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DESTINATIONS
Oregon Trails
Brice Creek Trail

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Excerpted from
Mountain Bike! Oregon
by Chris and Laurie Leman

In the early 1900s, gold miners followed part of Brice Creek Trail to access the Bohemia Mining District. The area bustled with hopeful prospectors in search of their fortunes. Lund Park, now a dispersed camping area near the middle of the trail, was once a place of commerce. Here, miners en route to their claims found overnight accommodations and purchased provisions. In the late 1980s the trail was rebuilt for recreational use; the area bustles once again. Today, hikers and bikers strike it rich on Brice Creek Trail.

Brice Creek Trail is part of a 10.5-mile loop. The route is made up of 5.5 miles of single-track, and 5 miles of paved forest road. The path rises and falls as it travels beside the rushing water of Brice Creek. The elevation gained on this route is not huge, but because of the trail's technical aspects, we recommend this outing to intermediate and advanced riders. Even experts will find themselves creeping along over portions of Brice Creek Trail. The technical challenges include roots, rocks, cliffs, and poison oak. When these hindrances are wet (often), they are treacherous. There is not much traction to be found on slick logs and moss-covered rocks.

Brice Creek Trail at a Glance
*Length/configuration: 10.5-mile loop on single-track and paved road
*Aerobic difficulty: Easy to moderate
*Technical difficulty: Moderate; lots of slippery roots and embedded rocks
*Scenery: Trail parallels a rushing creek through dense woods; waterfalls and pools
*Special comments: Cyclists who like technical challenges will particularly enjoy this ride
*Map

Cyclists should take a break once in a while to appreciate the scenic sights along the creek. The creek's waterfalls and rocky pools may even entice a sweaty cyclist to take a dip. The last mile of the trail runs beside a flume that once carried water to generate electricity in Lund Park. A five-mile downhill cruise on paved Forest Service Road 22 completes the journey.

General location: The trailhead is located approximately 25 miles southeast of Cottage Grove.

Elevation change: The route begins at 1,375' and reaches a high point of 1,840' near the end of the trail. Ups and downs on the route add an estimated 150' of climbing to the ride. Total elevation gain: 615'.

Season: This route is open year-round. Due to its popularity with hikers, the trail is best ridden on a weekday. Try to ride the trail when it is relatively dry (though the trail does drain very well).

Services: There is no potable water on this ride. All services are available in Cottage Grove.

Riding upstream on Brice Creek Trail

Hazards: Watch for, and give way to, other trail users; the trail is open to equestrians. There are rocks, roots, poison oak, and cliff experiences along Brice Creek Trail. Walk all creek crossings. Expect some traffic on FS 22.

Rescue index: Emergency services are located in Cottage Grove.

Land status: Umpqua National Forest.

Maps: A useful map for area bike routes is titled"Bike Routes: Oakridge/Upper Willamette." It is available at area bike shops and ranger stations. This route is also delineated on the Umpqua National Forest map. USGS 7.5 minute quad: Rose Hill. See MAP.

Finding the trail: From Interstate 5, take Exit 174 for Cottage Grove/Dorena. Head east toward Dorena Reservoir. Continue on Row River Road, passing Dorena Reservoir and driving through the small communities of Dorena and Culp Creek. Note your mileage as you pass the Culp Creek Post Office; it is 4.2 miles from this landmark to the junction of Layng Creek Road and Brice Creek Road. Stay right onto Brice Creek Road; follow it for 3.3 miles. Park in the pullout on the left at signed Brice Creek Trailhead (just before a bridge over the creek).

For more information, see Umpqua National Forest, Cottage Grove Ranger District.

Notes on the trail: From the parking area, follow Brice Creek Trail upstream. The trail is well marked with signs and arrows. Continue to the trail's end at paved FS 22. Turn right and cross the bridge over Brice Creek. Follow paved FS 22 for 5 miles to your vehicle.

If you prefer, you can avoid riding on FS 22 by returning the way you came on Brice Creek Trail.

View: Trail Map


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