willamettevalley.org | 13 MOUNTAIN BIKE THE FORESTED FOOTHILLS SURROUNDING THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY The Willamette Valley is bookended by a pair of mountain ranges—the Coast Range to the west and the Cascades to the east—both o ering mountain bike trails through forested wilderness. Popular paths include the mountain bike trails at Alsea Falls Recreation Site, which promise rollers, berms, rock gardens, hips, rock chutes, banked turns and exposed root features for an exciting challenge through a lush, second-growth forest. In the world-class West Cascades, Oakridge has been dubbed a gold-level destination by the International Mountain Bicycling Association— making it one of only six areas in the world to receive the honor. GRAVEL RIDING OFFERS NEW CHALLENGES, SENSE OF SOLITUDE Every day, cyclists are taking their adventures o pavement and onto gravel paths for a quieter experience that bridges the divide between urban rides and forested adventures. And at the western edge of the Willamette Valley, Oregon Coast Range foothills o er plenty of opportunities to hit the trail for a mixed-terrain ride. Gravel rides throughout the region pass award-winning wineries, cut through acres of farmland, cross covered bridges that date back nearly a century and visit some of Oregon’s most charming towns. H the t il for a mixed-ter in de. Gravel riding Alpine Trail near Eugene Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway
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