Bike Paths & Hiking Trails
From OSU Wiki
Introduction
Corvallis is a small community of 50K where you can enjoy the city, country and a plethora of outdoor activities. One of my favorites is biking. Corvallis has over 60 miles of bicycle paths within the community and outside the city region. Thirteen miles of walking/bicycling paths surround the city, offering an array of scenery and diverse landscapes that are safely tucked away from motorized traffic and other hazards. --Wurstert 19:28, 10 April 2006 (PDT)
Preparations for your journey
Notice:
Traveling on backcountry trails can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these dangers and taking necessary precautions. Before heading out please obtain a current guidebook and proper equipment for your adventure. This will insure a safe, enjoyable trek.--Wurstert 18:55, 18 April 2006 (PDT)
Please Be Respectful
Most trail management wants to keep the bikes on high use trails shared by horses and hikers. Often this leads to a high density of user groups in small areas. Conflicts and trail damage result from this high density useage. You will also find elderly hiking up the trails. Please be nice to the other user groups and don't ride too fast on these marked trails. You are at risk of hitting hikers or spooking horses as you wind and meander down the trails... You will feel the tension with other users if you are mountain biking.
Preparing yourself physically for Hiking: Consider your feet, legs and lungs
To get prepared for any physical activity requires a certain amount of preparing your body for the new challenges. Jogging, running and walking are the best ways to work on your overall fitness level and at the same time, preparing your legs and feet for the potentially tough trails ahead. If possible, run on steep inclines which will dramatically increase the intensity of your workout and will prepare your feet, ankles, and knees for the different surfaces and inclines you will encounter during your hike. Mix your backpack practice with intensive uphill/downhill running. ABC's of Hiking (More Inf)
Preparing yourself For Biking:
Many of the same preparations for hiking will indeed be factors to consider for biking as well, but other precautions need to be taken. Never ride into the backcountry of these trails without the proper protective gear. Many trails are much more technical than some might expect and warning signs do not exist. You can ride several miles into these trails through the mountains and falt tires are not cool. Always bring a tire patch kit and pump for these unfortunate incedences. Make sure you bike is functioning properl, especially your tires and brakes. Unmarkeb obstacles to exist and trails can be very steep.Preparations Checklist
Poison Oak
Avoid contact with Poison oak! Poison oak leaves and berries contain a chemical called urushiol. Urushiol is an irritating chemical that results in an itchy rash. Try to avoid the plant, and protect yourself by wearing long clothing.
Poison oak grows as a vine, a shrub or a bush. The images to the right are example of Poison oak plants. The easiest way to identify the plant is by the three-leaf structure and the shiny texture. The leaflets turn to red in the fall. In the winter, watch for poison oak with its tan slender twigs and naked buds. Review this website for additional images of Poison Oak and Poison Ivy Poison Oak and Poison Ivy images
If you come in contact with Poison Oak, there is time to prevent a rash. Remove plant oil from skin as soon as possible by washing with products such as Fels Naptha or Tecnu (do not scrub affected skin). Some people suggest using laundry detergent or dishsoap to remove poison oak oils. If rash starts, do not use hot water on skin and do not scratch infected area. Do not rub your eyes or touch other areas of your body. End of Disclaimers ;-)
Some people say spraying hairspray on your arms and legs before coming in contact with poison oak can help prevent breaking out in a rash. Use caution, however, strong fragrances in hairspray could also attract bees or other annoying insects.
And don't forget...
Bringing lot of water, taking a few simple precautions and doing a little preplanning will insure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure - HAVE FUN!
Trails and Bike Paths Unique to Corvallis
McDonald Forest Hiking Area
McDonald Research Forest is 7000 acrea and supports the OSU College of Forestry by providing a living laboratory for both research and education. Many of the trails are multiple-use and are open year or seasonal. Seasonal trails are only open April 15th through October 31st. Please respect this property by following all the posted signs and closures.
