Mountain Biking – Help Protect the Trails You Love!

Stay on open roads and trails

• Stay on trails and roads designated for use. Cutting switchbacks, creating hill climbs and riding in undesignated areas cause erosion, loss of wildlife habitat and other natural resource damage. Repairs cost tax dollars, and citations cost you dollars.
• Electric bikes (E-bikes) are NOT ALLOWED on trails designated for non-motorized use such as mountain bike or hiking trails. E-bikes are classified as self-propelled motor vehicles and are only allowed on roads or trails open to motorized vehicles. Maps for those motorized roads and trails can be found here.
• Wilderness areas are off-limits to all vehicles, including bicycles.
• Ride single file in the middle of the trail to avoid widening the trail.
• Yield right-of-way to other trail users. Horses spook when they see an unfamiliar object, especially one that moves quickly and quietly.

In wet weather:

• Avoid wet, muddy areas as they are more susceptible to erosion. Meadows, lake shores, stream banks and vegetation are easily damaged.
• If you do find mud or standing water on a trail, ride or walk in the center of the trail where it is the firmest and consider turning back. Don’t go around the mud/water, which ends up widening the trail. Remember: “If you make a track, go back.”
• Avoid any trail use during heavy rain unless the surface is paved, or hardened with rock or gravel (this applies to hikers and horses as well).
• If it’s rained more than ¾” or so in the previous 24 hours, wait a day or two for the trails to dry out before hitting the trails again.
• For bikes, airing down a little (2-4 psi) will spread out the contact patches of your tires and help your bike “float” over soft patches. Slow down a little to prevent loss of traction, sliding.
• During the winter and wet weather, use only well-drained trails. Examples from the Oakridge area include: Larison Rock, Larison Creek, Dead Mountain, Moon Point/Young’s Rock, Heckletooth segment of Eugene to Crest, Middle Fork from Butcherknife Creek downstream to Sand Prairie

Protect the environment

• Do not disturb wildlife or livestock.
• Teach new riders trail etiquette—lead by example.
• Don’t litter. Pack out more than your share.
• Ride safely, stay in control, and be considerate of hikers and equestrians.

Be Prepared

• Don’t ride alone. Tell someone where you plan to ride and then stick to your plans.
• Don’t take unnecessary chances—help for emergencies may be miles away.
• Make sure you have a first aid kit and other safety gear with you when riding in the forest.
• Remember: You are responsible for your own safety and for the safety of those around you.
• Call the nearest Forest Service office for any updates on trail conditions, closures, etc.