Over Willamette Pass down to Oakridge, left Sat morning. I stayed on my land Fri , I’m at around 4200′ elevation, Oakridge is less than 2,000. Going over the pass from east to west is a breeze and then the payoff returning. Throughout the week I studied the weather, AQI, and fires between here and there. I wanted to spend Sat night in Oakridge to enjoy the crowd at the distillery. Air and temps were acceptable and no fires locally. Backed out of my lane then headed over the pass. Plan was to ride first then visit, first off was Larrison Rock above town to the south. Park at Greenwaters park then pedal pavement climbing up to Larrison on deserted FS paved road, 4.3 miles climbing 2,039′ took i hour then down Larrison rock single track, 3.2 miles dropping 2781′. trail shows wear from brake bumps. I got beat going down so much that my glutes were barking. Big drop. Bench cut on steep hillside, narrow tread, back slope was steep hillside.
Rolled into town stopping at the Merchantile to connect. Buzz about was about road closures to trails because of fire activity. And then there was the orange air quality from smoke. Shop comments were ride Waldo as the mosquitoes are not bad per Waldo standards and air is clear. Ate a salad at former Brewers Union, now 3 legged crane. Learned that founder Ted died last Sept, work related. Next door is a bistro for more choices, outdoor seating. Walked down to distillery outdoor entertainment. Paid $4 cover, greeted owners. I walked over to the drink line taking my place behind those ahead. The Mrs. of the establishment tapped me and asked for my drink order which I gave and she made it. Connection to community. Listened to music sipping my drink and visiting with a young couple from Junction. Pleasant social evening. Salmon creek rd was closed because of fire closing off my usual sleep spot at the bottom of Dead Mtn trail. Next spot was up Larrison rock road driving my van. That road is steep even under power. Quite night. Slept with door open and netting across, didn’t go below 60 degrees. Sunday b-fast of scratch pancakes then back down to town. I visited at the Merch, bought groceries at Ray’s, diesel which is cheaper here than Bend, and water then headed back east to Waldo Lake turnoff.
Stiff climb up to Betty Lake trailhead which connects to Waldo lake at like SE corner. Shortly after my arrival 2 male backpackers emerged from the forest across the road. One guy approached me asking how long I had been there. I just arrived I told him. He told me someone had stolen his car and his buddy’s truck capper had been broken into. Shit, I always worry about my van being broken into never it being stolen.
Years ago local Jay told me about parking at Betty Lake TH then riding the 2 mile trail down to connect with Waldo lake trail which was my plan. In a short while I encountered my first downed tree, more to come. This could be nasty should many more trees be blocking the trail. I believe I detoured around 8 trees before I hit the lake trail. I rode clockwise. The west side is ore technical and offers infrequent views of the lake. Old school hiking trail with only maintenance was to cut out the downed trees.
Tree cover is primarily hemlock until the north end and burned lodgepole and regrowth of same.
East side is in the forest, trail is rated green for enjoyment. Lots of roots, swooping conrners, short climbs, short downhills. Took Betty Lake spur back to van.
My van was unscathed. I hung around for a while. A family came from across the road, 2 adults and 2 kids, man carried fishing rod. They were parked next to me. I saw fresh orange peels on the ground outside th passenger’s door. Hmm. I walked over and picked them up, I walked around to the driver’s door where the guy was standing outside. I asked if he had a litter bag, no he said. I handed him the peels, he said soil nourishment. I walked back to my van. He drove away dropping the peels on the pavement. Contempt.
I decided to stay overnight the do a ride on the other side of the road, climbing The Twins trail then looping back on Charlton lake then repeat of yesterday’s east side ride. I read Trailforks ride description of the Twins saying climbing from the south would be easier so I heeded their description. I rode from sleep spot up the paved road to TH. Wide well traveled trail climbed, I walked several sections as the pitch was greater than my engine would propel me.
I chose not to climb to top. Wow descent: Way too many steep pitches to pedal up if I climbed this way. Trail dropped down thru old growth hemlock, trad mostly hemlock cones. Backcountry riding. Trai connected to Charlton Lake trail
The trail took me to that spot and the PCT. 2 middle aged men backpackers were having lunch, I stopped and joined them. Seemed the Charlton lake trail was downhill to Waldo lake east trail. Sweet. Pedal back.
Riding here is primitive and full on woods experience. trails are like I rode back in the day. Waldo loop was 22 miles. today was 16 miles. I liked both rides. I would like to share because I would ride slower and have comfort in sharing.
Drove back over pass to my land for the night.
I’m tired, damn 9:30 PM and I am not ready for bed.
No mosquitoes here that I have gotten used to, no screens across the van openings. There were mosquitoes at Waldo but they are expected.