Greenwaters
When We Like to Ride This
On a warm winter / spring day when the sun is shining. This is a great “winter escape” ride, with little to no traffic, and great lighting. We like a noon start, as the latter half of the ride is heavily tree covered and can have some areas that hold frost throughout the morning. We do not recommend this ride from Labor Day through Memorial Day, too much traffic along the lake.
Terrain & Riding
An excellent winter ride with no big climbs and descents, just rollers; with the exception of one climb near the dam, 5% grade for just over a mile.
The first and last miles through Greewaters park are on a wide single-track trail that hugs the Middle Fork of the Willamette River as it rambles through a stand of old-growth forest … big old, mossy trees. A really special piece of the ride!
After exiting the park, there is a short transition gravel road to the lake loop. Hard-packed and fast. The route then loops around Hills Creek Reservoir in the clockwise direction. The first 14 miles are paved, twisting and rolling, with an overhanging canopy of trees. Along the way, there are peek-a-boo views of the lake. In the early spring, the lake levels are low, the light is soft, and the colors are vibrant. Something we find uniquely beautiful.
At mile 12, the southern most point of the route, the Middle Fork flows into the reservoir. In 2 miles, the gravel begins. The route continues to roll and twist. The road can be wet and marked with some dips and divots, but it still rides fast.
Cross a concrete bridge where Hills Creek flows into the reservoir, pick up the paved road, drop down pat the dam and then pick up the stick of the lollipop; a bit more gravel and then the old-growth forest through Greenwaters park.
The Start
Greenwaters Park. Flush toilets. Use the east most parking lot.
Lat / Long: 43.737308, -122.454448
Food & Water
- None.
Route Notes
We recommend a red blinky light, as the lake loop road does get some traffic and with the tree cover, it can be difficult to see cyclists.
Videos
The Ride! Greenwater
A quick 2-minute video of what to expect on your ride!
Podcasts
Farm Talk with Nicholas Kristof
In this podcast, we talk with Nicholas Kristof, the award-winning columnist from the New York Times, and farm owner in the Willamette Valley. We talk about growing up on a farm, the challenges of farming, and some of the opportunities for rural and urban Oregonians to come together.
Keep it Local! Learn More
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