State: Oregon
Location: Rogue River National Forest
Length, One-Way: 15 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Elevation Change: 5500 feet
Best Season: June to October
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Moderate
Trail Information
This ride is one of the most popular among locals, looping through the National Forest above Ashland. Though not technically difficult, the ride is strenuous, with a total elevation gain of approximately 3000 feet. The decomposed granite surface road is narrow, winding and often rutted. Bikers should control their speed of descent and be especially watchful for oncoming cars and trucks. Carry sufficient water and a snack or lunch.
The Lithia Loop is predominantly within the Ashland Watershed, which is the source of the city’s water supply. Special consideration should be given to its protection. The entire watershed may be closed to all entry during the mid-summer and fall when fire danger is high. No camping or campfires are allowed. Riders must stay on the roads. Use of the area is not recommended in rainy weather or when the soils are wet.
This route is the beginning of the famous Revenge of the Siskiyous’ Mountain Bike Race. The route climbs uphill from Ashland to the top of Mount Ashland, a distance of 15 miles and 5500 ft. gain in elevation. A very difficult and challenging ride. Total distance is about 30 miles.
Starting at Upper Duck Pond in Lithia Park ride up Granite Street along Ashland Creek about 1 mile. When you come to the fork in the road above the siltation dam bear left onto Glenview. Follow Glenview for about 1/2 mile to Ashland Loop Road. Turn right on to Ashland Loop Road, which becomes Forest Road 2060 1.5 miles further up. When Forest Road 2060 turns off to the right, continue left on to Forest Road 200. Follow Forest Road 200 about 4 miles to Forest Road 2080 to the paved mount Ashland access road. Turn right on to the access road and follow it 2 miles to the Ski Ashland parking lot. Continue through the parking lot and enter Forest Road 20. Follow Forest Road 20 for 1 mile to Forest Road 300, which ascends to the summit of Mt. Ashland. Return the way you came.
As with the Lithia Loop the first 10 miles of this ride may be closed to all entry during fire season. Mountain bikes are not permitted of roads in the Mt. Ashland area.
Directions
From the Ashland Ranger Station:
Drive west on Highway 66 for 1 mile to Siskiyou Boulevard. Turn right on to Siskiyou Boulevard and continue another mile. Siskiyou Boulevard becomes Lithia Way (one way). Continue a few blocks to North Pioneer Street and turn left. Continue on North Pioneer to East Main. Cross East Main and jog right toward the Plaza. Turn left on to Winburn Way and follow it up through the park to the Upper Duck Pond.