For more information call 737-4452 or check the web at OSU COF
- McDonald Forest
- Another McDonald-Dunn Forest Website
- Acquisition of McDonald-Dunn Forests
- Map of MacDonald Forest Trails
Alpha Trail (Multiple-Use Trail)
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Dan's Trail (Multiple-Use Trail)
Getting to Dan's Trail is not for the lazy. Enter McDonald Forest through the Oak Creek Rd. access. Ride up Patterson Rd. (aka Rd. 600) about 3 miles until it intersects Rd. 650. Continue up Rd. 650 until you get to Dimple Hill. Dan's Trail begins there - GOOD LUCK!
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Review
To get to the top of Dan's Trail (which is Dimple Hill) in my opinion is the hard part. I wouldn't go a far as saying it was anti-climatic but for a beginner riding to the top of Dimple Hill sure gave me the clue I'd better cut back on my beer drinking (at least the night before) and lose a few pounds. As far as Dan's Trail it is a fast singletrack trail with numerous switchbacks. I personally enjoyed the switch back and I made it a point to power slide each of them. Many jumps but not too technical. Dan's Trail is great for beginners and it is quite a workout riding all the way up dimple hill but it is worth it. Check it out. Watch out for the ocassional hiker hiking UP the trail. Make sure your take your camera since the view from the top of Dimple Hill is worth the ride to the top. --Wurstert 18:09, 18 May 2006 (PDT)
Extendo Trail(Multiple-Use Trail)
In my opinion, this is the heaviest foot traffic, horse, and mountain bike trail in the oak creek area. Mountain bikers should beware of uproute hikers. They get pretty mad when a biker comes flying around a corner at them. This trail has it all, but if you want to ride fast, then other trails may be recommended. Probably a little over a mile on the road to the trail head, but not an easy climb on a bike. Round trip can be done in under an hour.
Extendo is by far one of the fastest trails but technical trails in the area. At the head of the trail you encounter ups and downs, basic climbs, at about 1/2mile into the trial it starts to go down hill all the way. No more climbs. As you come around a bend you will see that the trail switchbacks for quite a ways. After the first switch back there is a fun opportunity to pull a little stunt. There is a tree that is splint in a Y type shape, and if you hit it right, you can jume through the tree. BE CAREFUL TO NOT CLIP YOUR HANDLEBARS. This trail is very beautiful, very dense landscape, just an all around great trail for those who want a rush. Also trail is deceivingly slippery when wet.ALSO SEE ALIEN TRAIL
Homestead Trail(Multiple-Use Trail)
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Horse Trail(Multiple-Use Trail)
The best way to get to horse trail would be to park at either Chip Ross Park or Jackson Creek. The is a moderate climb that is under a mile and a nice leisurely bike ride. Lots of horses hence, the name, so beware not to spook them on your decent. The trail head is 3/4 of the way up to Dan's Trail from Jackson Creek.
Lower Horse Trail(Multiple-Use Trail)
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Peavy Arboretum Area
South Slide Slip
This trail is acccessible from the Oak Creek parking area. Compared to most of the other trails in the immediate area, this one is very technical. The climb to the top of this trail is two plus miles and very steep. Only experienced mountain bikers should attempt to charge this trail. Huge ruts, boulders, drops, and logs in the trail is what you can expect to encounter. Not to mention the steepness. I ride this trail only when I feel like a real challenge. Hiking south side slip would be more recommended and the scenery is beautiful.
Peavy Arboretum (actually OSU Peavy Arboretum) is about 8 miles north of Corvallis on Hwy 99W. The Arboretum is a popular gateway to explore the further reaches of McDonald Forest and has provided an outdoor teaching lab for generations of both children and adults. Its history is rich, with ancient Native American sites, the home of the original Oregon State Forest Nursery, as well as the site of a Civilian Conservation Corp camp in the 1930's. Currently, the Arboretum houses the College Forest field office and staff. Arboretum maintenance is funded entirely by the College of Forestry from revenues derived from sale of timber by the College Forests. Taken directly from www.cof.orst.edu/cf/forests/arboretum/ website OSU College of Forestry Peavy Arboretum Website
Sulphur Springs Trail
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I explored this trail just recently. The signage on this trail is really terrible. We never quite knew where we were going. Really pretty though for a nice relaxing walk, but for those of you that want to feel like you are getting somewhere... skip this one.
