The best mountain bike trails in Southern Oregon’s eastern Cascades

No matter what level rider you are, there’s ample mountain biking terrain that’s just right for you in Southern Oregon, from beginner pump and jump tracks for kids to steep, fast and technical routes for advanced riders.

The region, which lies just across the border from northern California, offers a two-wheeled version of a wine country escape where you can sip, taste or indulge in something extraordinary. And just like fine wine, the trails flow on and on, providing days worth of discovery and recreation.

You can ride Mount Ashland, shuttling up the towering mountain, then taking trail after trail back to Ashland. You can explore the terrain around Medford and Grant’s Pass. Or you can head 90 minutes to the east, where the city of Klamath Falls boasts an impressive array of trails on Spence Mountain, Brown Mountain, Moore Mountain and other hot spots.

Klamath’s Cascade tracks

Klamath Falls, which lies on the dry side of the Cascade range on Klamath Lake, offers a half dozen trail systems for mountain and gravel biking. The best-developed of these is Spence Mountain, a 28-mile network of professionally built, public-use trails on
7,400 acres of private land. The volunteer-run Klamath Trails Alliance is the steward of this biking paradise.

Two trailheads access Spence Mountain — the closest to Klamath Falls is about 15 miles west of town on the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway (Highway 140). To access the second trailhead, follow signs to Eagle Ridge Park off Highway 140. Parking and restrooms are available at both trailheads.

After renting a Trek Top Fuel bike from friendly, well-stocked Zach’s Bikes in downtown Klamath Falls, I met up with a local rider, Drew Honzel, from the Klamath Trails Alliance, for a single track ride at Spence on the relatively easy and scenic Shoalwater and Old Eagle trails. This is one of the easier and shorter rides (4.5 miles) in Spence; there are plenty of other options for long, technically difficult rides with rock gardens, hairpin turns,
steep climbs and berms that add a fun, flowy feel to the ride.

Our route followed a sweet stretch of single track, moderately ascending through a young forest of fir, cedar and pine trees and sweeping views of upper Klamath Lake, the marshes of Shoalwater Bay and snow-creased stratovolcano Mount McLoughlin in the distance.

As we rode along the lakeshore, Honzel, a retired mill executive, remarked “What’s not to love about mountain biking in Klamath? Even though I’m almost 66 years old, I feel like a kid again while riding.”

You’ll find a number of other noteworthy trail networks in the Klamath Falls area, such as Moore Mountain and Brown Mountain, both detailed on the handy mapping app, Trailforks.com. (Tip: Download those trail maps on your fully-charged phone before you ride.) Moore Mountain is right in town and has more than 15 miles of multi-use trails, many perfect for beginning riders and for kids practicing their skills in Moore’s bike park. Brown Mountain and the High Lakes trails near the summit of Highway 140 offer 18 to 23 miles of mountain bike and gravel routes through old growth forest and lava flows.

Refuel afterward at The Falls Taphouse, a beer garden with a massive craft brew selection and two food trucks. Or head for Rodeos,the locals’ choice for post-ride drinks and food — excellent salads and top quality pizzas plus a wall of craft beers in coolers.

Medford adventures

The city of Medford makes a convenient Southern Oregon launch pad, with a variety of affordable hotels and a regional airport with regular flights from SFO — and mountain biking options.

Head to Prescott Mountain and RoxyAnn Peak: With 14 miles of trails, this is the top single-track biking destination in Medford. The multi-use and e-bike friendly routes are located on city land and were built by the Rogue Valley Mountain Bike Association.

Between Grants Pass and Medford, the Bureau of Land Management’s Mountain of the Rogue features seven miles of trails, including a flow trail and pump trail. This multi-use trail network was built for mountain biking and is a nice alternative to Ashland Mountain, especially for younger riders and beginners.

Post-ride? Common Block Brewing is spacious and modern with indoor and outdoor tented seating. The Rogue Runner IPA is particularly tasty. Order brews and food — don’t miss the fried cheese curds — from a bar that looks like a converted shipping container.

If You Go

Klamath Trails Alliance: Find a wealth of information and detailed trail maps for off-road biking areas in and around Klamath Falls at klamathtrails.org.