When We Like to Ride This

Late spring through early summer, and fall. Two factors: (1) The route tops out at 5300 feet, thus the winter snows need to melt out before riding and (2) the route needs moisture in the ground, otherwise you will encounter soft and sandy conditions.

Terrain & Riding

Davis Mountain Sector / Mile 0 to 15
A forested sector that opens up about halfway through into a burn scar, offering distant but vivid views of Davis Lake. The forest is a mix of mature ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir, while the burn scar is dominated by manzanita. The roads are a mix of proper gray gravel roads and chunky volcanic gravel (about 6 miles).

This sector also has a gradual, two-stair-stepped climb. The first step is 3 miles and 550 feet with a maximum gradient of 6%. The second step is 2 miles and 375 feet of gain with a maximum gradient of 8%. The flattish runner sector between the steps is about 3 miles in length.

At mile 12.5, there is a hard 90-degree right turn onto Ring Road. It is a double-lane gray gravel road with explosive views of Davis Lake, Maiden Peak, and beyond. Depending on the season, the road can become washboarded, but there is usually a riding line with minimal washboard; you will just need to “hunt” for it a bit.

Eagle Alley Sector / Mile 15 to Finish
At the bottom of the hill and after a short paved section, turn right onto Eagle Alley. This is where the closure gate is. If posted with a wildlife closure, do not proceed; backtrack to Cascade Lakes Highway and ride that into the finish.

A red cinder road follows the shore of Davis Lake and is prime bald eagle habitat. Look, but don’t interfere. If you make the bird change its actions, you are too close.

At mile 18, you reconnect with Cascade Lakes Highway. Ride single file and enjoy the slight downhill back to the start.

The terrain is forested with big ponderosa pines and Douglas-fir trees, with peek-a-boo views of the lake and lava flows.

The Start

When coming from the north on Cascade Lakes Highway, just after crossing Davis Creek, look for a small road to the left. It is a partially paved pullout.

Food & Water

• None.

Route Notes

1. Possible Seasonal Eagle Closure — January 1 to August 31
   Portions of the Lava Flow area along the east/northeast side of Davis Lake are seasonally closed to protect nesting bald eagles. The closure normally runs from January 1 through August 31, reopening September 1. The closure does not necessarily encompass the entire east shore, so check current Deschutes National Forest postings before traveling through the area.

   If you encounter the gate at mile 15.3, use Cascades Lakes Highway as the return route back to the start.

   Every ride has an impact on wildlife, even when we don’t realize it. Please review our Wildlife Impact page to learn how to minimize your impact on ride day.

2. We recommend a red blinky light with a rear-looking radar detector for the paved sectors of this route. Something like a Garmin Varia, Trek Car Back, or Wahoo Trackr Radar Tail Light.

Route Options

Longer
If you’re looking for a longer, more demanding ride but in the same general area check out the McCool route. 3900 miles, 2000 feet of gain.

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