Biking
The Willamette National Forest offers mountain, road, gravel and e-biking.
If you plan to strike out on your own to explore with your bike, it would be wise to buy a National Forest map. Please respect the rights of private landowners and always ask permission before you ride on their land. Also, be aware of the wilderness boundaries when you are riding on the trails. Bicycles are not allowed in the wilderness areas.
Remember to wear protective gear when riding your mountain bike: helmet, gloves and sturdy shoes. Also plan on taking food, water, sunscreen and a basic tool kit on all of your outings. Always maintain control of your bicycle and be ready to stop. Watch for traffic on forest roads. Be aware of hikers and livestock along trails. As a courtesy, please step your bicycle off the downhill side of the trail and allow livestock to pass. Some stock may be afraid of your bicycle, so stay in plain view and speak softly.
E-Biking
Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes are allowed on motorized trails and roads on national forests and grasslands. They are not allowed on non-motorized trails, including most mountain biking trails. Motor Vehicle Use Maps are the best source for which trails are open to motorized use, including e-bikes.
Mountain Biking
The Willamette National Forest is well known for its mountain bike trails, with most on the McKenzie River and Middle Fork Ranger Districts, and a few on the Detroit and Sweet Home Ranger Districts. Some of the more popular destinations include the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail, O’Leary Trail, Waldo Lake, and the Alpine Trail. There is a wide variety of terrain, from easy to intense.
Road Cycling
The Willamette National Forest has thousands of miles of gravel and paved roads open to cycling. Many people enjoy touring on bicycles with stop overs at Forest campgrounds and day use sites.
Use caution on forest roads and plan your route ahead of time. Not all forest roads are paved or have suitable shoulders for sharing the road with cars and trucks. Please check for local conditions or with cycling clubs for recommended routes.
There are two Oregon Scenic Bikeways that include portions of the Willamette National Forest:
- Cascading Rivers, 70-mile one way
- Ride along the Clackamas and Breitenbush rivers from Estacada to Detroit, with very little but wilderness, rivers and trees along the route.
- Best seasons to ride: Late spring through early fall; road closes each winter due to snow.
- McKenzie Pass, 35 miles one way
- Start in Sisters and follow an 1860s wagon route that includes views of Mt. Washington and lava flows. The steep descent to Belknap Hot Springs has switchbacks through dense, verdant Cascadian forests. Visit the Department of Transportation website for the latest McKenzie Highway news and information.
- Best season to ride: summer and fall. Road closes due to snow each winter.
Visit the Oregon Scenic Bikeways page for more information.
Search for Biking Opportunities
Middle Fork Nat'l Recreation Trailhead: Road 2153
Mule Mountain Trailhead
Salmon Creek Falls Campground
Salmon Creek Falls Day Use Area
Santiam Pass OHV Motorized Recreation Area
Santiam Wagon Road: Fish Lake & Hackleman Sections
Santiam Wagon Road: Mountain House Section
Santiam Wagon Road: Sevenmile Section
Santiam Wagon Road: Snow Creek Section
Sawtooth Trailhead