Your Guide to Mountain Biking on the Oregon Coast
The best mountain biking in Oregon is along the coast. Mountain biking is an exhilarating sport that combines bike handling skills with improved balance and coordination; not to mention cardiovascular fitness to reduce heart disease risk.
Modern off-road cycling first emerged as a recreational activity in California during the 1970s, later transitioning into a competitive sport. Over time, various mountain bike racing disciplines such as Cross Country (XC), Downhill, Dual Slalom and 4-Cross have developed. But when you’re exploring the Oregon Coast, mountain biking can be both a relaxing and exhilarating activity.
Fat Tire Biking
Fat tire bikes are specially engineered to allow cyclists to traverse terrain that would hinder other mountain bikes. Their wide tires disperse weight evenly over a larger surface area to reduce ground pressure, enabling riders to float over soft or unstable surfaces that would sink narrow tires, but still stay firmly on the bike’s wheel path. This is great for the hilly dirt trails experienced along Oregon’s rugged coastline.
Whiskey Run Mountain Biking Trail
We are especially enthusiastic about the Whiskey Run Mountain Bike Trails in Coos County Forest near Bandon. This brand-new trail system is truly amazing. Woven through Coos County Forest with ribbons of clay dirt flowing and winding through cross-country-style trails, it combines moderate climbing with some thrilling descents. These unique cross-country style trails are ideal for all skill levels and experience levels.
Ptarmigan Ptrails’ professional trail builders from the Pacific Northwest have truly delivered an incredible riding experience here, providing riders with a mix of easier trails, intermediate ones and jump lines suited to all skill levels and experience levels.
Trails run between Coos Bay and Bandon on Oregon’s Pacific Coast, providing breathtaking sweeping views, tranquil streams and forest floors covered with ferns – an experience unlike anything else on this coastal forest. Visitors will appreciate a new perspective of the Oregon Coast by experiencing this trail first-hand.
The Oregon Coast Bike Route
Oregon’s coast offers something for all levels of riders, whether on mountain bikes or pedaling along paved pathways near the shoreline. With proper gear and preparation, biking along Oregon’s coastline will become a lasting memory.
The Oregon Coast Beach Road showcases Oregon’s breathtaking landscape. You’ll find everything from rocky surf and sandy beaches, to historic seaside towns and iconic lighthouses – not to mention plenty of natural, cultural, and touristy attractions.
The OCBR features plenty of paved pathways and railroad tracks that offer an enjoyable cycling experience, along with tide checkers to help make sure that tides do not interfere with your trip. Keep an eye out for marine wildlife; perhaps a pod of sea lions frolicking about, or possibly even whales!
Empire Lakes
Empire Lakes Trail in Coos Bay, Oregon is an outstanding scenic trail that features both beach access and boat ramp access, accommodating canoes and kayaks. It is part of John Topits Park – an expansive 120-acre protected coastal dune and forest land ecosystem – its two lakes provide great fishing (bass, bluegill, perch and catfish), waterfowl viewing opportunities as well as bird-watching experiences.
At the entrance to the park, follow a paved trail past a sign reading “No Motor Vehicles.” At junctions, turn right to hike beneath low wooded ridges of hemlock and fir trees with understory vegetation like rhododendron, salal, and deer fern.
There are many opportunities to enjoy some epic mountain biking while staying with us a Bay Point Landing. So, come and explore these nearby trails on your next vacation to Coos Bay!