Uproute Trail(Multiple-Use Trail)
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Bald Hill Bike Path
This is a great path for walkers, runners, and cyclists. Also for runners there is a softer dirt path right next to the actual concrete path that makes it easier on your legs. You can start on 53rd and follow the path all the way around or you could turn by the barn and head up in to the trails off to bald hill. There is something for beginners or for the experienced also.
For the experienced ones Bald Hill Bike Path and The Covered Bridge meet up. Just follow the Covered Bridge Path across 53rd and follow the sidewalk along and you will meet up with Bald Hill. It is a great and very scenic run.
A fun path to take is to basically go down the path that you walk up to get to bald hill. Be careful if you want to go fast cause the trail narrows up every once in a while. It is just basic swtich backs, can be very slippery when wet.
Irish Bend Bike Path
This is a great path to ride your bike or go for a jog on a sunny day. It is really close to the Oregon State campus making it really convenient for all of the students. It's also an ideal place to go to if you're on a tight schedule but would like to exercise, because it isn't a very long trail and you can easily trek the entire path in an hour or less.
Jackson Fraiser Wetland
This is a great area for off-campus students that live on the north side of Corvallis to hike on. It's located not to far off of Conifer Boulevard and there's adequate parking for many cars. The scenery is a site to see, as you get a great view of the hills to the west and all of the shrubbery surrounding the trail is unique. The boardwalk, on which you walk, is also something you don't see very often and adds to the wonderful environment.
Adair Lewisburg Saddle Loop
This trail is a little ways outside of the city, but isn't too far away to not visit. It's right off Highway 99 just north of Corvallis and is really easy to find. Although there isn't a whole lot of parking on site, it's usually enough for all of the hikers and bikers. This is a nice trail to hike when you really want to get away and avoid all of the city noises.
From the orange gate off of Hwy 99 W you will start long gradule uphill climb on the 540 road past Cronemiller Lake where you pick up the 500 road. Follow this road up a steeper climp to the summit or junction of the 500, 560 and 580 road. At this point take the 580 or Davies road which goes up and down past the swim hole and up to the Lewisburg Saddle where there is another orange gate and port-a-john. At this point you pick back up the 500 or Nettleton road and follow it up to the summit junction of the 500 and 5010 road. Stay left and follow the 500 road back down to the 500, 560 and 580 road junction, then left on the 500 road and follow the road back down past the lake and back to your car. Total climbing gain is approx. 1470 ft.
Mary's River Natural Area
This is a great boardwalk off Brooklane drive. There is a gravel parking lot to park and also some other trails that go to a small River. Dogs are welcome they just ask that you clean up after them. To get there from campus follow 26th street toward south town and across the highway. Follow a curvy road for about a mile and you will see a gravel parking lot off to your left.
Davies Nettleton Loop
At the trailhead, you have the option of two ways to take this loop hike. Either way is okay, and will meet the other and then loop back. The gravel road on the left is Davies Road (580) and the one on the right is Nettleton Road (500). Going left takes you down hill first, then on a long sustatined up hill climb until you head down at the junction of 510 (stay right on 500). Going right first will give you a sustained up hill hike, then a very long downhill effort, then a climb up to finish. The roads are open to the public as long as you stay on them or official marked trails.
Alien Trail
The begining of alien trail is very close to extendo's begining as well. Bike past extendo's begining, and head to the gravel road and take a left. Go about 50yards up the road and the trail Entrance is on the right. It is kind of hidden cause it goes right down into the run. This trail is very technical. There are some parts where you can get going really fast, but I would slow down for the first time. There are a lot of turns and tree dodges that you have to make. Also some parts are very steep, so make sure you get back on that back tire. Most of this trails begining is downhill, but after you cross a fallen tree bridge it is a climb. Make sure that when you climb you stick to the left. There will be some trails that deviate from the trail. As long as you just keep going up you will be fine. After a while you will hit the same gravel road that you began on. Take a right and the road will go down hill, take your next right and start to climb. This gravel road will connect you back up to extendo. I would want a good workout and an advance ride, climb to extendo, take alien trail, climb up the gravel road and take extendo. Extendo is a good cool down, and a relief for the whole ride. All in all, this trail is very technical, and if it is your first time riding, I would suggest going slow. There are many sharp quick turns that you need to make in order to not hit trees and other objects.
