The Central Oregon Trail Alliance just added 11.41 miles of new cross-country trails to the Cline Buttes trail system located between Bend and Redmond.
The new trails include 6 new miles of trails at Cline Butte, with trails named Chainbreak, Positive Vibrations, Return Policy, DH3 re-route, Legal Eagle, Crossfire and Cover Charge. The 5.5 miles of new trail at Cascade View include new trails Whiptail, Rattler, Bull Snake and Hummingbird.
The expansion project began in October 2023 and was funded through the Central Oregon Future Fund and the Recreational Trails Program. Both sources share the goal of improving regional projects like expanding and developing motorized and non-motorized trails.
According to COTA Trails Program Director Alex Brieger, the project cost roughly $178,000 to complete.
The trail expansion was developed in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management with the goal of improving trail sustainability, rider experience and accessibility while preserving “sensitive” golden eagle habitat, according to a March 3 press release.
“It has taken a ton of dedication from our volunteers with years of planning, collaboration and hard work,” COTA Trail Program Director Alex Brieger stated in the press release. “We’re incredibly proud of what was accomplished in the last two years and grateful to everyone who helped make these trails a reality.”
The project featured trail realignments, which involved moving sections of trail to different areas, added new climbing trails and connected the Cline Buttes area to the Cascade Views. DH1 and DH3 trails, also known as a downhill-only trail for more advanced riders, were rerouted successfully from private property in the surrounding areas and are now available for the public. The acquisition of these new downhill trails would secure “long-term access” for riders.
The conservation of eagle habitat was a large determining factor in the reallocation of the trails.
According to COTA, golden eagles are sensitive to disturbances during nesting which typically occurs from January to August. A proliferation of human activity in close proximity to their nesting sites can increase stress and even lead to abandonment of their nests.
This project was aimed for a better balance between healthy outdoor activity and the conservation of endemic species important to Oregon ecosystems.
Over 3,985 hours were put in to complete the project, COTA estimated. Velo Solutions, led by Paul Thomasburg, supported COTA through building trails on the Butte and surrounding areas.
COTA also erected new signage in the area to help riders navigate the new trails.
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