Not inncluding a ride in Deschutes National Forests was to hard to resist. Flat terrain and dry weather combine to make riding on the east side of the Cascades some of the best anywhere.
To complete this ride one-way as described, you'll have to either leave a shuttle car at Todd Lake or arrange to be picked up there. Todd Lake is 2 miles west of Bachelor Ski Resort on Highway 46 (Cascade Lakes Highway). Or, this ride also makes an excellent "out-and-back" from Three Creek Lake, doubling the mileage, and the fun, and increasing the total cumulative elevation gain from 1150 feet to 2600 feet.
To get to Three Creek Lake, turn south on Road 16 in downtown Sisters and continue approximately 18 miles to the lake, where the road ends. Once you've seen the lake, backtrack about a mile and park at the Three Creek Meadow Campground. Ride your bike to the junction with Road 370, which is just across Road 16 from the campground. Road 370 heads east then bends south. Bear right at a road junction at about 7 miles.
Road #370 is very primitive. Although it is well used by hunters in their four wheel drives during hunting season, nothing less than a 4WD or mountain bike will survive this road. Because of it's high elevation and some secluded valleys that stay in shade virtually all year, Road 370 is often closed (gated) due to snowblock until late July or early August. The snow drifts that stop the lesser vehicles need not hinder the mountain bike, just be prepared to carry the bike over some sections. A call to the Sisters Ranger Station will provide you with information about conditions in the area.
The land west of the road is part of the Three Sisters Wilderness and provides excellent scenery for the ride. Do not ride in the wilderness, but do stash your bike in the brush and hike the two mile trail to the edge of Tam McArthur Rim. Mountain bikeable side trails include a couple that lead into the Swampy Lakes area or south of Todd Lake to Sparks and Elk Lake.
Dave Hallock
Printer Friendly Version