The Willamette Valley sits between two mountain ranges that host some of the best mountain biking trails in the Pacific Northwest. To the west, Marys Peak takes riders into the heart of the Oregon Coast Range—and to the east, the McKenzie River National Recreation Trails and lush groves across Silver Falls State Park routinely welcomes riders from around the world.
It's an embarrassment of riding riches—and it should be accessible to everyone. That's why, in 2024, we partnered with adaptive rider and consultant Jeremy McGhee of The UNpavement to survey iconic, well-known mountain biking routes in the Willamette Valley.
Here is a brief introduction to adaptive mountain biking, round-ups of five landmark trails, and what to expect on your next adventure.
Simply put: Adaptive mountain biking is when riders use specially designed mountain bikes to hit the trail and get into nature—all while using equipment suited to their abilities. Adaptive equipment includes—but is not limited to—recumbent handcycles, kneeling handcycles, and recumbent leg cycles.
Note that adaptive equipment rentals are not generally available from bike shops in the Willamette Valley. Riders should have their own bikes before planning to visit these trails.
Silver Falls State Park is considered the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, and it’s easy to see why: Hikers can walk by (and occasionally behind) ten waterfalls in a lush river canyon, campers can spend the night under the stars and in cozy yurts, and dozens of miles of backcountry trails let hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders enjoy a dose of solitude.
For riders with adaptive equipment, the Catamount Trail at Silver Falls State Park is a great place to start. The trail twists and turns through a young forest, with a fast and flowy section mixed in for good measure. Other paths at Silver Falls offer gentle descents and encourage riders to test their skills. Some users may want a support rider to help them through some of the obstacles. See what McGhee had to say about mountain biking at Silver Falls—and what he’d recommend riders do on their next trip.
In addition to a day on the trail, enjoy another view of the forest with Tree Climbing at Silver Falls. The outfitter offers adaptive climbs up old-growth trees inside the park, helping climbers ascend up to 300 feet above the forest floor and toward the verdant canopy—all with the help of battery-powered ascender.
Marys Peak, just west of Corvallis, is the tallest peak in the Oregon Coast Range. And while its adaptive mountain bike offerings are limited, riders can choose among two routes (both partially gravel); one beginner-friendly ride measures seven miles and includes about 925 of elevation change, while the longer route is about 15 miles long and comes with roughly 2,850 feet of elevation change. What the rides lack in sweeping views they make up for with epic rides through thick forests of fir and cedar. Learn more about adaptive mountain biking on Marys Peak.
As an added bonus: Between spring and fall, drive up to the Marys Peak Day Use Area just below the summit. The large parking area affords wide-open views east toward Corvallis and the Cascade Range—and west toward the Pacific Ocean.
The McKenzie River National Recreation Trail is a world-class destination for mountain bikers and hikers who love following the winding path through a lush forest—all while hugging the banks of its namesake waterway and heading past iconic sites such as Sahalie Falls, Koosah Falls, and Tamolitch (Blue Pool).
That said, adaptive riders may require assistance and support at various points along the popular trail. McGhee suggests camping at the appropriately named Paradise Campground and riding the surrounding three miles of trail—and either turning that trip into an out-and-back excursion or returning on the shoulder of Highway 126. Read McGhee’s trail report of the McKenzie River Trail—and watch a YouTube video detailing his experience.
The Old Santiam Wagon Road takes riders into the Cascade Range—and through centuries of Willamette Valley history. The modern-day road began as a trail used by Native Americans to hunt, gather, and trade with nearby tribes; it was later developed in the mid-1800s to help European-American emigrants move their livestock and freight to Central Oregon, Eastern Oregon, and Idaho. Learn more about the history of the Old Santiam Wagon Road.
Today, the disused road mostly traverses a thick forest and caters to adaptive riders with rolling hills, gentle climbs, and a complete lack of exposure and drop-off. Read McGhee’s trail report of the Old Santiam Wagon Road, and learn about other outdoor adventures along the McKenzie River corridor nearby.
The King-Castle Trail is one of the most popular mountain biking trails in the McKenzie River area—and is part of a larger network of trails that has been dubbed an "Epic Ride" by the International Mountain Biking Association.
In his report on the King-Castle Trail, McGhee suggests bypassing the broader network and focusing on a shorter section of trail that nevertheless requires some assistance from at least one other rider. Even with steep drop-offs and narrow stretches of trail, the 10-mile loop delivers a flowy ride, scenic forest views, fast drops, and tight switchbacks. Some riders may want a spotter for a stretch of rock roll toward the end of the loop.
