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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.
Beautiful and diverse trail. My favorite so far. Loved seeing Dorena Lake about mid way
I'd give this short hike a 5, but it was poorly marked. That being said - I highly doubt you'll get lost. A real jewel, just outside the city of Corvallis. You can stay on the paved trail out in the meadows, or take a somewhat steep side trail through the gorgeous oaks and pines. and get a quick 20 minute cardio fix. There are flowers in the open fields and in the summer, abundant blackberries along the trail. You'll emerge from the thick woods at the top of hill, which is truly bald - e.g., a few beautiful oaks, and just lovely grass and fields of Queen Anne's Lace. It's a must to take a break on the well maintained bench at the top that looks over an incredible hilly view that's reminiscent of the Scottish moors.
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.
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
This trail is exemplary of why I love rails to trails. Beautiful grade, paved, no cars and much of the trail is though a tree covered corridor.
8-22-2015 we had planned to start the ride at Culp Creek believing we had 17 miles in front of us (The reality is the trail is 15.5). Our plan was to ride to Cottage Grove have a nice lunch and those who were inclined to ride back to the trial head of Culp Creek, with others staying in Cottage Grove or riding back to Campground.
There is automobile access all along the trail, which is nice because when you are on a trail without access for great distances (Say over 10 miles) I start getting nervous.
The ride west is slightly downhill, and very enjoyable. Our ride was with friends who are more interested in the experience than the ride. I joked we would stop and explore anything shiny. This pace doesn't get you from A to B the fastest, but provides a chance to get to know each other better.
This trail is in excellent shape and improvements would be hard to imagine until I came to a "Detour sign." Having been a former Locomotive Engineer one thing I loathe is "at grade" RR crossings. We were detouring around an underpass currently under construction for the path to pass peacefully under the road. It is beautiful!
What a great Trail 15.5 miles of pure Bliss
I biked here from Benton County Fairground via downtown Corvallis. The path meandered through baseball fields, soccer fields, a kids playground, the wastewater treatment plant, and then by a very cool neighborhood. Coming back, I took some dirt routes and found a great place to hang out by the river. I suspect there are lots of places like that to discover. This path veers off in a lot of different directions. You could spend all day here exploring.
It has been more than 20 years since I last visited the drainage that carries a water supply to the small city of Cottage Grove. When I was in college the Row River was my motorcycle stomping ground. Wildwood Falls was my swimming hole and and a little known spot on a tributary creek to the Row was a great place to go skinny dipping.
Then you get a job, a wife, money, moves to other cities, etc, and you find it has been too long since you connected with the beauty of a Cascade foothills paradise.
Ecousins sister decided it had been too long since she spent time in the saddle, and organized a trip for her family, my family, and another to ride the Row river trail. She booked us at a large campground (Shwarz CG)just below Dorena lake Dam, and we were on board.
It should be known that this campground has a lot of rules. And a lot of patrolling. Alcohol is not allowed, so put your beverage of choice in a different container when out of sight of the ranger and you are good to go. Also, there are no electrical hook-ups for RV's and generator shut off hours are 10-6.
This was important to us because a couple of folks in our mix use CPAP machines and needed overnight power. They were approached by the ranger the first night, and explained their circumstance. They were allowed to stay, but the host called the police the next day, and they were forced to leave. For as nice as the park was, one would think they could go the extra mile and power up a few RV pads. I don't mind sleeping in a tent, but I am only 43. Older folks and folks with health concerns who RV camp should consider the RV park down the road. The bathrooms were immaculate, but closed from 5:30 to 6:15 am for cleaning so if you are an early riser keep this in mind.
The ride...
We somehow got the first 9 people in our group out of the park by 8:30 am after a night of party and reunion and a hearty breakfast. We drove the bikes up to Culp Creek Trailhead where the pavement begins at the east end of this liquid smooth trail. The gentle, consistent railroad grade was perfect for 3 generations of riders to effortlessly roll the 15.7 miles down to Cottage Grove. As you pedal along past old timber industry relics and the worker housing that helped build our nation, a deep sense of how incredibly different the world is today than it was 100 years ago.
I wont get too descriptive of the visuals...you'll just have to ride it for yourself and decide for yourself how you feel about it. I personally love disintegration and dilapidation--watching nature take over the neglect of humanity.
My wife and kid had agreed to meet us down the trail, and a new friend, and his wife and kid had agreed to meet Ecousin down the trail a bit too. We managed to meet all of them. Amazing. Now we were 12 riders, and two support crew. We made it to Cottage Grove for a great lunch at Busters Main Street Cafe.
With full bellies we split up our group. Some stayed to shop in the beautiful downtown historic district, some of rode back up the trip to a famous covered bridge and then back to the camp. Ecousin, Dan and I kept rolling back to The upper trailhead. I felt a little bad about my contribution in this section because I started going a bit fast. I am a cadence guy, and my newly remodeled road bike was outperforming Dan's city bike and Ecousins mountain bike I did stop and wait a couple of times, but it just felt so good to be moving up the grade at the pace I was going.
Back at the car we loaded up and drove back to camp, but not without checking out another fascinating covered bridge. These things are marvels. If you ride this trail I highly recommend taking the time to investigate their construction.
Back at camp we regrouped and used three dutch ovens to make an interesting meal for everyone called "Milk Can Supper" Brats, potatoes, green beans, peppers, corn, onions, beer, garlic, salt...good. Finish with a slice of watermelon.
Responsible adults went to bed, but a few of us stayed up to party a while longer. Nothing like the glow of new friendships and euphoria of a fun ride complete. Ecousin and I struck out to the top of the dam around midnight and walked another 4 mile loop from there back to camp along the berm and Row River road. I woke up at 6 and got My families' bikes up on the racks.
In good time several sleepy children and spouses surfaced. We left the camp immaculate and descended to Cottage Grove for breakfast. I was tearing up a bit for the thought that another summer reunion has come and gone. Next year the kids will be bigger, the grandparents less agile, and I'll be...let's just hope I'll still be. Mid 40's are bittersweet.
After breakfast we parted ways. Ecousin to the north, and my family lit out for Gold Beach. We decided it was best to see the ocean and escape the smoke of a fiery Oregon summer for a couple of days.
I had considered taking my ten year old daughter up to Wildwood falls, but perhaps that can wait for another year. I don't want to give my wife a heart attack. My fearless daughter would want to cliff jump and swim under the waterfalls, and maybe she is still a little young for that.
A mellow walk on the beautiful driftwood littered beach was a sound choice, and nice cap to a fun weekend of riding with friends. We returned through the Jedediah Smith Redwoods, and made it back to Klamath Falls in time to get the car unpacked, before the sun went down.
We rode this trail on June 22, it was quite busy for a weekday. However, it is near the university and I suspect used by students and facility. The trail is in good condition. However, it has a number of spurs and it could use better directional information. However, it was an enjoyable ride.
A good restaurant, called McMenamins North Bank is on the north side of the river and we strongly recommend it.
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