Trails in Oregon
Angels Rest
Angels Rest is located by the Vista House along the gorge. It is about a 30 minute drive from Portland and is located just off of Interstate 84. At the top of this hike, the view is very similar to that of the Vista house. Angels Rest is a trail located along the Columbia River Gorge. The trail is approximately 4.4 miles long (Down and Back) and has a moderate level of difficulty. At the top of the climb you reach a path overlooking The Columbia River and Washington. Angels Rest is best to do in the late spring or summer, because if the trail gets wet it can be difficult. This hike is especially beautiful in the evening as you can catch a great view of the sunset, and stay up there until dark to look at the stars. Although this particular path is heavily wooded on the way up, there are views on your climb that over look the river, keeping you motivated to continue on. Having such a high altitude, you are away from all unnatural light, and you are able to look at the sky with great clarity. If you like outdoors, or are looking to give hiking a try, you have to check this out, it is absolutely incredible. As this is not a state park, the trail is a little more adventurous, as there are streams to climb over, and just more places to get yourself into an adventure. If you do decide to do this, it is a good idea to bring a flashlight, and some snacks to keep your energy up. Bringing water is an absolute must on any hike, especially this one. Remember that when you are out on this type of hike, you are far from the city and are secluded, so if something were to happen emergency response would not be there as immediate as you might hope. If you are looking for a good date idea for your girlfriend, this is a great idea. It is outdoorsy and romantic at the same time. There is a bunch of space to hang out at the top of the hill.
Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls is located off of highway 214 and is the largest state park in Oregon. Silver Falls State park is a beautiful set of trails. This hike showcases more then 10 waterfalls. The great thing about this particular hike is that you can choose to go on a variety of distances. They have trails running from one to nine miles long depending on how much time you have to look around. These trails have a moderate difficulty level, and can be hilly at times. If you are only looking for a short hike it should be relatively simple. This hike is good just about any time of year, as I have been in the summer time and in the winter time. The rain makes it a little more chilly, but still worth it. Another benefit of this trail is that if you are unable to walk far, there is one of the biggest of the more then ten waterfalls that is about 1/10 of a mile walk. I think the best think about the trail is that you are actually able to walk underneath the waterfall. It is absolutely incredible, the water fall you can do this on thunders down water, and is probably about 30 feet wide. If it is a cool day, be sure to bring a jacket as you get pounded with mist from the fall. There is no need to be nervous about falling thought as there is a high hand rail all the way around the underside of the waterfall. One of the good things about going to a state park is that everything is taken care of very well, and the safety standards are high. Be sure to bring your camera and snacks as this trail will be beautiful and tiring at the same time.
Silver Falls State park also has a bike trail. I am not too familiar with it, as I have never been on the bicycle tail, but if you are like bike trails, I know there is one that goes right around the State Park. The trail is about four miles and goes through a very scenic area. I think that it would be a good idea to maybe do the bicycle trail, and if still not satisfied you can go on a little hike.
Black Rock
For the more adventeous mountain bike rider Black Rock is the place to be. Located in Falls City just outside Dallas,OR, Black Rock has "downhill" trails with jumps, drops, berms, single track, and more for all levels of skill. The trails have signs indicating difficulty like ski resorts and alternate routes around obstacles for saftey. Riding to the top of the mountain will get you winded, so an alternative is at the base of the trail called basic trianing. Basic Training requires very little up hill riding and many jumps and techincal obstacles at a wide range in diffculty to build up riding skills. Highly recomended for any skill level.
