This is a technical singletrack trip. A high level of fitness is necessary and singletrack experience is highly recommended. There will be riding along steep river drainages with exposure to falls on the downhill side.

We will be without vehicle support during all of the singletrack sections of the ride. Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety, and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

Towards the second half of the trail we are aware that poison oak is common. We provide nylons to cover legs and arms while riding as well as a wash which we ask everyone clean up with post ride. This has been very successful for us over the years in keeping all of our guests itch free. However, if you are particularly sensitive and would like to take extra precaution, please bring tall socks and long sleeve cycling jerseys for the final 3 days of the trip.

Riding Surface: Singletrack, mostly firm pack, some loose pumice, smooth pine duff and rocky sections. A few sections of grassy, rocky trail with exposure. Some dirt roads and a few miles of pavement.
Overall Rating: Advanced
Technical Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Physical Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Altitude: 4,000 - 6,500 feet.
Total Mileage: 14-20 miles per day (optional extensions can bring the longest day’s riding to 20 miles)
Packing for your trip

DAY 1: Lemolo Lake & Headwaters Warm-Up

• After a three-hour shuttle, we begin our trip on the shores of Lemolo Lake at the northern end of the North Umpqua River Trail.
• We will start with a contouring section of trail that is a great warm-up and precursor to the week’s riding.
• The trail is cut into the steep wooded hillsides of the Umpqua River canyon; the challenge will be to maintain good balance to keep your bike on the trail.
• We’ll loop around a lush little stream, which is the very headwaters of the North Umpqua River, and return on the same trail to our beach-side camp on Lemolo Lake.
• Total Mileage: 16 miles

DAY 2: Dread and Terror Gorge & Toketee Falls

• Today is a big day, more for the name’s sake than the mileage: our trail section is called Dread and Terror and you will immediately understand why.
• The North Umpqua River cuts through a gorge and our trail is etched into the edge, featuring moments of exposure.
• We’ll pass Lemolo Falls, a 135-foot horsetail waterfall, and ride what is generally considered the most technical section of the trip.
• We’ll resume riding the North Umpqua River Trail at the hot springs (a spur option), and ride to our open meadow camp just up from Toketee Lake.
• There is a great side trip to the dramatic Toketee Falls for the extra energetic and a handy swimming option right from camp.
• Total Mileage: 17 miles

DAY 3: Deer Leap Section & Horseshoe Bend Camp

• From Toketee Lake we head east on the North Umpqua River Trail's Deer Leap Section. This features impressive trail building with lots of ups and downs through massive hemlocks, cedars and Douglas fir.
• We’ll contour our way high above the river and take in stunning views.
• We’ll break for lunch at the Soda Springs Dam where we can see giant schools of Coho and Chinook salmon.
• In the afternoon we’ll ride the Jesse Wright segment and arrive at Horseshoe Bend, our campground on the river, with a true sense of satisfaction.
• Total Mileage: 18 miles

DAY 4: Marsters Bridge & Falls Creek Falls

• We’ll continue on the North Umpqua River Trail to the Marsters Bridge. This section includes some challenging ups and downs with great views of the river.
• If you pick a strategic resting spot and have a bit of patience, you will be rewarded with the heroic efforts of a very large salmon hurling itself skyward.
• At the Mott Bridge we are going to leave the North Trail, cruising to our camp at Bogus Creek.
• From camp, we’ll have the option to lounge riverside or get back on the bike for a short but spectacular loop to Falls Creek Falls.
• Total Mileage: 14 miles, optional additional 6 miles

DAY 5: Tioga Segment & Bob's Butte Grand Finale

• We have saved some of the most exciting and challenging riding for today on the Tioga segment.
• There is a bit of a climb to navigate Susan’s Creek, but the real challenge is Bob’s Butte. The trail heads for a rocky outcrop and some wicked switchbacks before we top out in the trees for a well-earned picnic lunch.
• For the grand finale we get a ripping descent back down to river level, featuring huge trees and big patches of vine maple.
• We’ll finish our ride at a giant swimming hole with a beautiful granite beach. Then, we’ll load up and shuttle back to Medford.
• Total Mileage: 15 miles