This loop ride has a variety of peddling on all types of roads providing a good workout, great vistas, and examples of various forest silviculture stages. Doctor Abram Foley, a doctor who ran a resort and hot springs during the 1870's, was acquainted with the Native Americans who lived up near the head of the McKenzie River. They told him about a spring of water that smoked. Led there by the Indians, he "discovered" Foley Springs. He owned Foley hot spring for about 9 years (Williams 1988). These springs are now closed, and trespassing is forbidden.
This ride is best initiated at the McKenzie Ranger Station located on Highway 126, 2 miles east of the town of McKenzie Bridge. To start the ride find the McKenzie Ranger Districts' wellness trail behind the bunkhouses and parking area on the east side.
Directions for this trail are easy: always go right at the intersections. Continue on this trail for 0.7 miles until you reach Foley Road 2643. Take a right up Foley. The steepest gradient begins at 1 mile and subsides at 1.5 miles. This road stays at a good gradient until the intersection of Road 410. When you reach this intersection, a sign indicates Rainbow Falls, Separation Trail Head, and Foley Seed Orchard. Don't ride towards these areas, but go right onto Road 410, which is a gravel road. At 5.2 miles you will see an old country road which is Road 347. You will know this intersection because Road 410 is bermed up to stop motor vehicles from going farther. Take the right, and ride on this old country road for several miles. There are many spur roads, but donçt get diverted on to these unless you are up for exploring some spots with vistas.
At 6.9 miles the downhill ride begins flattening out just before the intersection of Horse Creek Road. Take a right at Horse Creek and another right onto Highway 126. Ride 1.5 miles to reach the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, which is one mile west of the Ranger Station.
Martha Moran
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