 Rogue River Rambler |
Dates: (9 days, 8 nights; Sat-Sun) |
Assembly Point: Eugene |
Tour Cost: $2,895 |
Among our most popular programs for the past several seasons, the Rogue River Rambler has solidly settled into that select group of adventures guaranteed to seduce any cyclist who truly hungers for the ultimate experience. This program offers the marriage of the incomparable Oregon Coast with the rugged alpine setting of the Cascades as dramatic testimony to the fascination of Oregon.
In the Rogue, coast and Cascades are joined with an incredible ride along one of the West's great Wild and Scenic Rivers. We'll trace that river to and through the Rogue River Valley to its source in the high Cascades near Crater Lake. Along the way, we'll climb awesome Bearcamp Pass, one of the West's great high-country challenges.
The Rogue River Rambler assembles in Eugene, the vibrant site of the University of Oregon on the southern fringe of the Willamette Valley. Early-morning of Day 1, we'll climb the gentle Coastal Range to the west into the Siuslaw National Forest and trace the Smith River as it empties into the Pacific at Reedsport, where we'll spend the evening at the Salbasgeon Inn.
From Reedsport, we'll visit the famous Umpqua Lighthouse and then ride the coast through the progression of state parks and sparkling beaches so characteristic of the Oregon shore. We'll spend the next evening on the ocean in Bandon at the Sunset Lodge and then continue south to Gold Beach at the mouth of the Rogue River. Following an overnight oceanside at the Gold Beach Resort, we'll head inland along the Rogue into the heart of the Rogue River Forest. Near the village of Agness, we'll leave the Rogue for a memorable encounter with Bearcamp Pass; 16 miles and 4,600 vertical feet and we've conquered the crest of the rugged Coastal Range. An incredible downhill is our reward and we'll rejoin the Rogue near Galice and continue on to Morrison's Lodge, where we'll spend the evening and dine outdoors on the deck overlooking this mighty river.
On Day 5, we'll continue along the Rogue to Grants Pass and then traverse the rolling Rogue River Valley through historic Jacksonville to the fascinating town of Ashland, renowned for its annual Shakespearian Festival. We'll ride from Ashland early-morning of Day 6 and climb memorably along Dead Indian Memorial Road into the Cascades and an overnight at the Running Y Resort on the shores of Klamath Lake.
The next day's ride to Crater Lake is one that you won't forget. The climb to the brink of the caldera is challenging, yet ethereal. The slopes of what was once Mt. Mazama are not unlike those of the surrounding peaks, but what lies beyond the brink in the bowels of the volcano is singularly exceptional.
We'll spend two nights and a layover day at the newly restored Crater Lake Lodge, the National Park Lodge situated on the rim overlooking the lake. Among the activities available on the layover day are some outstanding hiking opportunities, including a trek to the summit of Mt. Scott, the tallest peak in the park. For those who can't resist another cycling challenge, the loop along the caldera's rim is an intriguing option.
From Crater Lake, we'll spend much of our final day in a downhill plunge along the beautiful North Umpqua River toward Roseburg. We'll van shuttle back to Eugene late that final afternoon.
Total Mileage — 528
E-Mail: timber@earthnet.net
Copyright© 2008· Timberline Adventures · All rights reserved.
