Can You Bicycle The Oregon Trail?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The Oregon Timber Trail is 670 miles of beautiful backcountry trails and landscapes through the state from California to the Columbia River Gorge.

It is a world-class bikepacking destination and North America’s premiere long-distance mountain bike route

.

Can you bike the Oregon Coast trail?


The Oregon Coast Bike Route, a 370-mile jaunt from border to border

, is one of the most spectacular stretches of road in the United States, displaying countless scenic panoramas, hitting legendary spots while also unveiling some hidden gems that are off the normal tourist path.

How long does it take to bike the Oregon timber trail?

Fremont Tier – 205 miles,

6-10 days

The Oregon Timber Trail aptly starts in the middle of nowhere on the California border. You’ll leave Oregon’s highest town and traverse the 150 mile Fremont National Recreation Trail.

Are bikes allowed on the Pacific Crest Trail?

The trail is for horse and foot traffic only;

all motorized vehicles and bicycles are prohibited

.

Can you hike the entire Oregon Trail?


The Trail is not a clearly marked nor continuous hiking trail

. Instead it is a corridor that passes through different states and land ownership. Visitors can follow segments of the original trail on public lands and approximate other sections by following the trail’s Auto Tour Routes.

Is it possible to drive the Oregon Trail?

The 2,000-mile Oregon Trail was used by pioneers headed west from Missouri to find fertile lands. Today,

travelers can follow the trail along Route 66 or Routes 2 and 30

.

How long does it take to ride the Timber Trail?

The track is 85 kms in length. Most riders choose to ride this over two days, with an overnight stay in the middle at one of the unique accommodation options.

Allow 5-7 hours per day of riding time

. The track is an adventure trail – but is well benched with a range of surfaces suitable for mountain bikes.

How long is the Oregon timber trail?

What is the Oregon Timber Trail? The Oregon Timber Trail is

670 miles

of beautiful backcountry trails and landscapes through the state from California to the Columbia River Gorge. It is a world-class bikepacking destination and North America’s premiere long-distance mountain bike route.

What is Oregon timber?

Oregon timber was once

the most popular type of building material for projects in Australia

. Also known as Douglas Fir, this versatile softwood was shipped in from North America in six-inch-thick slabs which could be between 12 and 24 inches wide.

Can you ride bikes on Oregon beaches?


The 19-mile Bandon Fat Bike Beach Ride

is full of rugged sea stacks; it connects to the 8.1-mile spectacularly scenic portion from Cape Blanco to Port Orford. Finally a bit further south in Gold Beach, the 10-mile Banana Belt Loop is a stunner, with tidepools and rivers galore.

Can you ride bicycles on Oregon beaches?


Traditional non motorized bicycles are however allowed on most Oregon Beaches

. Always check with Oregon State Parks, Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept, BLM, or US Forestry Dept to make sure it’s legal to ride a non motorized bike on the beach where you wish to ride, or for current rules and regulations.

Is salmonberry trail open?


The first half mile of the trail is now open in Tillamook

! We are still in the planning stages for trail development. The trail will probably be developed in small increments. Please Note: parts of the line are actively used by trains, and the portions that have been storm-damaged are too dangerous for public access.

Can you bike the Pacific Northwest trail?

Bicycling:

Bicycles are allowed where permitted by the local land manager

; bicycles are not permitted on the PNT in National Parks or Wilderness areas and may not be permitted in recommended wilderness. Check before you go.

Can you bike the Pacific Coast Highway?


Yes, you can cycle along the Pacific Coast Highway in the United States

.

Does the PCT go through Death Valley?


There is no direct connection from Pacific Crest Trail (Landmark) to Death Valley National Park

. However, you can take the drive to Redding airport, fly to Las Vegas, then take the drive to Death Valley National Park.

Can you walk the original Oregon Trail?

With 2,170 miles of the original route now in the hands of various private and public entities,

access to trail segments depends upon the permission of the land owner

. Some segments are open to the public for hiking and other means of recreation, while others are not.

Has anyone hiked the Oregon Trail?

Following the Oregon Trail looks a bit different than it did in 1843, but you’ll still be driving the same 2,000 miles our ancestors did. However,

travelers who want a truly authentic experience can still traverse the Oregon Trail as it was done in the mid-1800s, known as the Oregon National Historic Trail route.

Do people still walk the Oregon Trail?


In some places, the historic trail is a current modern-day hiking trail

. In others, it could be a modern-day asphalt road. Experiences vary, so please check with individual locations for more details.

Does I 80 follow the Oregon Trail?

Today

much of the Oregon Trail follows roughly along Interstate 80

from Wyoming to Grand Island, Nebraska.

What percentage of people died on the Oregon Trail?

It is estimated that

6-10%

of all emigrants of the trails succumbed to some form of illness. Of the estimated 350,000 who started the journey, disease may have claimed as many as 30,000 victims. Since the trail was 2,000 miles long, this would indicate that there was an average of 10-15 deaths per mile.

How can I play the Oregon Trail for free?


A website called Internet Archive has The Oregon Trail also available for free play

. From there, you can play online or plug in a gaming device for an even more authentic vintage experience.

Are Ebikes allowed on the Timber Trail?

What sort of bike do I need? The Timber Trail is a grade 2-3 trail, so you’ll need a mountain bike, ideally with front or full suspension. Some people have ridden the trail on gravel bikes, but it might be a rough ride.

You can hire bikes and ebikes when you book your biking packages with us

.

Can you do the Timber Trail in one day?


Attempting the full trail in a single day is only recommended for those with an above average level of fitness, good experience on the bike, and a bag load of snacks

. It’s a very long day in the saddle at 83 km in length, and includes over 1,200 m of vertical ascent.

How difficult is the Timber Trail?

Riding the trail

The Timber Trail is open all year around. Be prepared for adverse weather conditions at all times.

The first 4 km from Pureora is an easy flat gradient, but the trail then starts to climb

. The trail is graded intermediate (Grade 3) the rest of the way to Piropiro.

Where is Oregon timber trail?

The OTT at a Glance

Riders depart the California border and start their journey

north just outside of Lakeview

—the highest town in Oregon. Within the first ten miles the route crests 8,000 feet and continues north along the Fremont National Recreation Trail through little-traveled basin and range country.

How long does it take to Bikepack the Colorado Trail?

Thru-bikers should allow

15-20 days

for the trip. Supported trips can be done in even shorter time. Riding a mountain bike is a great way to travel the Trail, but riders are likely to have to push or carry their bikes through snow earlier in the season and on some of the steeper, rockier pitches.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.