Reviewed by: BungedUP ,  Cross Country Rider , from Eugene

Summary:
This is a good trail with a variety of terrain. Steep uphills are generally short, and the scenery keeps your mind distracted from the total elevation gain. Lots of access points, so it is a great trail if you aren't sure how long you are going to be able to ride. Lots of camping opportunites nearby as well, and close to the old McKenzie Pass (a beautiful area for hiking / sight seeing).

Recommended Route:
From Eugene, drive up 126 just past McKenzie Bridge. Small parking area a few miles east of McKenzie Bridge places you at the bottom of the trail. This is the least exciting part of the trail, becuase it is the least technical, and relatively flat. However, it provides a good warm up period for the rest of the day. Most people posting about this trail have been starting at the top and riding down - these people sound like weenies! Just kidding, but seriously, I think that there is a lot of satisfaction from riding up the trail, and then going back and blasting over sections that you just worked your way up. Definitely NOT something you should take a "K-mart" special bike on. There are many sections of this trail which would be just plain dangerous to ride without a capable bicycle. The upper sections from Deer Creek to Clear Lake are much too rocky, steep, and technical to ride on with a cheaply made bicycle.

Reviewed by: Paul Wellner , from Portland, Oregon

Summary:
A couple of friends and I went during Labor day weekend on Saturday. Was off and on drizzle which made for a technical ride over rocks and tree roots as well as wet wooden bridges. Mostly down hill for a long 28-29 miles of Intermediate single track. Take lots of water and food. I didn't take any food and died at 12 miles out which left a huge 17 miles of cramps and slow hill climbs which would have been just bumps ona good day. What I really liked about this ride was the never ending single track that required full attention and if you didn't give it you hit the dirt or rocks depending where you were. Take this ride you'll love it and the scenery. It took us about 3-1/2 hours.

Recommended Route:
We hit the trail at the trail head a mile or so south of where 20 dumps into 126. \riding southwest

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Descutes River Trail

Reviewed by: Russ B , from Corvallis

Summary:
See other reviews under "McKenzie River Trail". It's the same trail.

Recommended Route:
Directions to Trailhead:
On highway 126, a mile or two south of highway 20, there's a short dirt road heading east. This gets you to the trail. Can't recall if it's marked on the highway. You can also catch the trail at Clear Lake Resort, or go a couple miles further down where the trail crosses the highway. The shoulder's wide enough to park on the highway.

Reviewed by: Russ Born , from Corvallis, OR

Summary:
Great ride! First few miles is rocky and technical, after that it's pretty smooth, through lush forest. Great views of the river, some beautiful waterfalls. Almost entirely downhill. I've seen beginners do it (slowly) on K-Mart specials with no problem, and experts hurt themselves pretty badly. There's some tricky curves...stay within your limits...disaster is closer than you think!

Recommended Route:
Start a couple miles above Clear Lake. Trail forks at a bridge. Left fork is more technical, lots of lava. Trails rejoin in a mile or so, below the lake.

Reviewed by: Jimmy Severson , from Newberg

Summary:
This trail was absolutely awesome! There is some pretty rocky stuff about 5mi or so into the ride which can get moderatly technical. There are good rest stops scattered along the trail with some really beautiful sights. The last 8 mi or so is all smooth single track weaving through trees. It's great for a Saturday ride, but be ready to be good and tired at the end of the day

Recommended Route:
Follow the trail. At one point the trail goes through a little campground and the trail gets hard to find. But if you just keep riding in the general direction you will be able to find it again.