Lush!

5 Star Route / Prineville, Oregon / Published June 2018 / Version 1.0 / Directions

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Cyclist on gravel road in Ochoco National Forest.

Leading out on Coyle Creek Rd / NF-2620.

Purple flowers near Bandit Sno-Park in Ochoco National Forest.

The theme of the day - flowers!

Gravel cyclist in open expanse of Ochoco National forest near Prineville, Oregon.

Higher up, in the open forests, just before the first climb of the day.

Daisies!

Bike rider on gravel road with horse coral in background in Ochoco National forest.

Riding past a remote cattle coral, ~ mile 12.

Indian Paintbrush

Gravel cyclist riding on forest service road through big Ponderosa trees.

Topping out at ~ 5800 feet, big pine trees.

Cyclist on primitive forest service road that is boggy in the Ochoco National forest.

Starting the primitive section at mile 19.

Two gravel girls carrying bikes through muddy / boggy road in Ochoco mountains.

Yep! When wet, avoid.

Gravel cyclist riding through section of Bailey Butte fire from 2014 in Ochoco National forest.

The final climb, 850 feet in 3.5 miles. 4.5% grade.

The view from the Old Ochoco highway looking east across the Bailey Butte fire of 2014.

The reward!

Gravel cyclist riding towards Bandit Springs Sno-park near Mitchell, Oregon.

The gradual downhill to the finish, feeling strong!

Bandit Springs historical sign between Prineville and Mitchell, Oregon.

Bandit Springs rest area sign near Prineville, Oregon.

Bandit Springs rest area sign near Mitchell, Oregon.

Bike riders on gravel bikes at the Bandit Springs parking area.

The parking area.

Route:

Loop | 31 mi

Gain:

3,300 ft

Surface:

93% gravel road, 7% tarmac

Technical Difficulty:

Moderate

Navigation:

Attention Required

Locale:

Remote

Tire Suggestion:

45 mm+

eBike Friendly:

“Being at the edge of solitude gives you a world full of geological wonders … formed 40 million years ago … desert canyons and mountain peaks reaching as high as 6900 feet. Forested areas of majestic stands of ponderosa pine contrast with wildflower filled meadows and expansive oceans of grass…. creating scenic views unlike any other.”

This is the description of the area that we borrowed (stole) from a sign at Bandit Springs Sno-Park, which best describes the ride. This ride isn’t for everyone, just the adventurous souls who aren’t afraid of tougher gravel.

Map

Brown = gravel / dirt road

Blue = single track

Red = paved road

Purple = paved bike path

GPX Download

Ride Details

When We Like to Ride This

Late June / early July until the first rains of fall. This course needs to be dry to be rideable. If the roads within the first 15 miles have puddles and standing water, do not continue. Miles 19 to 21 follow the eastern edge of a creek (a bog area) and can be very muddy and unrideable.

Terrain & Riding

Head back towards Prineville (west) on Highway 26. Ride single file and maybe even ride with a blinky light. This section goes fast as you are heading slightly downhill. Turn left onto Coyle Creek road / NF-2620 (gravel).

The road meanders south through lush meadows and pines, initially climbing 400 ft over 1.5 miles. It then rolls up and down until the first real climb at ~ mile 8. The climb is steady at a consistent 5% grade. In this area, we have seen pronghorn and the Big Summit Wild Horse herd. At the top of the climb, the views to the south open up; Lookout and Round mountains are in the distance.

Drop down a bit, and regain the elevation as you climb through big old Ponderosa trees. Turn off onto Vowell road. In a mile or so (~ mile 19), take another left onto a more primitive road. This is where it can be muddy and boggy and technically demanding as the West Branch Bridge creek is just to your left. After crossing the creek, the road conditions improve and you soon intersect the Old Ochoco highway (gravel).

Finish off the last climb of the day, a moderate 3.5-mile effort, while you get sweeping views to the east and see the destruction and regrowth of the Bailey Butte fire from 2014.

Make a right turn onto NF-2630 and cruise back into the start, past more lush meadows and creeks, on the gradual downhill.

The Start

Bandit Springs sno-park on Highway 26. North side of road. Pit toilets.

Lat / Long: 44.486632, -120.397040

Food & Water

None.

Notes & Options

Route Notes

This route likes big fat tires; 45 mm+ are ideal. The gravel surfaces vary from pleasant to demanding to primitive. Miles 19 to 21 are the most demanding – rutted, primitive and steep down (-7.5 % on average). This section can also be muddy / boggy. Let the snow in the high country melt before attempting this ride.
The picture of “gravel girls” carrying their bikes through the mud was not taken the same day as the other pictures in the gallery.
This route rides “slow”. Expect 10 to 20% slower than your average gravel / adventure ride.
EBikes are allowed on this route, but we do not consider the route eBike Friendly due to the thick, gloppy mud when the route is wet. The risk of walking / pushing your bike is real and significant.

Comments

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

Ridden and Reviewed by:

KevinE / Team Dirty Freehub

He should have “Never Stop Exploring” tattooed on his chest! He loves adventures on bikes and is a Co-Founder of Dirty Freehub.

LindaE (aka Gravel Girl) / Team Dirty Freehub

She loves a good day of gravel, like most people like a good book. She’s always amused by the outdoors and the wild adventures. Gravel Girl is a Co-Founder of Dirty Freehub.