North Umpqua River Trail: Swiftwater to Steamboat Tr1414

Although it is a fast ride, the full OAB length will be too much for some riders.

Use of a shuttle from Steamboat to Swiftwater would greatly reduce the aerobic challenge, possibly including the Panther section, starting from the FR4714 Apple Creek campground.

The 1mi Bob Butte section offers the toughest climbing, with an 850' ascent at a 16% grade, too much for beginners and many intermediates, but it is a short enough hike to be manageable.

Cougar Creek Tr1507 and McDonald Tr1515 trails are too steep for an OAB ride, but a shuttle is possible, when the local fireroads are passable.

Be sure to keep a full tank of gas, and get other provisions before the ride, as the Steamboat shops are not 24/7.

Expect some trailside poison oak and prepare as needed. Try using Tecnu before the ride.

The Mott section of North Umpqua Tr1414 and Riverview Tr1530 can be used to create an 'Easy' 14mi (2300' ascent) CCW loop, which involves less elevation change than riding the Tioga section.

The ride can be extended by including the Panther section, as an OAB to the FR4714 Apple Creek campground.

 

Mott-Riverside CCW Loop

TH: From the Wright Creek TH, cross Wright Creek on FR4711 then go right onto the trail and ride to the Mott Bridge TH.

5.3mi: Cross the Mott Bridge then go left on SR138 and cross Steamboat Creek and go .2mi to the Riverview Tr1530 TH. The trail starts with a moderate ascent to the Alder Creek crossing, pass the Williams Creek campground at 7.6mi, then pass the Tr1513 intersection on the right.

10mi: Pass the Bogus Creek campground trail on the left, then descend and climb out of the Bogus Creek drainage.

11.7mi: Cross Rasberry Creek, then the trail ends at the FR4710 T intersection. Go straight onto FR4710, then descend to Fairview Creek at 12mi.

12.5mi: Climb the Fairview Creek drainage and reach a SR138 access road. Go left and ride several switchbacks to SR138, then go left on SR138, to the FR4711 Wright Creek TH.