5 of the best mountain bike trails in Oregon

Oregon is home to one of the most diverse landscapes on planet Earth. The state offers everything from endless deserts in the east to one of the country’s wettest climates along the Pacific coast. Towering mountain ranges with jagged peaks provide ample terrain for mountain bikers to explore, and the conical glacier-topped volcanoes of the Cascade Range are breathtakingly beautiful.

Riders in Oregon are diehard, and through the expansive diversity of these varied ecosystems, they’ve built an endless network of singletrack trails. Mountain bikers can enjoy everything from rugged backcountry epics to some of the most manicured flow trails in the nation.

The list below is weighted toward Oregon’s most iconic and most epic rides, which have long drawn riders to challenge their mettle on epic-length treks. However, in recent years, Oregon riders have been building more trails close to home, with modern trail networks providing progressive trails designed to help new riders improve their skills and advanced riders push the boundaries. While most of these modern trail developments haven’t made the list, know that whatever flavor of mountain biking you prefer, you can find it in Oregon.

Alpine Trail, Oakridge, OR

The Alpine Trail has long been one of the most famous shuttle rides in Oregon. Oakridge is renowned for its remote backcountry singletrack filled with dark black dirt, roots, and the occasional rock, and Alpine is widely regarded as one of the best in the region. Those who’ve spent time delving deep into Oakridge’s lesser-known trails know that Alpine is also one of the easiest rides around. The trail’s intermediate-friendly obstacles coupled with high-speed ripping, endless flowing singletrack, and a few spectacular views make it a perennial favorite.

Alpine Trail can either be self-shuttled or accessed via a commercial shuttle from a local company. Or, for the aerobically inclined, consider grinding up the mountain and doing things the hard way. For a shuttle ride, but with more trails (and more climbing) added in, try the ATCA trail combination.

When you travel to Oakridge to ride the Alpine Trail, my one recommendation is: don’t stop there. Budget enough time to delve deep into the region’s lesser-known trails, and you’ll discover the loamy backcountry singletrack that mountain bike dreams are made of.

See also: “Ride Report: Alpine Trail, Oakridge, Oregon“

Bad Motor Scooter -> Grand Prix, Post Canyon, Hood River

I like to refer to Oregon and Washington as “the land of berms in every corner.” Thanks to dark, black dirt and a penchant for flowy trails filled with big features, Oregon is home to some of the best jump lines and flow trails in the world. While you can find flow trails spread all across the state, one of the most famous is the combination of Bad Motor Scooter to Grand Prix in the Post Canyon trail system.

Located just over an hour from downtown Portland, Post Canyon is a weekend MTB mecca for Oregon’s biggest city. The dense network offers everything from steep tech trails to jump lines and easy XC loops, but it’s arguably best known for its manicured flow. And Bad Motor Scooter (BMS) to Grand Prix (GP) is one of the best.

“BMS is loved for its steep and sharp banked turns, as well as its progressive jumps,” said Tim Mixon, President of the Hood River Area Trail Stewards (HRATS). “GP is loved for its high-speed lines, great berms, and fun small features in between.  Both are in a healthy forest and have good dirt most of the year.”

See also: “The Hood Report: Post Canyon Begs You To Get Lost“

North Umpqua River Trail, Roseburg

Widely considered one of Oregon’s most legendary mountain bike trails, the North Umpqua River Trail (often referred to as the “NUT”) provides 70 miles of rugged, remote singletrack. Winding along its namesake river, the trail carves its way through dense forests of fir, hemlock, and pine, weaving past dramatic waterfalls and alongside crystal-clear rapids.

The NUT is divided into five distinct segments, but many mountain bikers set their sights on riding the entire route over the course of several days. Numerous campgrounds and dispersed camping spots dot the trail, making it ideal for overnight adventures. Thanks to frequent road access, it’s possible to coordinate with a shuttle or support vehicle, or fully embrace the journey with bikepacking gear and a self-supported setup.

O’Leary Mountain, Blue River

Hidden away deep in the Cascade Mountains is one of Oregon’s best — and most underrated — trails: O’Leary Mountain. This IMBA Epic is home to one of the fastest downhills in the state, thanks to steep, smooth singletrack that plummets 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 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 steep. But if you’re willing to make the trek, you’ll be rewarded with stunning mountaintop views, beautiful beargrass, towering Douglas fir trees, and of course, high-speed singletrack.

This is PNW riding at its finest.

Surveyor’s Ridge, Hood River

The Surveyor’s Ridge trail is one of Oregon’s venerated IMBA Epics and “offers a quintessential Pacific Northwest riding experience,” according to Greg Doan, President of 44 Trails. The trail runs for about 13.8 miles one way and can be completed as a point-to-point ride, although it’s more of an XC-oriented trail than a gnarly downhill rip.

“Riders can expect a mix of aggressive short climbs and descents, a couple technical rocky sections, and open alpine meadows,” Doan told Singletracks. “The trail offers unparalleled views of Mt. Hood, especially from the ridgeline traverses. The northern end near Baldy provides expansive views of the Hood River Valley.”

Other popular trails, such as Dog River, connect to Surveyor’s Ridge, offering additional route options and faster downhills.

See also: “The Hood Report: Sojourning on Surveyor’s Ridge and Downing Dog River“

Runners-up

1. Mount Ashland Shuttle, Ashland
2. Eula Ridge, Oakridge
3. Whoops (Upper -> Lower), Phil’s, Bend
4. Gnome Wrecker, Whiskey Run
5. Flow Motion -> Lower Hide and Seek, Sandy Ridge, Sandy

If you disagree with our choices, be sure to sound off in the comments below 👇 🤣