COTA Trails Report

Although winter seems to be “officially here,” as Bend's esteemed godfather of mountain biking Bob Woodward wrote last week, it doesn't mean the Central Oregon mountain biking opportunities have disappeared. All those suggestions are worthy. The enthusiasts can get our tires on dirt yearround; it just becomes a matter of clothing over weather. Make sure you head out well prepared, not only for cold, but for darkness as well. Keep in mind also as snow levels fluctuate and trails become snowed in, not only is the biking more difficult, but so is the emergency access. Please be careful out there!

COTA is stoked to announce that several new trails in the Wanoga Complex will be open this fall. Due to a very productive trail work season, especially with the great turnout for the Steve Larsen and Bend Dental Group Work event last weekend in which 68 people turned up to work for four hours on these two trails, we have been able to complete a new trail, which is part of a link from Tiddlywinks Trail, over to Edison Snow Park. This new connector trail is called Kiwa Butte trail, named after the butte it climbs.

For a dry side version of “fall colors,” head east to the Ochoco National Forest and lay some tracks on the Round Mountain/Lookout Mountain trails. Aspen groves and stands of Western larch pepper the forests here along with the ubiquitous ponderosa pine in its favored habitat of “open park-like stands.” The scenery, wildlife and diverse forest types make for a unique visual experience, but the flow and technical challenge of the trails are what makes this area so muchfun for mountain biking. Current trail conditions are a little “fresh” from the recent contract trail work that was completed this summer.

Ahh, rain and fall colors. Does it get any better than this? I just rode the McKenzie River Trail (MRT) and even when it's raining you stay mostly dry underneath the high canopy of old growth forest that covers this trail. Fall colors are just beginning to show themselves and it only gets better as winter approaches. The MRT is one of those classic rides – very scenic, plenty of challenges for every level of mountain biker and a full day immersed in some spectacularly pristine nature. I liken riding the McKenzie to a biking baptism, as it has a renewing effect.

The Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) has been at the forefront of developing and maintaining one of the great assets of outdoor recreation around here – the single-track mountain biking trails. There are so many different routes and loops to ride that it boggles the mind, and that is one reason I have yet to write about a certain “must ride” trail or loop – until now. (Another reason is I'm trying to remain true to COTA's mission, which focuses on trail maintenance and stewardship as well as access and education, but does not mention “promoting” the sport of mountain biking. It's a slippery slope – let me assure you.)

Hooray for rain! The much-needed moisture falling from the sky over the past couple of days has helped quell the dusty conditions somewhat. It's amazing how much rain it really takes to bring back the tacky firm soil conditions we know and love.

With recent warm temps exacerbating the dusty conditions closer to town, riders would do well to focus their energy on shaded and high elevation trails where summer has been slowest to chase the moisture from the soils. The snow's recent retreat has allowed crews to ramp up their trail clearing efforts at elevation, opening up more miles of riding a little further from town.
Some of COTA's recent work includes the not insignificant task of clearing the entire Metolius-Windigo trail from Todd Creek to Park Meadow trail head and north toward Sisters. Crews have also been out in the Vista Butte area just north of Century Drive where single track riders should find that most of the blowdown and debris from this past winter has been cleared. Please keep in mind the Flagline trail will be closed until Sunday, August 15 to protect elk breeding habitat. Wait until next week to ride that, please.

High and Dry. It is difficult to imagine that after the number of days of hot weather we've had recently there can still be snow blocking any trails, but it's true. The Metolius-Windigo trail is still blocked by snow and a few remaining downed trees that are due for cutting soon. Snow can also be found on the Kwohl Butte trail (off the South side of Mt. Bachelor) and on some parts of the 370 Road, which provides access to the Broken Top trails in the Three Sisters Wilderness area.
That said, trail clearing is progressing nicely. This is why we live in and visit Bend – the sheer volume of available single track for exploring. By mid-August, we will have access to almost 500 miles of trails within a one-hour radius of Bend. One COTA volunteer actually measured 272 miles of continuous single track accessible right from the edge of town!

During the hottest time of the year in Central Oregon some people would rather find activities that don't involve breathing a lot of dust while dodging mosquitoes. For the dedicated mountain biker these are trivial concerns but for others the call of the Coast or the lakes is too great to resist. That's OK. There are still trails with less of a dust problem and/or fewer mosquitoes, if you know where to go.
It goes without saying the mosquito count in the Cascade Lakes area is “strong”. One crew leader recently reported on a scale of 1-10 the mosquitoes were an “11.” Again the relationship to water here is key. Places like Cultus Lake, Waldo Lake and Lava Lake are notorious for bugs – the best thing is to keep moving or avoid those areas until later in the year.

Hot weather and dry trails are going to be the norm now. While the snow is quickly melting away from the remainder of the summer trails, the mosquitoes are advancing as well. Trail runners and mountain bikers would do well to keep moving and avoid these bloodthirsty insects. Repairing a flat tire or stopping for a snack has a sudden new urgency.
Trails recently opened include the North Fork Tumalo Creek trail and portions of the Metolius-Windigo trail connecting to the top of Mrazek. Although there are still a few small snow patches, these will be melting soon and pose no problems for trail users. Other sections of the “Met-Win,” including the connection from RD 370 to Three Creeks Lake and from Happy Valley South to Flagline tie, are still blocked by snow and downed trees. Flagline trail remains closed until August 15 to protect elk breeding habitat.