Hidden away deep in the Cascade Mountains is one of Oregon's best — and most underrated — trails: O'Leary Mountain. This backcountry IMBA Epic is home to one of the fastest downhills in the state, thanks to steep, smooth singletrack plummeting straight down the mountainside. Just don't get too complacent: the trail will throw some rocks and roots at you, too, before funneling into a set of sharp switchbacks with serious downhill exposure.
Accessing O'Leary Mountain is tough, which keeps many riders away. A 25.6-mile loop requires almost 6,800 feet of climbing. Thankfully, most (but not all) of the climb can be shuttled, but even the shuttle drive is long and winding. But if you're willing to make the trek, you'll be rewarded with stunning mountaintop views, beautiful beargrass, towering Douglas fir trees, and deep, dark Oregon forests.
This is PNW riding at its finest.
