You might encounter deer, elk, cows, sheep or cowboys on this incredible grinder of a route, but you can count on pedaling 119 miles with just under 9,000 feet of elevation gain.
Each August this Central Oregon route becomes a race event known as “The toughest gravel event in Oregon,” but you might choose to travel it at your own pace – and maybe as an overnighter.
From the Crooked River Park, head north into farm and rangelands as you leave Prineville, and then swing higher on pavement into the Ochoco National Forest and on up into Harvey’s Gap. By the time you reach McKay Creek Saddle, you’ll have made a 3,000-foot gain, overlooking meadows and cruising through the open forests of sweet-smelling ponderosa pine – and you’ll have found gravel.
At the saddle, you overlook Mill Creek Wilderness and the creek that gives it its name, as well as the two rock spires of Twin Pillars and other rock formations. You might note blackened areas where forest fires raged in 2000. Walton Lake and Big Summit Prairie boast wildflowers in late May and early June, and scenic vistas year-round. Watch for large birds of prey, including turkey vultures, and herds of wild horses.
From Round Mountain and Lookout Saddle, it’s downhill to Ochoco Forest Camp, where you’ll head back into Prineville.
