Surveyor’s Ridge/Dog River Loop

Trailhead: From Hood River, head south on Hwy. 35 just over 15 miles. A half mile or so past the Hood River Valley Ranger Station, take a left on Smullin Road and look for a sign for the Oak Ridge Trailhead just before the road makes a 90° right turn. Park in the gravel lot and ride back out to Hwy. 35.

Highlights: Incredible rolling single-track and views. This is a tough ride where the long climb up the Dog River Trail is rewarded with the views and varied terrain along Surveyor’s Ridge. The descent down the Oak Ridge Trail will test your skills and brake pads. The route option up Bald Butte adds a steep jeep road climb, a fast descent and incredible views.

Note: Two loop options are possible on this ride: either descending the Oak Ridge Trail to Hwy. 35 or continuing on up Bald Butte and then down to FS 17 and Hwy. 35.  Either way is long and strenuous, but the Bald Butte route adds another 8 miles and several hundred feet of steep climbing.

Seasons: Late spring through late fall

A detailed map of this trail and others nearby is available through Adventure Maps, an Oregon company, at local bike shops and outdoor retailers, as well as online at www.adventuremaps.net.