OC&E Woods Line State Trail – this is Oregon’s longest linear park. This 100-mile trail is built on the old railbed of the Oregon, California and Eastern Railroad. The trail is open to all non-motorized recreation, beginning in the heart of Klamath Falls and extending east to Bly and north to the Sycan Marsh. The first 7.1 miles are paved; the remaining 88 miles of trail are less improved but still a great ride. Beautiful scenery abounds, with majestic Mt. Shasta rising to the south, plus farmland, juniper, sagebrush and timberlands, with highlights including Lost River and Merritt Creek Trestle. Camping is not allowed along the trail, except where designated. One such campground is at Switchback Trailhead (mile 32.5).

There is parking, picnic tables and restrooms at Sam Brown Campground where the trail begins. (541) 471-6500 for more information.

Travel from Merlin on the Merlin-Galice Road to access Bear Camp Road and the Trailhead, which is 20 miles up Bear Camp Road at Bear Camp Overlook. Bear Camp Trail is short and runs along Bear Camp Ridge, the highest portion of the Galice Ranger District. This trail offers spectacular views, a wide variety of wildflowers, and cool summertime biking. There is parking, picnic tables and restrooms at Bear Camp Overlook. (541) 476.3830 for more information.

Map location – T. 26 S., R. 3 W. The 16-mile Tioga segment is part of the 79-mile North Umpqua Trail managed by BLM and the Forest Service.

The trail circles Diamond Lake, which is called by many the “Gem of the Cascades.”

The Marina at Diamond Lake Resort rents from a fleet of “Diamond Back” mountain bikes. There is a paved 12-mile USFS bike path around the lake. For the more advanced back country dirt roads and single-track trails, ask the marina staff for directions to the best riding. Helmets are provided with each bike.

There is a wide variety of options. See description above.

Fremont Trail Systems
Cottonwood System
Miles: Approximately 7 miles (one way)
Parking: Cottonwood Trailhead and Cottonwood Creek Trailhead
Ranking: Family ride.

Cox Pass System
Miles: Approximately 6 miles (one way)
Parking: Junction of FS Roads 3625 and 011. Trailhead is in place.
Ranking: Family ride.

Vee Lake System
Miles: Approximately 4 miles (one way)
Parking: Vee Lake Trailhead and Swale Trailhead
Ranking: Experienced riders.

Bull Prairie System
Miles: Approximately 9 miles (round trip)
Parking: Walker Trailhead and Mud Creek Campground
Ranking: Family Ride.

Black Cap System
Miles: Approximately 10 miles (round trip)
Parking: Town of Lakeview
Ranking: Experienced riders.

Rogger Meadow System
Miles: Approximately 3 miles (round trip)
Parking: Rogger Meadow Trailhead
Ranking: Family ride.

Bullard Canyon System
Miles: Approximately 17 miles (round trip)
Parking: Town of Lakeview
Ranking: Experienced riders.

Crane Mountain System
Miles: 16 miles (round trip) including spur to California/Oregon border
Parking: End of gravel road 4011 and Deep Creek Campground
Ranking: Experienced riders.

The first 10 miles of this ride may be closed to all entry during fire season. Mountain bikes are not permitted off roads in the Mt. Ashland area.

This ride is one of the most popular among locals, looping through the National Forest above Ashland. Though not technically difficult, the ride is strenuous, with a total elevation gain of approximately 3,000 feet. The decomposed granite surface road is narrow, winding and often rutted. Bikers should control their speed of descent, and be especially watchful for oncoming cars and trucks. Carry sufficient water and a snack or lunch.

The Lithia Loop is predominantly within the Ashland Watershed, which is the source of the city’s water supply and special consideration should be given to its protection. The entire watershed may be closed to all entry during the mid-summer and fall when fire danger is high. No camping or campfires are allowed. Riders must stay on the roads. Use of the area is not recommended in rainy weather or when the soils are wet.

