#Historic Cemeteries

We seem to have a fondness for old cemeteries, something about walking through grave sites that goes perfectly with a good rest break.

To find more historic cemeteries in Oregon and learn about their value and  care, visit the Oregon Historic Cemeteries Program, which is part of Oregon Heritage, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

Billy’s Playground

5 Star Route
Sisters, Oregon
Mixture of ponderosa forest, views of the Cascade Mountains, views of Lake Billy Chinook, mountains, and an old cemetery that is fun to blast through.
Route: Loop | 67 mi
Gain: 3,800 ft
Surface: 50% paved, 50% gravel / dirt roads
Technical Difficulty: Demanding
Locale: Remote

Building Bridges

5 Star Route
Wallowa, Oregon
On this ride you'll travel through the Nez Perce Wallowa Homelands project and into the their ancestral lands. Expect mountain views from rolling hillsides along with the wide open skies.
Route: Loop | 22 mi
Gain: 1,400 ft
Surface: ~ 80% gravel, 20% paved
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Locale: Rural

Cowboy Preacher

5 Star Route
Sisters, Oregon
A circumnavigation of Whychus Canyon including a stop at historic Camp Polk and a classic wilderness crossing of Whychus Creek. Hope you don’t mind wet feet …
Route: Loop | 38 mi
Gain: 2,100 ft
Surface: 40% gravel, 60% paved
Technical Difficulty: Demanding
Locale: Remote

Ft Bidwell

5 Star Route
~ Lakeview, Oregon
A long ride with a big climb along a route that spans two states. This journey passes by historic Fort Bidwell and offers views of two of the tallest peaks in the Warner Mountains, along with the unique geology that shaped them.
Route: Lollipop | 73 mi
Gain: 5,500 ft
Surface: ~ 70% Gravel / 30% Paved
Technical Difficulty: Demanding
Locale: Remote
Options: Shorter, Credit Card Tour

Japanese Hollow

5 Star Route
The Dalles, Oregon
Just outside of The Dalles, ride scenic, smooth gravel through the hills up hollows, along ridges, and across flats.
Route: Loop | 45 mi
Gain: 4,500 ft
Surface: 70% gravel, 30% paved
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Locale: Rural

Jordan Valley Tour

All Access Route
Jordan Valley, Oregon
An enjoyable 18 mile loop on quiet paved roads and gravel that rides to the horizon. Expect expansive views of Owyhee Country.
Route: Loop | 18 mi
Gain: 800 ft
Surface: ~ 45% gravel / 55% paved
Technical Difficulty: Easier
Locale: Rural

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

Ludlum House

All Access Route
~ Brookings, Oregon
Ride along the stunning southern Oregon coast, follow the Winchuck River Road past farms and forested landscapes into the Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest. Along the way, find the gravesite of early settler J.P. Wheeler. Finish at Ludlum House or explore a bit further to Wheeler Creek and the Winchuck River crossings.
Route: Out & Back | 26 mi
Gain: 1,600 ft
Surface: ~25% gravel, 75% paved
Technical Difficulty: Easier
Locale: Rural
Options: Shorter

Silver Onion

5 Star Route
Tucson, Arizona
A bucket list gravel bike ride with squiggly climbs, Yosemite like rock walls, and some of the most bio diverse lands in America.
Route: Lollipop | 40 mi
Gain: 5,400 ft
Surface: 90% gravel, 10% paved
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Locale: Remote

Skinner Toll Road

5 Star Route
Jordan Valley, Oregon
Skinner Toll Road is a 58 mile lollipop route taking you into the heart of silver mining country in southwestern Idaho. Be prepared to climb into the mountains and ride back in time on this route.
Route: Lollipop | 58 mi
Gain: 4,600 ft
Surface: ~ 88% Gravel/ 12% Paved
Technical Difficulty: Very Demanding
Locale: Remote
Options: Credit Card Tour

Sublimity Hills

5 Star Route
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Sublimity is one of the most beautifully situated towns in the valley, standing upon an elevated ridge at the south end of the long range of ‘Waldo Hills’ and overlooking in every direction one of the most beautiful and fertile stretches of country the eye could wish to behold.” Oregon Statesman, New Year’s Edition, 1 Jan 1899.
Route: Loop | 28 mi
Gain: 2,100 ft
Surface: 45% gravel, 55% paved
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
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

Wallowa Barn Tour

All Access Route
Joseph, Oregon
Experience the living history of the Wallowa Valley through this unique and beautiful tour of barns as you meander through farming and ranching country.
Route: Loop | 28 mi
Gain: 1,100 ft
Surface: 40% gravel, 60% paved
Technical Difficulty: Easier
Locale: Rural

Whiskey & Gold 20

All Access Route
~ Baker City, Oregon
This ride is perfect for those getting into gravel; it is a 50 / 50 mix of quiet gravel and paved roads criss-crossing farms and ranches in the Baker Valley. Highlights include the quaint town of Haines, several historic cemeteries and the distant snow-capped mountains.
Route: Loop | 19 mi
Gain: 750 ft
Surface: 50% gravel, 50% paved
Technical Difficulty: Easier
Locale: Rural
Options: Longer

Whiskey & Gold 40

5 Star Route
Baker City, Oregon
This ride is perfect for those getting into gravel; it is a 40 / 60 mix of quiet gravel and paved roads criss-crossing farms and ranches in the Baker Valley. Highlights include several historic cemeteries and distant snow-capped mountain views. Options include a 20-mile and 60-mile versions.
Route: Loop | 40 mi
Gain: 1,098 ft
Surface: ~ 40% gravel, 60% paved
Technical Difficulty: Easier
Locale: Rural

Whiskey & Gold 60

5 Star Route
Baker City, Oregon
Besides visiting the quaint town of Haines, this route runs across rich, flat farmland and tosses in three historic cemeteries. Distant snow-capped mountains will frame your photos perfectly. This ride is perfect for those getting into gravel; it is much more road than gravel.
Route: Lollipop | 60 mi
Gain: 1,600 ft
Surface: ~ 25% gravel, 75% paved
Technical Difficulty: Easier
Locale: Rural