Crosscut

Development Route / ~ Reedsport, Oregon / Published: Oct 2024 / Directions

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Leading out! / March 2024

Gravel Girl riding through farm country.

The Farm Sector

Davidson Memorial

Fiddle Creek Schoolhouse

Siltcoos Loop Sector - Beginning.

The bridge back onto the stick.

A crosscut saw in action.

Route:

Lollipop | 39 mi

Gain:

3,500 ft

Surface:

75% gravel / 25% paved

Technical Difficulty:

Moderate

Max Gradient:

+15% / -15%

Sustained Gradient:

13% over 0.75 miles

Climb Ratio:

0.9

Effort:

3 (out of 5)

Navigation:

Straightforward

Locale:

Remote

Tire Suggestion:

45 mm+

Options:

Shorter

Tahkenitch and Siltcoos lakes are scenic features along this primarily gravel bike route, both formed in the aftermath of the last ice age when rising sea levels shaped the coastal landscape. Siltcoos Lake, the largest on the Oregon coast with a surface area of 3,164 acres, derives its name from the Siuslaw people, who lived in the region for at least 8,000 years before European settlement. Both lakes are rich in aquatic life, hosting a variety of fish species including salmon, steelhead, bass, perch, catfish, bluegill, and trout, making them attractive destinations for fishing enthusiasts.

Want to know why we dubbed this route “Crosscut”?

First off, those first 10 miles? They wind through active timber country where, back in the good ol’ days of the 1900s, lumberjacks were out there getting swole (swole – an informal/slang term that means extremely muscular or having well-developed muscles) with their trusty crosscut saws. No chainsaws or lattes in sight, folks.

Second. Take a gander at a crosscut saw from the side – see those wicked teeth? Now look at the routes elevation profile. Notice any similarity? Yep, we’ve got ourselves a ride that bites back with sharp little climbs scattered throughout. It’s like Mother Nature decided to turn a saw blade into a bike route, just to keep you on your toes.

So there you have it: Crosscut – where logging history meets leg day!

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We have ridden this entire route, and it is wonderful! However, we have yet to secure the funding and resources to document the ride fully (you can help by donating!), thus the Development Route tag. If you give the route a go, please comment about your experiences 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

Terrain & Riding

Tahkenitch Lake (Stick of the Lollipop) / Miles 0 to 12 and 27 to 39 (End)

Rolling and undulating terrain, follows along the lake. Scenic.
High dense tree canopy, mature trees.
Several short, steep intense pitches. One pitch is:
- 10%+ for 1.1 miles.
- max gradient 15%+.

The Farm Sector / Miles 12 to 17

Flat, rural farmlands with flowing creeks.
Highly scenic.
Just after crossing the bridge at mile X, small pullout to your right, walk up the stone stairs to a memorial.

Siltcoos Lake Loop / Miles 17 to 27

This sector is not to be missed!
Road features:
- Narrow, winding, and quiet.
- Follows Siltcoos Lake through a canopy of big mossy trees and roadside ferns.
- 2.5 miles along the lake are gravel.
Elevation profile:
- Looks deceptively flat, the terrain is not.
- Frequent ups and downs, but no single gain is over 100 feet.
- Pitches up to 16%.
As you enter Ada:
- Sector becomes “flatish”.
- Follows Fiddle Creek and rolls past wetlands.

The Start

Lat / Long: 43.762720, -124.124010

At the intersection of Highway 101 (The Oregon Coast Highway) and Fivemile Road. Look for a wide spot in along Fivemile road to pull off and park.

Food & Water

None.

Notes & Options

Route Notes

On this ride you may encounter active timber harvesting operations. To ensure your safety, the safety of the timber workers, and to avoid conflicts, please familiarize yourself with the following guidelines .

Signs of Active Logging
– Signage (i.e. CB channels, mile markers, etc.)
– Gates open
– Tire tracks
– Fresh gravel in-lay
– Brushing and mowing alongside the road
– Orange ribbon marking road obstacles or hazards
– Noise

What You Should Do as a Cyclists
– Remember that hauling log trucks always have the right of way! Uphill or downhill.
– Move to side of road. Stop, put a foot down. Wave!
– Use lights. A flashing white front light and a red flashing rear light with radar detector (Garmin Varia, Trek CarBack)
– Do not over ride your sight lines.
– Keep your group size small and together; reducing your riding footprint.
– Listen and be observant.

Lastly, when access is temporarily closed, do not “sneak through”. Logging operators are not trying to keep you out, they are trying to keep you safe. And they may keep you out, to keep you safe.

Route Options

Shorter Option
Check out the Siltcoos Station route. 17 miles, 1000 feet of gain.

Comments

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

Help Make this Guide Better!

Love Where You Ride! Learn More

The largest tributaries to Tahkenitch Lake, Five Mile and Bell Creek, which support the lakes thriving aquatic ecosystem, have been the focus of an important conservation effort. The Siuslaw National Forest, in collaboration with Western Rivers Conservancy, secured land and water conservation funds to purchase the land through which these creeks flow. This area, previously used for cattle farming and timber harvesting, is now protected to preserve the threatened Coho salmon habitat in one of the Oregon Coast Range’s most productive stream systems. This restoration project not only safeguards the old-growth forests but also benefits various species, including the northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet, highlighting the ecological significance of the region.

Related Guidebook

Oregon Coast Gravel Guide (Collector’s Edition!)
$13.50
An 80-page pocket-sized gravel guide. Featuring gravel routes, art, culture and local history. A one of a kind guide that…
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