In addition to offering spectacular views of the Three Sisters, the Olallie Trail stands out as a fun mountain bike trail. Olallie is a Native American word meaning fruit or berries, which are abundant in this area throughout the summer. Because of the elevation, it's not uncommon to come upon patches of snow across the trail as late as midsummer. The trail is often very narrow, with sensitive vegetation close to its borders. Savor the trail at a leisurely pace and keep a watchful eye out for hikers.
To get to the Olallie Trail, take Highway 126 to McKenzie Bridge. Just past McKenzie Bridge store and over the bridge, turn right onto Horse Creek Road. Take Horse Creek Road about 2 miles and turn right onto Road 1993. Follow Road 1993 just under 3 miles to the lower trailhead. The next trailhead is approximately 6.5 miles up Road 1993. The described 27 mile loop forms a figure-eight. Starting at the lower trailhead, ride up the road to the middle trailhead at Horsepasture Saddle. Get on the trail here and ride southeast to where the trail meets again with Road 1993. Once at Road 1993, which is 6 miles from Horsepasture Saddle, turn left, and follow the road approximately 11 miles back to the middle trailhead. From here descend the lower portion of the trail back to your car. This lower trail is steep and has some narrow and precipitous sections. You wouldn't want to fall. Resist the urge to fly down this section, hikers use this trail too!
The views of the Cascades and the Three Sisters Wilderness from Road 1993 are truly enchanting. The road, however, demands attention to its tight curves, loose rocks, and traffic. Whether you are driving or riding this road, stay alert and on your side of the road.
Dave Reuter
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