Welcome to one of mountain bikingĄs better guarded secrets, Lane County, Oregon. Mountain biking took hold here early and with vigor thanks to a benign climate that nurtures a rare natural diversity that spans the breadth of western Oregon from the Pacific Coast to the Cascade Divide.
Mountain bikers have access to hundreds of miles of excellent roadbeds, single-track, and recreational trails. With few exceptions, bikers have the same access as hikers. You will find here an enormous variety of satisfying ride possibilities; quiet abandoned roadbeds through old growth forests, rock strewn single-track trail, or steep tests of aerobic endurance.
Most of the rides in this guidebook are located within a 2 hour drive of the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area, the hub of this natural mountain bike park. Nestled in the southernmost flatlands of the Willamette Valley, 110 miles south of Portland, Eugene-Springfield enjoys easy access to both the friendly mountains of the Coast Range and the 10,000 foot peaks of the Cascade Range.
American, Horizon, and United airlines offer flights to the uncongested comfort of the Eugene Airport, while Amtrak offers daily overnight connections with northern California cities and half-day service from Seattle.
Most trailheads originate in the McKenzie and Willamette River valleys, or their tributaries. Nearly all of the rides in this book are located on lands managed by the US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
Whether providing a pleasant diversion for the day, or the essence of your active outdoor vacation, Lane County's mountain bike routes offer experiences to be relished forever, and returned to as often as you may wish for years to come.
Yuri Samer
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