T2T (Timberline to Town)

Development Route / Portland, Oregon / Published: Mar 2021 / Updated: Mar 2025 / Directions

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The West Leg road up to Timberline Lodge in Oregon.

The start of the climb on West Leg Road.

Mt Hood views on the climb up to Timberline Lodge, West Leg Road

Views of Mt.Hood are starting to peak!

Passing under the lift as you zig-zag up to Timberline Lodge.

Switchbacks up the gravel road.

Views on West Leg road to Timberline Lodge.

Almost near the top.

Bike park and ski resort at Timberline Lodge.

Bike lift in the summer, ski lift in the winter at Timberline Lodge.

Historic Timberline Lodge.

Timberline to Town trail, gravel cycling adventure route.

Transition from gravel climb to single-track.

Preparing to descend Timberline to Town single-track, gravel cycling

Bikes this way!

Timberline to Town.

Wildflowers on Mt Hood near Timberline Lodge on gravel cycling route.

Single-track bliss

Route:

Loop | 13 mi

Gain:

2,100 ft

Surface:

50% single track, 50% paved

Technical Difficulty:

Very Demanding

Navigation:

Straightforward

Locale:

Urban Backcountry

Tire Suggestion:

2.2"+

Options:

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We think this route has great potential as a cross-over ride, something where a mountain bike is a bit too much bike and a standard gravel bike is not enough. The route starts with a 6 mile paved road climb, on a low traffic single lane one-way road, to the historic Timberline Lodge and then descends 2000 feet via a technical, and at times rocky, single track trail.

Caution, this is a Development Route. It has not been fully vetted or ridden by the Dirty Freehub Team. Go prepared and expect a bit more adventure. Any feedback you have would be much appreciated. You can leave it below in the comments block.

Map

Brown = gravel / dirt road

Blue = single track

Red = paved road

Purple = paved bike path

GPX Download Version 0.1

Highlights & Remarkable Spots

West Leg Road / Paved / ~ Miles 0 to 6

A winding single lane, one way road from Government Camp to Timberline ski area with 15 to 20 switchbacks. The pavement is generally good, but there are occasional potholes and some forest debris.

Timberline Lodge / ~ Mile 6

Timberline Lodge, one of Oregon’s architectural wonders and a place dear to the hearts of Oregonians. It was built in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration, an agency devoted to providing jobs for public projects during the Great Depression. The lodge is a national historic building, and showcases massive hand-hewn timbers and hand-forged fasteners – it provides a strong a sense of the region’s natural resources as well as the craftsmanship that went into its construction. Before you hit the trail, take some time to mosey around the lodge, check out the six ginormous rock fireplaces, and maybe get the fanciest cup of hot chocolate ever. [Travel Oregon]

Timberline to Town Trail / Single-track / ~ Miles 6 to 12

Single track trail from Timberline ski area back to Government Camp (“Govy”). See this video for a fun look at the area and the single-track trail

Ride Details

When We Like to Ride This

Mid-summer to early fall. The major go / no-go criteria for this route is snow on the ground. The route is between 4,000 to 6,000 feet and over half of it is in the trees.

Terrain & Riding

The highlights of this ride are big views of Mt Hood, the historic Timberline Lodge, and a fun, flowy downhill single track.

The Start

Lat / Long: 45.302466, -121.745831

Government Camp rest area. Water and flush toilets.

Food & Water

~ Mile 6: Timberline Lodge

Notes & Options

Route Notes

For most gravel riders, this could be a bit adventurous or technical. However, for strong technical riders, this is quite a treat! The ideal setup is a drop bar mountain bike, like a Salsa Cutthroat, with 2.1 or 2.2″ tires.

Route Options

If your looking for something a bit bigger and more burly, check out Thee Holy Mountain loop by OMTM and Burger Lodge Loop by BuckyRides.

Comments

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

Help Make This Guide Better!

At Dirty Freehub, we believe the best routes are organic and driven by the riding community. This route and guide are a work in progress, and we need your help to make it great!

Provide us with route feedback, both good and bad.

Let us know about points of interest and viewpoints,
Submit pictures and videos,
Suggest a best time to ride,
Let us know about a better or alternative option,
And tell us about your favorite place to go after the ride for a burger and beer.

Submit your feedback via the comments block (tab just above the map).

Love Where You Ride! Learn More

A highlight of this route is the historic Timberline Lodge. Friends of Timberline works in partnership with the Forest Service and private enterprises in restoration and preservation efforts of the lodge and surrounding areas.

Friends of Timberline
Simply put here are the basics we pursue year in year out:
– Pursue common goals with the United States Forest Service and R.L.K. and Company
– Physical preservation and restoration project work
– Fundraising via private donations and major grants for approved project work
– Fundraising via membership dues and event revenue for daily operations
– Public outreach and theme-based education across generations and communities
-Documentation and archiving of Lodge history, use, art, artifacts and furnishings