MTB the Crater Rim Trail

La Pine, Oregon

Description

This one is a grinder, but worth every minute. Distance: 26mi. Elevation gain: 3000 vertical feet. Duration: 5-7hrs.

Paulina Peak with an elevation of 7,984 feet, and is about 4,000 feet higher than the terrain surrounding the volcano. There is a gravel fire road that winds to the top. This is a grueling climb with an 8000 foot elevation. Air please!

The trail head starts about 1000 feet from the peak. It is a pretty tight singletrack for approximately 19 miles. The end of the trail dumps you right in the parking lot where you left your car. To get to the top of Paulina's Peak, it is about 7 miles from the parking lot up the gravel fire road...approximately 25-26 miles total. You have to climb to the top to see the views. This is not a technical ride by any means, it is just a great workout and quite a scenic tour. The trail is mostly rolling hills, up and down, few roots from trees to go over, and lots of cinder and volcanic ash all over. Soft terrain.

The last 3-4 miles is a downhill bomber, with a few rail road sized wood pieces to jump over, which then dumps right out into the parking lot. You are a little ways away from Bend, but if you are headed back that way, check out Bend Brew Co. they have beer for days, a good happy hour and a great food.

Photos: Colin Hughes Colin Hughes

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Features

Mountain Biking

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Food Nearby

River

Scenic

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