Steve's Mountain Bike Page
Turlock, California

McKenzie River Trail, Oregon
July 9, 2011

Many consider the 25 mile long McKenzie River Trail (MRT) in Oregon the most beautiful trail in the U. S. The trail meanders along the McKenzie River through thick conifer forests, and consists of buffed twisty singletrack, some fairly technical sections across lava fields, a few steep climbs and drops, and about 20 wooden bridges. From the top trailhead the trail almost immediately splits, with the right going to the east side of Clear Lake, and the left, the true MRT, going along the west side of the lake. The west side has some pretty technical lava fields, so many take the right fork along the east side of the lake. I wanted to experience the entire MRT so I stayed on it to the left. The lava fields weren't too bad and I just walked the most difficult parts. Near the end of the lake a sign had two arrows, one to Sahalie Falls, the other to the MRT. I chose the latter, which caused me to go clearly around the east side of the lake. Once I realized my mistake I went back and took the route to Sahalie Falls.

Most photos from this trail show beautiful buffed singletrack meandering through dense conifer forests, and the elevation profile leads you to believe you just coast downhill the whole way. The trail is actually more difficult than depicted. About two miles (10 - 12 for me) consists of some pretty technical, narrow, twisty, lava rock baby head strewn singletrack, with many short steep technical climbs and descents. Most people, including myself, walked quite a bit of it. The razor sharp lava rock was pretty tough on the ankles, whether walking or riding. At about mile 13 the trail became really nice narrow, mildly rocky singletrack with many short ups and downs. The last few miles became that nice narrow buffed singletrack meandering through dense conifer forests, that you hear about most. I have terrible balance and I am terrified of heights. Nearly all of the 20 or so wooden bridges were pretty tough for me to cross. On the longest and highest bridge Matt from Bend sensed my fear and he offered to take my bike across for me. Thanks Matt! Matt and his friends were about my speed so we were together for much of the ride.

This is a great ride and I highly recommend it. The shuttle service, from McKenzie River Mountain Resorts, is the best way to go. You follow them for a few minutes to the bottom of the trail, leave your vehicle, have a relatively short drive to the top, and then ride the trail back to your vehicle. It was very difficult getting good photos in the dark forest.

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