* Take a left at the first trail intersection. To the right is Gold Lake.
The first few miles of this ride are a steady uphill climb on harpacked soil through beautiful pine forest. There are some water crossings and shallow mud holes to begin with, then the rest of the ride is dry.
After gaining several hundred feet in elevation on Gold Lake Trail, you reach the Bobby Lake Trail. Turn right here and continue on to the Pacific Crest Trail. You'll have to dismount and walk your bike for a hundred feet of so here to the left. Regain the trail to Bobby lake on the right and enjoy the awesome rollercoaster (with a few good jumps) for the last .25 miles or so.
The ride back is kick in the pants. It's a long, smooth, fast downhill run with just enough technical aspects to make it interesting. You'll be tempted to turn around and do it again! Or, go past the short connecter to the parking area, and continue down the trail a few hundred yards to Gold Lake.
The lake (Bobby) itself has a great swimming area and sunning rock. This entire region is known for mosquitoes and other insect pests--especially during the early summer--so go prepared.
Great XC ride; maybe the best in the PNW. Scenic run through a mature forest joining two beautiful lakes. Outgoing has plenty of climbing without being a grind. Spend some time at Bobby Lake, you could be the only human there and then enjoy the DH breeze back home. You'll hate to see the end. Entire ride is around 5,000' or higher elevation. It is a bit of a drive from Oakridge, but worth it.
| ThankIt is too open.
| ThankThe statement above is not accurate. These trails are indeed open to MTB. Only a very small section of the route is on the PCT. That's why the description advises you to dismount there. Please get your facts straight before posting here.
| ThankThese trails are not open to bikes. Both the Maiden Peak Trail and the PCT have prominent signage indicating as much. It is illegal to follow this route. The trails are not designed to handle wheels and both trails are heavily used by backpackers during the snow-free months. Breaking the rules does nothing to help our sport.
| Thank