Happy Camp
When We Like to Ride This
Mid spring through mid summer when the creeks are flowing, the wetlands are full of water and the flowers are in full bloom. The beauty of this ride is highly dependent on the water flowing. The creek flows typically peak in mid May.
Terrain & Riding
From the parking area, head south on Buck Point road / NF-12 (paved). It is immediately uphill! And continues uphill for the next 4.5 miles gaining 1600 feet. As you climb up and into the Ponderosa forests, there will be views to the north of the valley below. Near the summit there is a 1 mile section that averages 9.5%. But … on the return, this hill is so fun!
Ponderosa pine is the dominant tree species in most parts of the Ochoco Mountains. These pines are common at elevations from 3,000 to 6,000 feet (910 to 1,830 m) above sea level. [Wikipedia]
Note, the first 2.7 miles on Buck Point road / NF-12 road are bordered by private lands. You will see a red “No Trespassing” sign just after leaving the cars. The road is public, the lands are not.
After the climb, the paved road continues for about another mile, passing through green grasses and mountain meadows. When the road goes to gravel, you roll along for 8 miles through more Ponderosa forests on wide, hard packed gravel road.
At mile 14, make a right onto a smaller, more primitive road. The road quality will vary from smooth and fast to gnarly and rocky. At mile 18.5 pick up Jackson Creek to your right. In the spring the creek runs full. We found this section, along the creek, to be an attraction of the ride.
Follow the creek until the next turn onto Happy Camp road (NF-4256). This is the beginning of the second climb of the day. 900 feet over 5 miles, with an average gradient of 3%.
At mile 25 there is jog to the right and then to the left. The left is onto NF-800 or what we like to call the “cobblestone highway”. It is rugged. The climbing continues, but as you top out, the road quality gets better and the forest gives way to mountain meadows.
At mile 27 make a right onto the paved road NF-2630. From here out, it is pure bliss. Rolling up and down for a couple of miles through more meadows and Ponderosa forest. Then, just after mile 31, the downhill kicks in. This is a fast and thrilling downhill.[micro video clip] Glimpse up to catch views of the valley below and the hills to the north. Enjoy the ride, as there is no more pedaling!
The Start
A makeshift / dirt pull out on the east side of Buck Point road / NF-12, about 1.2 miles from the intersection with Highway 26.
Food & Water
- None.
Route Notes
This is a really good ride for those transitioning from road cycling to gravel. The majority of climbing and descending is on pavement. There is a good mix of road surfaces, from hard packed and fast to gnar. And the route finding is quite straightforward.
This area is remote. Little to no cell phone reception and few vehicles, if any.
Ridden and Reviewed by:
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