The Pyramids
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DownloadWhen We Like to Ride This
The route rides well spring through fall. If you go early spring check the snow levels first. We like this route when the flowers are in bloom (May thru mid-July) and when the trees are turning color in the fall. It is also great on a hot summer day, when you are looking for a quick escape from the heat. Get a 7 am start, be done by 10.
Terrain & Riding
The riding is a mix of single-lane paved logging roads, rugged forest service roads, technical drop-bar single-track, and some Cadillac gravel roads. There are creeks to cross (you can rock hop over these without getting wet), a berm to hop over and a gate to go around. Unless you are a very strong technical rider, you will end up walking short bits. The middle third of the route is the crux – from the chunky uphill (~ mile 9) to the green gate (~ mile 15)
The terrain is undulating; there are never any long continuous climbs but expect short pitches of 10 to 15%. The ride is mostly through forested terrain, from recently logged out lands to maturing dense forests. Along the way, you will get a handful of peekaboo views of the Cascade Mountains including Three Fingered Jack, Mt. Washington and the Three Sisters.
Miles 12 to 14 can have some tree fall. Bring your hand saw and help out!
The Start
Primary Start / Fish Lake Day Use Area
Located on north side of Highway 126. Pit toilets.
Alternate Start / Lava Lake sno-park
Lat/Long:
Located on north side of Highway 20. Pit toilets.
Food & Water
- None
Route Notes
This is not the place to venture unless you are 100% sure of your navigation skills AND you bring a backup navigation device. We saw zero cars (and people!) the entire ride… on a weekend… and there is nothing short of a million little roads that will have you headed in the wrong direction. This area is one gigantic maze!
In August of 2025, we changed the start location to Fish Lake Day Use area. We feel that this is a more secure area to park (but note, we had no bad experiences with the other location) and it offers up the some great history – the Santiam Wagon Road and the Fish Lake Remount Depot. Take some time to explore it!
Route Options
Less Single-Track
The single-track sector is the highlight of the route, but it is technical! You can shorten the single-track to just about a mile in length. At mile 11.7, when the single-track intersects a gravel road, take it (NF 572) northeast (downhill) to NF 560. Go north (left) to The Pyramids parking area and intersect the original route.
Shorter Option / Lava Lake Sno-Park Start
You can reduce the distance (3 miles) and elevation gain (325 feet) by starting at the Lava Lake Sno-Park, at mile 1.6 of the current route.
Ridden and Reviewed by:
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