A name brand Oregon trail all skilled riders should try
Surveyor’s Ridge Epic
Oregon Timber Trail,
Ride Ambassador
Length 34 Miles
Difficulty
Extreme i
There are certain trail names that have the patina of legend to them; you hear them thrown around in conversation when adventurous riders gather. They define the riding in certain parts of Oregon. In the wilds of the Mt. Hood National Forest above Hood River, Surveyor’s Ridge that big name. If you have skills and the desire to experience the best of the area, you have to ride it.
Beyond that imperative, this route also showcases one of the most scenic legs of the Oregon Timber Trail. If you’re looking for an epic one-day challenge, or want to finish off a weekend riding trip with a bang, head here. This link-up of Gunsight, Eightmile and Surveyor’s fits the bill perfectly.
You can catch a shuttle in Hood River for this one-way adventure; local bike shops offer custom shuttles for this and other nearby rides. If you can self-shuttle, head up Highway 35 roughly 33 miles from downtown and pull off at the Bennett Pass Sno-Park on the east side of the highway.
The ride begins with a nice 4-mile shakedown climb up into the woods from Bennett Pass, following a bouncy jeep road and then some rocky single-track . After the initial ascent section, enjoy a brief break of flowing single-track under high-elevation fir and pine trees; you’ll also be rewarded with technical talus traverses and looming views of Mount Hood to the west.
After 5 more uphill miles through exposed and rolling terrain, re-join the jeep road and peak at 6,000 feet, at High Prairie Trailhead. Here you begin almost 20 miles of gradual descent, first traveling along the Eightmile Trail, and then connecting to Surveyor’s Ridge.
But it’s not all gravity-fed fun. While technically a downhill, Surveyor’s is an exhaustive ride, with lots of short punchy uphills and fearsome rock gardens. Take your time, since it’s often rocky and traction comes and goes. You’ll drop 2,400 feet of elevation in about 2.5 miles.
This may be one of the most visually stunning, technically challenging and physically demanding rides you do in Oregon. It’s not until you reach the Oak Ridge Trail that things smooth out as you return to Highway 35 and cross over to Parkdale.
It’s only natural for you to have worked up quite a thirst on this ride, so we’ve opted to end it at Solera Brewery in Parkdale, for a beer and even more views of Parkdale farmland and Mount Hood. The renowned Apple Valley BBQ across the street might be your next stop; they serve up eye-widening platters of ribs.
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In Oregon, a bicycle is legally considered a vehicle, and the same Oregon road laws apply. Please “be seen” and practice safe riding. Vehicle traffic, farm equipment and narrow shoulders exist on many Oregon roads, and you may find that construction projects, traffic or other events may cause road conditions or signage to differ from the map results, ride descriptions and directions. For travel options plus weather and road conditions, visit tripcheck.com, call 511 (in Oregon only), 800.977.6368 or 503.588.2941. Routes listed on this website are for informational purposes and intended as a reference guide only.
About The
Ambassador
Oregon Timber Trail
The Oregon Timber Trail is a world-class bikepacking destination and North America’s premiere long-distance mountain bike route. It runs south to north and travels through a variety of landscapes, communities, ecosystems, terrain, and, most importantly, mountain bike trails. Divided into four unique tiers, the Oregon Timber Trail is approachable by a wide variety of cyclists. If it sounds familiar, you’re not mistaken: the Oregon Timber Trail is inspired by the Pacific Crest Trail and other trails in the National Scenic Trail system. What sets it apart is that it’s designed for mountain biking in mind and consists of more than 60 percent singletrack.
Start scheming, plan carefully, rope in some friends and have fun exploring the varied wild landscapes that have enthralled generations of Oregonians before you.
