Warning, it can be hot. Ride early and take lots of water (3-4 liters per person). There is no shade and the afternoon sun creates a furnace in the canyon.
We (myself, wife, kids 15,13,11--all on front suspension hybrid bikes) rode 26 miles without any problems. The road surface is mostly packed small gravel with some washboard areas that can be avoided by riding toward the center of the road. We were told the road runs out around mile 17.
Great sights along the way include the rocky cliffs, boxcars, homestead, watertower, large birds and snakes. The river beckons but it generally too hard to get to. Beware of rattle snakes but enjoy!
7/28/11

Some sections of this railroad grade are infested with a weed called Puncture Vine or Goat Head. In the fall this plant produces sharp seeds which puncture bicycle tires and ruin both tires and tubes. This is a noxious weed and each infestation encountered should be reported to the Bureau of Land Management in Prinville Oregon. This weed cost me two tires and tubes and a long push out on Oct 20, 2009.

"This trail is still firmly in the ""it's got potential"" category. On many other rails to trails rides that I've been on, there was a bit of romance to riding on a railroad bed that had been resurfaced. This particular railroad bed is little more than a well used and quite washboarded double track road. Between the corrugated surface and long stretches of dirt mixed with chunky volcanic rock, it's a 35 (GPS measured) mile long bone-shaker of an expedition. Don't even THINK about doing it with a regular street bike. I have a dual suspension quality mountain bike, and I still took a beating. It didn't help that the ambient temperature was over 105. I'd suggest that you make the trip out to the abandoned station houses/ranch house, going past that point (around mile 12) nets you nothing but more rocky going. Bring lots of water (I went through a full half gallon), don't bring kids unless you wish to have your folly brought up at every future family reunion."

"This trail is a must for history buffs who like a taste of the outdoors. Along the trail are two old wooden box cars and two trestles. The trail was re-graveled and compacted in September '04 to about mile 7. At mile 11, there is an abandoned station that is in remarkable shape. Inside is the original sofa, icebox, stove, fireplace, and other furnishings from 1935 when the line was abandoned. At mile 12, the water tower used to refill steam locomtives is still standing. Truly an awesome trail."

"This trail is a favorite of ours. We did 28 miles (round trip) this spring 2003. I had my 7-year-old on a hitch-hiker attached to my mountain bike. It took us about seven hours total with plenty of stops.

The trail is bumpy, rocky, windy, dry and rugged with spectacular views. Check out the abandoned cattle ranch about 11 miles out. Watch out for rattle snakes!"

"Good trail, not for the novice. Kinda' bumpy and rocky in spots. Dry and dusty in the hot months. It's nice having the great river with ample swimming opportunities. Try spring or mid-fall when the temperature is better and people are less frequent.

Nice views. CLEAN air! Worth a look if you want a semi-challenging ride."

"Since this former rail line is not a paved trail it is not ""kid-friendly."" Even the older kids have problems going more than a few miles on the trail since it is not maintained with gravel, but a lot of rocks. It makes for a very rough, bumpy ride.

I really like the view of the river and the countryside. There is a box car along the route, which is a nice touch. I just wished that this trail was better maintained."

"Enjoyable bike ride when the weather is not hot. Hard packed gravel,low use during a weekday, spring/01. Carry water."