Opal
This route had major damage due to the 2026 fires. See the Notes section for the impact of the 2026 fires.
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DownloadHighlights & Remarkable Spots
Summit Trail / Miles 1 to 16
It was the first main travel route through the Ochocos, built between 1907 and 1909. The trail was initially a 3-foot-wide trail that served as the main stock driveway by which ranchers could move cattle across the mountains to their allotted range. Keeping the herds of stock up high along the ridgetops served to keep the animals from trampling the lower, wetter areas during their travels. [Pamplin Media]
Mill Creek Wilderness / Miles 3 to 12
Mill Creek Wilderness resides within the 40 million year old Wildcat Mountain Caldera. Two eroded volcanic spires distinguish the area: Twin Pillars (to the north), with vertical walls rising 200 dramatic feet above the forest is a rhyolite intrusion into the caldera, and 400-foot Steins Pillar, just outside the southwestern boundary. [US Forest Service]
Mill Creek Wilderness Fires / Miles 8 to 10
In 2017, the Desolation fire burned more than 4,500 acres; in 2000, the Hash Rock fire burned 18,000 acres; and in 1995 a prescribed burn – meant to lessen the effects of wildfire – burned 1,250 acres before rain put it out. Summit Trail used as a fire break.
Lucky Strike Mine / ~ Mile 29
Lucky Strike Mine is a remote fee-digging area that is known for Thundereggs(the Oregon state rock). This site was discovered and then claimed by a famous miner Leonard Kopinsky in the 1930s and since remains popular among enthusiastic rockhounds. To get to the mine, you need to take a short detour of 1.5 miles with 500 feet of climbing.
Stephenson Mountain
The long distant ridge to the east is Stephenson Mountain which is part of the Opal Mountain Ranch owned by Lyme Timber. They are focused on optimizing forest health and generating cash flow by selling carbon offsets, harvesting timber, and/or monetizing conservation values. Atop Stephenson Mountain is a fire lookout. And, if you look closely you can see beautiful basalt columns about mid-way up the peak. (See podcast in right sidebar.)
When We Like to Ride This
We like this route best just after the snow in the high country has melted, while it still lingers on peaks like Mt. Jefferson and the Three Sisters. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers, while fall offers equally stunning riding with soft light and rich seasonal colors.
Terrain & Riding
A mix of paved and rugged dirt forest service roads. The paved sectors are in good repair, with the road being narrow double wide. The dirt forest service roads vary from chunky embed to lose railbed grade rock, to rutted and tracked dirt.
The terrain is rolling and undulating through beautiful mature ponderosa forest. Big trees with red bark. Darting rays of sunshine. Green grasses lining the forest floor. There are many vista views along the way, including peaks in the Ochocos and the big Cascade mountains like Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Hood.
The route has two great gavel climbs. Early in the beginning when it climbs up through the forest and then opens up with views to the south of the Ochocos. And near the end, where there is a real honest climb of 1400+ feet that is very continuous at 6 to 8% grade, with gradients of 10%+ near the top. It rewards you with big views to the north.
The route has two super-fun downhill paved descents. NF 27 about midway through the route and again NF 27 near the end.
The start and finish are on single-track through lovely forest with big Ponderosa trees and grasses. It is a very beautiful section and keeps you off the highway.
The last hill of the day is the longest and steepest climb of the day. Near the top it is the steepest.
The Start
Pit toilets.
Food & Water
- None
Route Notes
This route had extensive damage due to the 2026 fires. Typically the Forest Service will close roads after a major fire, however, this has changed frequently. If you try to ride this route, please let us know the status by leaving comments in this route guide.
Expect open cattle grazing on Summit Road. See the resource page (Cows!) in the right sidebar on how to approach and pass cattle. It could save you a big bump!
At the very start, head directly across the grass, to the right of the bathrooms by about 20 yards, to catch the old forest service road.
Podcasts
All About Basalt with the Rock Doctor
You will find these rocky columnar cliffs in Eastern and Central Oregon, but what exactly happened to form these unique structures? In this podcast, we talk with our resident rock doctor, Dr. Kim Ely.
Be Informed!
Ridden and Reviewed by:
Have you ridden this route? Got a question? Join the discussion!