Trail very scenic in sections not far from Cottage Grovre,, but narrows to to 8’ around 8 miles out. There are also gravel sections along the last 10 miles, and trail is closed in some areas.. many road crossings

My husband and I rode this trail recently from Cottage Grove to about the 7 mile marker, but at that point the trail was closed due to a very large sink hole further on. We could have gone on the road for approximately 2 miles and then returned to the trail, but chose not to do so because the road is used by logging trucks. This was disappointing because the trail is beautiful and in very well maintained.

We cycled a portion of this trail. We parked at a small trailhead around MM7 on Row River Road which had room for about six cars. If you look at a trail map, I believe the trailhead was called Row Point although there was no sign at the trailhead. Some sections of the trail had quite a few root heaves especially at the start of our ride. However, the damage was marked with yellow paint and did not cause any problems.

On this section of the trail, you cycle in and out of shade and have great views of Dorena Lake. The trail is very flat and is a good one for families. Along the way, there is a vault toilet at Harms Park trailhead and at the end of the trail at Culp Creek. There are a few picnic tables and benches along the trail near the lake.

The trail ends abruptly at Culp Creek where we turned around and headed back to the car. I would highly recommend this very scenic portion of the trail.

While I love experiencing the various trails around the country, this is one of the best. You can just really ride (even fast) for a long time, versus having to stop for many street crossings. The scenery is very pretty, especially around the lake. It is well marked and easy to get to. The trail is maintained well, plenty wide for passing, and over-all a total joy! I rode it 2 days in a row before we moved on to our next adventure. Enjoy!

Beautiful and diverse trail. My favorite so far. Loved seeing Dorena Lake about mid way

We love this trail. We try to ride it every time we come from Southern California to visit family in the Northwest. There is lots of variety and great scenery. Starting in Cottage Grove it doesn't hurt that it's mostly downhill on the way back.

There was more damage this year than before but nearly all the damage was clearly marked.

If you are camping, check out Schwartz Campground. It is nice and only about a half mile from the trail.

This trail is not worth your time to go. Parking is limited. Grades are very steep. Grass growing up through cracks. Tree roots lifting trail. Very narrow. Nothing nice about this trail at all

Mid winter, mid week ride on a wonderful trail. Trail hazards are marked so clearly that they are impossible to miss, only a handful are unavoidable and those are easily traversed by slowing down just a little bit. Most are areas of pavement heaved up by the many trees along the trail. The shade along the upper half of the trail makes this a very good summer ride.

Like many shaded Western Oregon trail there is some moss that grows along the edges of the trail, but 95% of the trail surface is clean pavement. Like most converted rail lines the grades are manageable by even small children and the road crossings have clear sight paths to enhance the safety at these crossings. Due to log truck traffic one or two do require some caution at the crossing.

Hats off to the trail managers for the upkeep, the clear hazard warnings, and facilities along the trail.

I felt the narsacistic need to add a second post because I have a huge ego and anthropology background. Ecousin made a great point concerning the concept of "friendship" and how Rails to Trails fosters relationships. Anyone looking to improve relationships with family and friends should consider this trail as an activity that can result in higher quality of relationships.

For me the best part of the trip was communicating with three generations of people. I split my time between talking with the kids, the Gen-x-ers, the Baby-Boomers, and the circus that is my brain when I am not interacting with other people.

Ecousin made that point very clear. As you ride this trail, especially if you go as a large group, watch your pace. You can find out a child's deepest fear by riding along side them and simply asking questions. No need to sit down and have a "serious" talk. The distraction of the forest canopy and cadence of the ride is enough for those kids to release concerns they keep repressed, and for any parent this is a tool of health for the child as well as yourself.

Likewise, the older generation are fun to ride with. They give me the sense that things are going to be OK for my daughter and the other kids on the ride.

Rails to trails provides a venue for communication between generations of people.

Peace and Love, Carmenza