Oregon’s eastern outposts of Baker City and La Grande offer a world of mountain biking between them — from summer-dried ski slopes to granite-peak vistas and loamy high-alpine terrain. Ready to shred? Head to to these favorite trails and bike-friendly hangs. You’ll be glad you did.
Phillips Lake Loop
Distance: 15 miles / 24 kilometers
Difficulty: Mild
Take a family-friendly spin around a popular reservoir southwest of Baker City in the southern Elkhorn Mountains, with the option for a more challenging ride of 550 feet of elevation gain.
Broadway Flow Trail Loop
Distance: 4 miles / 6.4 kilometers
Difficulty: Moderate
Introduce yourself to a little-known mountain biking paradise at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort, which turns its winter alpine runs and Nordic terrain into trails for summer shredders.
Mt. Emily Rec Area Loop
Distance: 15 miles / 24 kilometers
Difficulty: Challenging
Clinging to the eastern flank of the Blue Mountains, the Mt. Emily Recreation Area (MERA) boasts an elaborate system of 28 trails.
Dutch Flat Out & Back
Distance: 17 miles / 27.3 kilometers
Difficulty: Challenging
Cue the adrenaline on this fast and narrow ride near Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort, gaining nearly 3,000 feet / 914 meters in the first eight miles / 12.8 kilometers.
Elkhorn Crest Trail
Distance: 32 miles / 51.5 kilometers
Difficulty: Extreme
Extreme challenges are rewarded with extreme beauty on the Elkhorn Crest Trail, featuring 3,500 feet / 1,066.8 meters of ascent to the top.
Where to gear up
- The Trailhead: 1828 Main St, Baker City, OR 97814
- Mountain Works: 1301 Adams Ave, La Grande, OR 97850
Join a tour
Keep on riding
There are more exciting mountain bike trails to be found west of La Grande and Baker City. When you’re ready for more trails, set your compass to Prineville.
Lookout Mountain Loop
Distance: 11 miles / 17.7 kilometers
Difficulty: Extreme
Called “one of the best sustained downhill trails in Central Oregon,” the Lookout Mountain Loop offers commanding views and a demanding downhill descent at the highest point in the Ochoco Mountains.
