Catherine Creek

Development Route / ~ La Grande, Oregon / Published: Aug 2021 / Directions

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Leading out! / September 2021

The High Valley Road, ~ mile 4.

~ mile 8 to 19.

Catherine Creek, ~ mile 19.

~ mile 22 on the state highway.

Miles 32 to 45.

The historic town of Union.

Route:

Loop | 46 mi

Gain:

4,400 ft

Surface:

65 % gravel, 35 % paved

Technical Difficulty:

Moderate

Navigation:

Attention Required

Locale:

Remote

Tire Suggestion:

40mm+

Options:

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Ride up a scenic micro-canyon, into a working forest with remote, small dirt roads, and then onto adventure. The back-half of this ride needs exploration!

This is a route that we have explored in detail and have had feedback on, up mile 19, from Heidi at Beer, Bikes and Campfires. From mile 19 onward the route does go, part of it is state highway part of it is gravel county roads.

The first 19 miles of the ride are the crux. A sustained climb and descent, small roads, forested, some views, and remote. There is an option at mile 19 to take state highway 203 back into Union. (What we call the short route.)

Caution, this is a Development Route. It has not been fully vetted or ridden by the Dirty Freehub Team. Go prepared and expect a bit more adventure. Any feedback you have would be much appreciated. You can leave it below in the comments block.

Map

Brown = gravel / dirt road

Blue = single track

Red = paved road

Purple = paved bike path

GPX Download Version 0.1

Ride Details

When We Like to Ride This

Late spring through fall. Early spring could be muddy .

Terrain & Riding

Below is our best knowledge of the route. If you give it a go, more detailed feedback would be appreciated!

~ Miles 0 to 6 / High Valley Road / Paved to Gravel

Roll out of town on a series of lightly trafficked paved roads. At mile 2.7 the road surface turns to gravel and soon enters a beautiful micro-canyon. The pitch is slightly uphill at 2 to 3%.

~ Miles 6 to 19 / Gravel

This sector is through a privately managed forest, where recreational access for biking is allowed (which means no cars!). Expect small, primitive logging roads that are sometimes deep in the woods but at times offer up long-range vista views. It will feel remote. From mile 6 to 12 you will climb 1800 feet with an average gradient of 5%. Some sections will pitch up much steeper than this. The road is rocky, dirt, gravel, loose, damp, compact….everything.

At mile 12 you summit the high point and begin a long continuous descent towards Catherine Creek. There are some chunky spots but mostly it’s good gravel, rocks, or dirt with some very steep descents.

~ Miles 19 to 32/ State Highway 203 / Paved

At mile 19 you can continue along the route or turn back towards Union. This 13-mile paved section follows Medical Springs Highway. You’ll gain about 1,100 feet on this section with some nice downhills to mix it up.

~ Miles 32 to 45/ Gravel

From here you’ll turn right onto Telocaset Lane. If you need food or water, continue half a mile to the Ponderosa store along 203 where you can get food (limited!) and water. This section is all gravel with about 1,000 feet to gain, but with lots of ups and downs.

~ Miles 45 to 54 / State Highway 237 / Paved

A twisty paved road that gradually descends back into Union. It runs through little canyons and gulches and then pops out into beautiful farmlands. It is a road that is used in many multi-day road cycling rides in the area. Did we mention it’s all downhill?

The Start

Lat / Long: 45.211150, -117.867080

Union City Park. The park is most easily accessed by parking on Main Street.

Notes & Options

Route Notes

We recommend a red blinky light with rear looking radar detector (i.e. Garmin Varia)

Comments

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

Help Make this Guide Better!

At Dirty Freehub, we believe the best routes are organic and driven by the riding community. This route and guide are a work in progress, and we need your help to make it great!

Provide us with route feedback, both good and bad.

Let us know about points of interest and viewpoints,
Submit pictures and videos,
Suggest a best time to ride,
Let us know about a better or alternative option,
And tell us about your favorite place to go after the ride for a burger and beer.

Submit your feedback via the comments block (tab just above the map).