When We Like to Ride This

We recommend riding this route on a sunny fall day when the autumnal colors are on full display. However, this route is rideable in three seasons in dry weather.

Terrain & Riding

The route can be done in either direction. We recommend this order to get the steep climbs done early and enjoy the very long continuous descent.

Wheeler Road Climb | Miles 0 to 7
The climb starts immediately (unless you missed your turn! Check your GPS. If you cross a bridge in the first half-mile, you’re going the wrong way!). By mile 3, you’ve climbed over 1000 ft. At the top of this first climb, don’t miss the small pull off to your right in a recent clear-cut exposes panoramic views of four cascade stratovolcanoes. The trail flattens out here but you’re not done yet. Keep your GPS handy; it’s easy to get lost in this section, a mess of logging roads with no obvious mainline. The second hill begins after a few more miles, adding another 600 ft of elevation.

Steep Descent and Final Climb | Miles 7 to 12.5
The only truly steep descent of the day begins around mi 7.5. It’s near the bottom of this careen that you’ll pass through the figure-8 center point the first time. Keep going downhill with the river on your left and don’t be afraid to consult your GPS after a major junction. After bottoming out, the third and final climb begins. It’s gentler than the first two (~600 ft over 3.5 miles). On this portion of the ride, you will get some of the best south-facing views of the coastal range. When you reach the four-way intersection, congrats! You’re done climbing for the day!

The long roll to Cochran | Miles 12.5 to 24
Head right at the intersection (the other two roads dead-end at the river) and enjoy the ride. The next 12 miles are a gentle downhill, some of the mellowest unpaved track you will ever see. Spend more time coasting than pedaling if you choose. The road winds over many creeks. There are occasional views of the canyon as you descend.

Cochran | Miles 24 to 25
You will know you arrived when you can see the old mill pond to your right. Although it’s a mess of trails, it will be hard to get lost: the major route is the best-maintained artery. There’s not much of the town left, although a few concrete pillars are still visible in the pond. A short spur to the south will take you to the old rail crossing. Expect to see more vehicles here than you’ve encountered all day, likely exploring the pond and the rail right of way (which is possible to bike on for a short distance).

Return to Reehers | Miles 25 to Finish
The road out of Reehers is a little steeper than you’ve been riding for a while. You’re now over the coastal divide and following the Nehalem River. On your right, you’ll catch more views of the railroad bed, these sections still have their rails and cross ties. In the final half mile, the road bottoms out on a bridge over the Nehalem River. Stop for a few photos before returning to the car.

The Start

Reehers Camp has two entrances separated by a few hundred feet. We prefer the second (westmost) entrance with its large day use parking and restrooms. The first entrance has a smaller day use parking area, picnic pavilion, and a hand pump for water. The camping area with pit toilets and stock paddocks are also accessed from the first entrance.

Food & Water

• None

Route Notes

1. This is a working forest and the roads are open to automobiles. Logging and quarry heavy equipment can be common on weekdays and expect to see some vehicles on weekends, especially around Cochran and Reehers.

2. 40 mm tires should be plenty. Logging activity can quickly deteriorate trail quality. Let us know if this changes.

3. This route briefly enters private land around Cochran (mi 24-25). The road remains open to all recreational vehicles (including automobiles) in all seasons. In the highly unlikely event that the road is closed for logging activities, there is a short, steep bypass to the north of Cochran.

Route Options

The Tillamook State Forest is a complex web of gravel roads of varying quality and steepness. Portions of the Salmonberry Trail railbed may be rideable, too. We invite you to explore with a good GPS and report back any exciting finds. A few hidden gems include the former town of Wedeburg and the headwaters of both the Salmonberry and Nehalem Rivers. Here are some options to tailor this ride to your preferences:

Shorter
Skip the further loop of the figure-8 to save 11 miles and one 700 ft climb.

Longer
Underbikers rejoice! Triple-C is a 3-mile singletrack MTB, hike, and horse loop starting from Reehers camp. Gravel riders up for a small technical challenge can tack this on to the end of the ride.

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