This section of the Middle Fork of the Willamette Trail runs though the riparian zone of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River. The narrow trail provides the beginner many opportunities to test balance, bike handling, and stream crossing techniques. The stream is actually a roadway, but water flows over it most of the year.
Park at the large turn-out by the hiker sign on the south side of Highway 58, about 0.25 miles west of Oakridge. The ride starts at the boat-launch access road. The single-track trail begins on the right as you ride down this road.
About 1 mile out you will ride under Highway 58. Just after passing under the bridge, you come to a large, gravel area. Here, you can either ride across the little stream and turn left into the Ferrin Picnic area, or you can cross the gravel area and continue on the trail. Both options lead to Ferrin Picnic area.
From the picnic area, the trail goes up a steep road bank to a paved road, called the Oakridge/Westfir cut-off. Stay on the river side of the road. You will come to a guard rail on this road. The trail goes between the guard rail and the river.
The trail heads down to the riparian zone and continues for about 1 mile, where it heads up another steep bank to the Oakridge/Westfir cut-off road. Here, you can either make this a loop ride by turning right (east) back to the turn-out from which you started, or you can ride the trail back. If you are just beginning to ride single-track trails, you will discover that riding a trail the opposite way is like riding an entirely different trail. Ride the trail several times, and youçll gain valuable riding skills.
The lower Middle Fork of the Willamette Trail was designed for fishing access to the river. Ride cautiously as other users will be on the trail.
Dave Linsdell
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