Last year, a friend of mine from work and I attempted to ride through the Olallie Lakes basin, little more than a high country jeep trail on the crest of the Cascades. We made it about half-way around the loop before getting turned around by deep snow. The following pictures are my second, this time successful attempt. On this trip, I rode the route in the opposite direction, just in case I was stopped again at the same spot.
First, I rode up from Estacada, OR to Timothy Lake -Not in the Olallie basin, but a nice large lake with Mt. Hood rising in the background. My route was a mixture of gravel Forest Service roads and single lane paved roads.
Like this one, between Timothy Lake and the Olallie area. Quite fun!
After hitting the gravel again, I reached the first lake in the Olallie Scenic Area. If only I had a good book and a rubber raft!
About 6 miles of washboard gravel brought me to the Olallie Lake store and a cold Mt. Dew! Note my bike in the background, between my Dew and my chin.
Not a bad place to kick back.
Row boats for rent off the dock, just below the store. That's Mt. Jefferson across the Lake..Perfect.
All this and lake-side cabins for rent as well. Hmmmm. Looks like the perfect weekend getaway for me and the Mrs.
After passing a few more storybook lakes, I went up a switchback that looked very familiar and came to the last lake of the chain, Brightenbush. Yes, I'd certainly been here before. I'd gotten through the spot that had turned us around last year. I did go through a little snow, but it was so little I had not even recognized the area.
The last pitch down to the highway gets a bit rough and bouldery, but the views are great. Don't let your eyes leave the road for too long, however.
Just past Detroit, OR there's another single land paved Forest Service road that I just couldn't resist. This spot had recently been covered in a debris flow and cleared out just enough to get by.
The thing to look out for on these roads is that dark strip in the center. It's a mixtrue of oil leaked from cars and moss that grows in the long rainy season. Definately something you want to avoid!
I think I've ended with a shot from this veiwpoint before. My favorite stop, just a few miles before home. That's Netarts Bay on the right and the Pacific on the left. Another great day-trip in the Northwest! You really should come visit.
