Boxcar
All Access Route
Maupin, Oregon
This mellow out-and-back ride traces the Deschutes River through a stunning canyon, with big views, light traffic, and nearly flat terrain. A mix of pavement and gravel, it winds past anglers and historic landmarks—including the site of a dramatic 1954 train derailment that gave Boxcar Rapids its name.
Route: Out & Back | 15 mi
Gain: 400 ft
Surface: ~45% gravel, 55% paved
Technical Difficulty: Easier
Locale: Rural
Options: Longer
Deschutes River Trail (aka: DRT)
All Access Route
~ The Dalles, Oregon
A simple out and back on an old, historic railroad bed that hugs the scenic Deschutes River the entire way.
Route: Out & Back | 22 mi
Gain: 550 ft
Surface: 100% gravel trail
Technical Difficulty: Easier
Locale: Remote
Options: Longer
Haystack
5 Star Route
Bend, Oregon
This route has some of the best, if not the best views of the Cascades from anywhere in Central Oregon. The route is a fun mixture of gravel and pavement, juniper trees and farmlands, rolling hills, flats and a few popper hills.
Route: Lollipop | 20 mi
Gain: 1,500 ft
Surface: 45% gravel, 55% paved
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Locale: Urban Backcountry
Haystacks & Skulls
5 Star Route
Bend, Oregon
A mixed gravel bike ride with big mountain views, some history, a touch of gnar and pitched climb (not too long). This is the concatenation of two 5 Star Routes: Haystack and Skull Hollow.
Route: Loop | 35 mi
Gain: 2,300 ft
Surface: 35% gravel, 65% paved
Technical Difficulty: Demanding
Locale: Urban Backcountry
Honeyman
5 Star Route
Florence, Oregon
A captivating ride with a waterfall, lake-adjacent skinny roads reminiscent of bike trails, sand dunes, a historic boathouse, rolling farmlands, and a logging road climb. A must do! (With shorter option - 45 miles, 4500 feet.)
Route: Lollipop | 54 mi
Gain: 5,300 ft
Surface: ~30% gravel, 70% paved
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Locale: Extremely Remote
Options: Shorter
Klickitat Trail
5 Star Route
Hood River, Washington
A mixed gravel bike ride climbing an old railway grade along the Klickitat River. Spectacular canyon views And a fast paved descent to the start.
Route: Loop | 44 mi
Gain: 2,400 ft
Surface: 60% gravel / double-track, 40% paved
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Locale: Rural
Macks Canyon
5 Star Route
Maupin, Oregon
A windy dirt road that clings to the banks of the Deschutes River offering up big views in a remote area of Oregon. A simple out and back.
Route: Out & Back | 34 mi
Gain: 950 ft
Surface: 95% gravel road, 5% paved
Technical Difficulty: Easier
Locale: Rural
Options: Longer
Over the Rainbow
5 Star Route
Madras, Oregon
Includes miles of old railway grade, river hugging single roads, a secret, one lane tunnel, the colorful Rainbow store, Lake Simtustus, and the Erickson Aircraft Collection (a Flight museum). Wow!
Route: Loop | 42 mi
Gain: 1,900 ft
Surface: 10% gravel road, 30% double track, 5% single track, 55% paved
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Locale: Rural
Options: Longer
South Junction
5 Star Route
Madras, Oregon
A simple out & back exploring the scenic Deschutes River Canyon and the old railway line that was part of the Deschutes Railway Wars. Great history! Great views!
Route: Out & Back | 23 mi
Gain: 2,300 ft
Surface: 100% gravel
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Locale: Remote
Water & Lava
5 Star Route
Bend, Oregon
The gem of Bend … the best entry-level gravel ride in the area. Includes meandering along the Deschutes river, a stop at roaring Benham Falls, a “grunt” up to Lava Butte (optional) and and easy jaunt over to Sunriver.
Route: Loop | 31 mi
Gain: 1,400 ft
Surface: 45% gravel, 20% single-track, 35% paved
Technical Difficulty: Easier
Locale: Urban Backcountry
