Marys Peak via Woods Creek Road

This route is a hybrid of road and off-road riding. It’s a wonderful route for a challenge. The ride up Marys Peak on gravel is scenic and difficult. Great views from atop Marys Peak if you choose to extend the ride a bit on the paved Marys Peak access road. The downhill from Marys Peak (on the access road, then on Highway 34 toward Philomath) is exhilarating – fast and winding.

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 the 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 left. At the parking lot at the end of the Midge Cramer Path, exit and turn right on Reservoir Ave.

Turn right on West Hills Rd. West Hills will change its name to N. 9th Street in Philomath after it turns sharply south. Turn right (west) on Highway 20. Stay on Highway 20 at the intersection with Highway 34. Turn left (southwest) on Woods Creek Rd. Woods Creek will turn to gravel after a few miles. Stay on the gravel road for several miles. After about 10 miles you’ll come to a gate at the North Marys Peak trail parking area. Continue straight through the gate on old Woods Creek Rd.

After about 5 miles you’ll arrive at a second gate near the East Ridge trail on Marys Peak. Go through this second gate, and then turn left (south) after about 50 feet on the paved Marys Peak access road. Turn left (east) on Highway 34. Turn right (east) on Grange Hall Rd. Turn left (north) on Fern Rd. Turn right (east) on Chapel Dr. Turn left (north) on Bellfountain Rd.

Turn right (east) on Plymouth Dr. Turn left (north) on 53rd St. Turn right (east) at Country Club. Turn left (north) on 45th St. Turn right onto the multi-use path after about 30 feet. Take the multi-use path through Starker Arts Park. Continue on the path past 35th St and past 26th St. At 15th Street get off of the path and onto 15th St heading north (turn left). Go straight through the signaled intersection with highways 20/34. Stay on 15th St., heading north, through the intersection with Western Blvd., and enter the OSU campus. Continue north until the intersection with Monroe Ave. Turn right (east) on Monroe. Travel east on Monroe to Central Park.