek forest solitude, long steep climbs and descents, and flowing streams and creeks, this route is for you. The forests particularly impress with large, moss-covered trees, a thick understory, and high tree canopies that create a tunnel-like riding effect.
Route: Loop | 34 mi
Gain: 3,888 ft
Surface: 80% gravel / 20% paved
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Locale: Extremely Remote
Sherman’s Waltz
5 Star Route
Bend, Oregon
Gravel Girl’s favorite ride with a visit to Round Lake, the Wizard Falls fish hatchery, and Camp Sherman store. And a red cinder descent that showcases the expanse of Sisters mountain range.
Route: Loop | 45 mi
Gain: 3,300 ft
Surface: 55% gravel, 10% single track, 35% paved
Technical Difficulty: Demanding
Locale: Rural
Trophy Fish
5 Star Route
Joseph, Oregon
An easier mixed gravel tour through the Wallowa Valley. Farms, ranches, big mountain views, and a stop at the fish hatchery (a must do!).
Route: Loop | 32 mi
Gain: 1,400 ft
Surface: 40% gravel road, 60% pavement
Technical Difficulty: Easier
Locale: Remote
