Biking Ashland OR

Biking in and around Ashland is the perfect way to experience the natural beauty and comfortable pace of Ashland life. Opportunities for road biking and mountain biking are available around town or on the miles of trails and roads in the surrounding forested mountains. Single tracks and fire roads provide trail riders with a range of options from novice to highly technical. Through town, slow, friendly traffic and bike lanes make traveling an easy and fun adventure.

Bear Creek Greenway

Riding on the family-friendly Bear Creek Greenway is easy and fun as you parallel Bear Creek with unlimited places to stop and smell the roses or pick blackberries. This 27-mile long, almost completely paved path starts by the Ashland Dog Park and continues all the way to Central Point. Several locations along the Greenway provide parking for easy access. Bathroom facilities and picnic areas are located conveniently along the route. The Jackson County Bike Map is available at most bike shops for about $5-6 and provides information on available amenities and access points along the Greenway.

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Directions: There are various access point to the Bear Creek Greenway, but from downtown Ashland, head North on Lithia Way. Turn right onto Helman Street. After crossing Nevada St, you will see the start of the bike path.

Howard Prairie Lake

Twenty miles east of Ashland, at an elevation of 4537 feet, sits Howard Prairie Lake. Enjoy scenic views of Mt. McLoughlin and the forests and wildlife of the Cascades. With a couple of easy to moderate climbs, the 16 mile ride around this beautiful mountain lake has an elevation gain of 510 feet.

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Directions: From downtown Ashland, head southeast on Siskiyou Blvd. Take a left onto Ashland Street and follow it past the freeway entrances and curve to the right (Ashland St. becomes OR-66/Greensprings Hwy). After passing the I-5 you’ll cover about .7 of a mile, then turn left onto Dead Indian Memorial Rd. Continue 17 miles and take a right onto Hyatt Prairie Rd. Take Hyatt Prairie Rd. about 3.3 miles, and turn left where you will enter to the Howard Prairie Lake Resort. There is a $4 daily parking fee per vehicle.

Ruch to Applegate Lake

This 30 mile, round-trip ride is a relatively gentle grade up to the lake and a short climb at the Dam. You can add a few extra miles by continuing up the paved road, where you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the lake. Traffic isn’t heavy, but cars travel fast and the shoulder is small.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Directions: Depart downtown Ashland, heading northwest on Lithia Way, which will turn into OR-99/N. Main St just beyond downtown. Continue for approximately 9.2 miles and turn left onto S Stage Rd. After about 3.4 miles, turn right on S Stage Rd at the T and a quick left, again on S Stage Rd. Follow this road through historic Jacksonville, where S Stage Rd will turn into OR-238. Follow OR-238 to Ruch where you can park at the Ruch Country Store. Hop on your bike and continue about a quarter mile on OR-238 and subsequently take a left Upper Applegate Road, which will take you to the lake.

Dead Indian Memorial Road

On the east side of Ashland off Hwy. 66, this road heads up the mountain and levels off twenty miles later near Howard Prairie Lake. Pick your distance with an out and back ride on this twisty, climbing mountainous road offering amazing views of Ashland and the surrounding mountains. You can ride from town or parking is available near the turnoff. The average 6% grade makes the climb up challenging and the ride down exhilarating. Traffic is generally light and shoulders are small, when existent. Consider using a local shuttle to save yourself the ride up!

Difficulty Level: Challenging

Directions: From downtown Ashland, head southeast on Siskiyou Blvd. Take a left onto Ashland Street and follow it past the freeway entrances and curve to the right (Ashland Street becomes OR-66/Greensprings Hwy). On your left you will see Dead Indian Memorial Rd.

Outdoor Recreation Safety Note: Please be sure to read our safety note on our Outdoor Recreation home page.