Kings Valley Loop via Cardwell Hill

This ride is a hybrid of a road and off-road ride. It offers a great mix of rural paved highways with some rugged and steep gravel areas that are closed to motor vehicles. Beautiful scenery, especially along the Marys River in the gravel section. Kings Valley highway is hilly, with narrow shoulders and traffic can be fast. Best taken on weekends when traffic is light.

Starting from Central Park, ride west on Monroe Ave. Jog south at OSU campus and get on Campus Way heading west. Continue on Campus Way through OSU campus. Cross 53rd Street, where Campus Way will turn into the Midge Cramer path to Bald Hill (past the Benton County Fairgrounds). Take the Midge Cramer path to the T at the base of Bald Hill, then turn right. At the parking lot at the end of the Midge Cramer Path, exit and turn left on Oak Creek Dr.

Turn/veer left on Cardwell Hill Dr. The pavement will end after a bit and the road will get pretty steep. Continue on the gravel path past the parking area and gate. This area is open to pedestrians, equestrians and bicyclists. The gravel path gets quite steep in places and can be wet in winter and spring. Continue along the gravel path past the Fitton Green natural area, then along the Marys River.

Eventually you’ll come to gates on the west side; pass through two gates, travel through a parking area, then continue west on Cardwell Hill Drive (paved road). Turn right (north) on Kings Valley Highway (Highway 223). This beautiful, hilly road has no shoulder and can have fast traffic. Best traveled on Sunday mornings. Turn right (east) on Maxfield Creek Rd. Turn right (southeast) on Arlie Rd. Turn right (south) on Barry Creek Rd. The pavement will end after half a mile. The road changes name to Tampico Rd.

Turn right (southwest) on Soap Creek Rd. Stay to the left at the very sharp bend after a few miles (turning right, the pavement will end). Climb up the steep and twisting road to the Lewisburg Saddle. Continue downhill the other side (steep winding road!). Turn left (east) at Lewisburg Rd. Turn right (south) at Highland Dr. Highland Drive will change names to 10th St. as you come into Corvallis (after climbing another steep hill). Continue on 10th St. Turn left (east) on Monroe and continue to Central Park.