If you went left down the difficult route, take a right at the end of it to climb to the remainder of the trail. The first trail you come to is the most technical section of the trail. If you take it you will drop down to the –23.3 rd. If you pass on this trail and continue to climb up the road, look for the another trail on your left. If you hit any intersections, you went too far.

Once on the second section of trail (or third for those who took the alternate route), it will end on a road. Drop down the road, and look for the trail on your right side. This final section of trail splits in about .1 mi. The left route goes to the upper end of the -23.3 road. The right route is a fun old-growth descent to Axe Creek Road. Take a left on Axe Creek Road, which will shortly hit Big Creek Road. Take another left, returning to Jones Creek Road (on your left after a couple of miles).

For more information, trail conditions and maps contact: Coos Bay District BLM at (541)756-0100 or visit their website at www.or.blm.gov/coosbay/ or www.coostrails.com

From Myrtle Point, head east on Hwy 42. In approximately 9 mi., turn left onto Big Creek Rd. If you come to the small town of Bridge, you went too far. Follow Big Creek about 3 mi. and turn right onto Jones Creek Rd. #29-11-23.0. Park on the road prior to crossing the bridge. Head up Jones Creek Road and stay right on #29-11-23.1 at your first intersection. Go .8 mi. uphill to another fork in the road. Stay right and continue uphill. Bear left at the next two forks and you will enter Coquille Indian Tribal land (may be signed as such). Once the road levels off, look for a dirt road (actually the trail) on your left with some tank traps dug into it. The ride from the beginning of Jones Cr. Rd. to the trail is approximately 2.5 mi. Congratulations, you made it up the climb and now have some fun technical singletrack ahead!

From Roseburg, travel on Hwy 42 west heading toward Coquille and Coos Bay. About 9 miles prior to Myrtle Point you will go through the small town of Bridge. Take your first right after Bridge onto Big Creek Rd. Follow directions above from there.

The trail system is located in John Topits Park, centered on the natural beauty of two lakes and stabilized dunes. Along the trails are many viewing areas of the lakes with benches to sit and watch for wildlife. Trails are paved and wheelchair accessible. Several gravel and dirt trails go off from the main paved trails around the park.

There are five access points to John Topits Park, home to the Empire Lakes trail system. The park can be accessed on Lakeshore Drive by Stillwater Drive. The Middle Empire Lake access is located on Hull Street off Newmark Street. The Lower Empire Lake access is located on Morrison between Taylor and Harris as well as at the south end of Crocker. Upper Empire Lake (east) also borders Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC). The college has constructed a trail system that connects to the park and is available to the public.

Blacklock Point:

Head northwest on the trail paralleling the runway. Cross the stream and bear left as you intercept an unmarked path. The next intersection is marked with a signpost; turn left following the arrow to Blacklock Point. After winding around a few boggy areas you’ll turn left again at the next signpost and soon you’ll come to a camp under some big trees and just beyond this are the bluffs at Blacklock Point. To the right (south) is a trail leading down to the beach that continues for a mile to the Sixes River.

Waterfall/Floras Lake Trail:

From Blacklock Point, return to the last intersection and follow the Oregon Coast Trail north to Floras Lake. In about ten minutes you’ll reach a well-traveled side trail to the west, which leads to coastal bluffs and a 150- foot waterfall spilling down to the beach. Back on the main trail, you can return to the parking lot the way you came or continue on the Floras Lake trail and at the next junction, in about 0.5 mile, turn right (south) which will reconnect you to the trail you came in on. You can also continue on the Floras Lake trail to the lake (see Floras Lake description).

From Coos Bay head south on US 101 for 38 miles to Langlois. Continue south on US 101 approximately one mile and watch for signs to Floras Lake/Boice-Cope County Park. Continue on US 101 and about 3.5 miles after Floras Lake Loop Road, turn right (west) on Curry County Road #160, across from Pacific High School. Follow this road about 3 miles to the shut-down airfield (Cape Blanco Airport). Park by the airport gate, adjacent to the sign to Blacklock Point and the Oregon Coast Hiking Trail.