To find Blair Lake, go east of Oakridge 7 miles on Salmon Creek Road 24. At Blair Lake Road 1934, go left (north) until you reach Road 733, which takes you to Blair Lake Campground. Blair Lake is a good place to set up camp. During spring and early summer, however, the mosquitoes are vicious. This is a good early morning ride since the ridge can get hot in the afternoon.
From the lake ride down Road 733 heading west. Go past the junction with Road 741. At 2 miles take a left on Road 1934. Stay on Road 1934 for 0.5 miles, gradually climbing; go left on Road 730. Grind up the hill for 5 miles to the Blair Lake trailhead. A shelter stands just opposite of the trailhead sign. Before you head down the trail to Blair Lake, take a short ride on the ridgeline section of the road to Spring Prairie. Spring Prairie, a beautiful bear grass and sedge prairie, is especially picturesque when the bear grass is in spring bloom. A clear day provides spectacular views of Mt. Jefferson, Three Sisters, and Diamond Peak.
If you take this ridgeline ride, you will come to Trail 3553, which goes to the Old Mule lookout site. The lookout no longer stands, but the trail is rideable and the view is good. You can get to Blair Lake from here but the trail is very difficult to ride. An easier option is to return to the trail by the shelter and ride to Blair Lake.
The trail through the beargrass meadow is hard to follow and the riding is rough, but donçt get discouraged, it gets easier. This area gets a lot of wind so there may be blow-down trees across the trail.
Dave Linsdell
Printer Friendly Version