This is a wonderful remote, road ride in the Willamette National Forest. Whether done on a mountain bike or a road bike, cyclists will find easy pedaling over a smooth and gentle surface. This road dead-ends at the Waldo Wilderness Area.
The ride starts at the Oakridge that most visitors don't see: a main street and city hall, charming stores and well kept houses. Park your car in downtown and head east on Main Street. In no time you will be pedaling on a quiet rural highway alongside Salmon Creek, a lovely tributary of the Middle Fork of the Willamette. About 1 mile out the road divides. Follow Road 24 to the left. At about 3 miles, spur Road 207 will be on the left. This road leads to the Aubrey Mountain trailhead. In about 4 miles, Salmon Creek Falls Campground will be on the right. If you want a shorter version of this ride, this would be an excellent place to start. The campground lies amidst big Douglas firs and a rushing creek with a cascading falls. Ride the road east as far as you like. At about 10 miles you will come to Kelsey Creek. From here the road starts to climb and, at about 12 miles, turns to gravel.
Keith Nelson
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