There’s a good reason Oakridge is such an MTB Mecca – it’s a bodaciously good place to ride a bike. And its reputation can be traced back like a family tree to the Alpine Trail. If you want to ride the route that put Oakridge on the map, here’s your chance. And, just for fun, imagine riding it before anyone really knew about this area. Even then you’d know you were onto something big.
And this trail isn’t for the faint-hearted; it has some fast segments that will test where the edges of your courage lie. But the sensations of whipping down through the forest – the angled light, the tangy pine scent, the solitary sound of your treads ripping through the duff – will give you the kind of buzz you don’t get too many other places.
Take a local shuttle up to NF-1912, where you’ll mount up and take the short connector from the road. A right turn will put you on the Alpine Trail. Somewhat surprisingly, the trail starts with a climb – and it feels all the steeper because you’re not warmed up yet. After you’ve got your heart, lungs and legs going strong, things level off and then you start your momentum down through a landscape of majestic pines, and through beargrass meadows. Enjoy a long, joyous descent, tapping into the adrenaline that only speed and grade can produce, before this segment ends where the trail crosses back over NF-1912 twice.
From there, it’s more delectable descending singletrack. You’ll pass the turnoff to the Tire Mountain Trail; save that one for a future ride. You will encounter a couple brief uphills on the way down, but you wouldn’t describe them as climbs when you tell the story later. Mostly it’s pick a line and point the tire as you roll down what seems like an endless drop through rocky open hillsides, among scrubby oaks and over cushy pine needles.
But you’re not through yet! You may see the valley floor below, but that doesn’t mean the fun is done. The final segment delivers curves, whoops and nervy straight drops that will be seared into your memory long after you’ve finished, pedaled down to the Westfir Lodge and Mountain Market for some post-ride refreshment and told your ride-story to anyone who will listen.
Riding Season
Late spring through late fall.
