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Was about a 7 mile ride round trip from Mosby creek trailhead to Dorena lake and back . It is completely paved but there were areas where a horse can comfortably walk on the grass next to the trail . Yummy apple trees adorn the trail side to compete with you for your horses attention . Rode down to the water carefully avoiding the wet spots (slippery mud) . Let the horses drink a bit from the rocky dry part . It was pretty neat to see the huge dam and lake . Only one boat was out becuase it was freakin hot and Smokey - but still beautiful . One of those trails that u wouldn’t necessarily seek out unless u live near it - but if u have to go to the neighborhood for some reason might as well saddle up ! There are a lot of bikes and most just zip by - with no understanding to be cautious of the horses . But that’s ok . It works !
Parking for this trail is convenient and free at the public lot on B and 2nd St. by the skate park. The trail is all paved, well traveled, mostly flat, and only has a few minor hills. You do have to cross some streets, but the trail is designated, cared for, and safe. There was a small homeless camp in the first field we passed, but no one bothered us. The park is pretty and there was even a beaver running around munching on grass, not bothered in the least by all the passers-by stopping to photograph it. The trail also goes through some pretty residential areas. The only bumpy part was near the park, where some of the roots of the bigger trees are buckling the asphalt. It was hot, but everyone was friendly (walkers, joggers, and cyclists alike), and everyone was courteous with the space. We will definitely take this ride again.
My wife and I, along with our 4 month old labradoodle, did this ride and are grateful we took Diane's advice from her prior post. Start in Sunriver and ride up the hill to the Lava Lands visitor center as Diane posted. Our puppy was able to trot along side my wife's recumbent trike for the first 2.5 miles. Afterwards, he rode comfortably in our dog trailer. The trail is plenty wide and well maintained. There are mile markers throughout and great signage to ensure the rider is heading the correct direction. There are pullouts if needed. No water or restroom stops until you make it to the Lava Lands visitor center. None at the Sunriver location. The Lava Lands Park Ranger was kind enough to allow my wife to stay on her bike due to her disability. This kind gestured allowed us to check out one of the walking trails. There is also a trail that leads to a waterfall and one that leads to the top of the Lava dome. We highly suggest taking the time to explore this bike trail and the many walking trails at the top.
There is a slight downhill slope on the way towards campus so be aware if you're a newbie rollerskater.
I rode my gravel bike from the banks trailhead and the path is plenty doable up until around 4.6mi in. At that point it starts getting pretty rough, but it’s a nice fun path otherwise, friendly for all types (there were plenty of families & kids scattered around the first chunk of the path). Parking is quite limited & tight, so plan ahead carefully!
I rode the full 45 miles from Banks Bike shop where I rented an old, heavy mountain bike (the best they had). This trail is not for road bikes or old, heave mountain bikes. You will want a gravel bike or cyclocross at the least. Best option is a new hard tail mountain bike.
Most of the trail is smooth paved but there are several areas of rough terrain. There are big holes usually in the middle of the trail with a painted circle around them. Also tree roots have pushed the path up in several locations. The edges of the bridges where their wooden floor touches the asphalt have a considerable dip in the asphalt so you'll have to jump these sections.
About 3 miles outside of Banks there is a 2% grade for about 10 miles. Alternating between 1% and 2%. It gives you time to enjoy the scenery! Recommend walking the switchbacks if you have rim brakes. Good luck on their climbs as a few sections range from 8% - 12% There is a repair stand near the 12 mile mark. I didn't see anywhere to refill water but I also didn't stop for the restrooms, maybe it's there.
Had a fun time cruising this trail. In some parts there are quite a few homeless people which is a side of the city some people might find uncomfortable. Also you are close to the freeway the whole time. Positives are it’s an easy trail that even kids can do that goes a long way. The creek is beautiful and there are some nice natural areas all along the trail. I will do it again for sure.
Enjoyed this trail from beginning to end. Well maintained with beautiful views of wooded hillsides, covered bridges, old barns, river, flowers, farmland, and the lake. Stayed in Schwarz Park campground about MP 6 of the trail. Accessed the trail about 1/2 mile from campground. First day rode from camp to top end of trail around the lake and up through the farmlands. Second day from camp to town for coffee and baked goodies at the brewery. Afternoons spent exploring the wineries. Very much enjoyed this trail.
This ride will never be in the Rails-to-Trails Hall of Fame, but if you like a bit of an adventure, and can tolerate a wide variety of settings over a short period of time, give it a go!
I rode the length of the trail, starting and ending in Boring, and extended the ride a bit by crossing over the Willamette to Portland using the Iron Bridge.
Boring to Gresham, lush and green, few streets, very pleasant. About 7 miles in toward Portland, the side effects of America's struggle to provide adequate housing for those that desire it begin to show up: abandoned shopping carts, piles of trash, burn piles. The homeless camps from Mile 13 into about Mile 9 are ramshackle, creative, and sometime surprisingly high tech. Look close, and listen, and you'll see solar panels, hear generators running, and see discarded propane tanks. At no point did I encounter any hostility or aggression from the camp dwellers.
A bit farther down the trail (mile 8ish?) there is a discontinuity in the trail, and for possibly a mile you follow a tree-lined city street. If there were signs, I missed them, and was grateful to a bicycle riding couple that got me back on track.
Back on the path, a nice run into Portland, with a very pleasant section that parallels the river, popular with walkers, runners, bikers, twisting along the shoreline, dipping down for a bit onto a very cool pontoon supported metal pathway that is designed to adjust itself for changes in river level. There is one more on the street section here, but it is well marked/signed.
Turn around, head back, mild grade to climb, gaining maybe 600 feet over 15ish miles. Not hard. The street crossings come and go, and do require both caution and patience. With my slight extension to the other side of the river, 47 mies roundtrip.
So..excellent ride to cross off on your Rails-to-Trails list. Best approached with curiosity, patience, and acceptance of life styles that do not resemble your own. Didn't see many kids (some, but not many), and between the fairly heavy human traffic (skate boarders, in-line skaters, runners, walkers, etc.), the frequent street crossings and the sections that are impressively trashed out, I can see why many parents would choose a tamer adventure. Glad I did it (really!), don't feel the need to do it again any time soon.
I rode the trail from Klamath Falls almost to Dairy. The paved portion was OK. The road crossings have crosswalk lights at some, and you have to yield at others. The cinder portion of the trail was awful. I have ridden on about twenty rail to trail paths around the country, and the cinder portion of this trail was the worst, loose and bumpy. I was riding a cyclocross bike with 33mm slightly knobby tires. A mountain bike with knobby fat tires would have been better, but probably not fun.
Overall a good short ride — there’s parking at both sides of the trail. Be sure to watch out for dogs & walkers who may not hear/be responsive to your calls — especially right around the aquarium, where they tend to bunch up. The aquarium itself is worth a quick visit, if you have the time, too!
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