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By Emily Hunter | 02/02/2022 | Family, Outdoor Activities, Outdoor Adventure, Sports, Trails

TOP 9 BEST BIKE TRACKS & TRAILS TO EXPLORE

From calm paved tracks to mountainous trails, find the finest biking in the Heart of the Rogue. Create your own adventure as you move from trail to trail, or plan it all out by picking specific loops so that you can ride carefree. All skill levels and ages are welcome to explore the numerous trails and tracks surrounding the valley. Whether you are looking for a family ride near a friendly park, or a solo adventure you’ll be itching to come back for, here are the best places to bike around the valley. 

We present to you: your complete guide to renting, repairing and riding the Heart of the Rogue!

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No matter what you are looking for, this park has it all. From the smooth, paved road winding up to the mountain, to the rugged unpaved trails throughout the park, explore the offerings of this beautiful trail system with your family and friends or take a solo ride. The trails range from easy to difficult, making this park the perfect place for riders of any skill level. Each trailhead has signage posted with the recommended skill level, trail distance and what activities are recommended. With over 1,740 acres of trails and spectacular panoramic views of the valley, Prescott Park is truly the crown jewel of Medford.

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This beautiful track is a 20-mile, paved trail that connects the cities of Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, Medford and Central Point. The greenway is continuous from the friendly Ashland Dog Park to the Seven Oaks Interchange of Central Point. Ride along the smooth, paved trail breathing in the beauty of the creek and trees beside you. In Medford, you can start at the spectacular Lithia and Driveway sports park, and ride along to Bear Creek Park (1.8 miles, 10 minutes) or Downtown Medford’s Hawthorne Park (3 miles, 15 minutes). View this map of the access points, mile markers, restrooms and more, and plan your next exciting adventure!

Jacksonville Woodlands, best Oregon hikes in Medford, hiking and biking trails in Medford

These forested woodlands offer a system where you can choose your own adventure by moving from trail to trail. The unique system offers 16 miles of natural wonder, beauty and history with posted signage along the way about the infamous gold rush period. To track your progress on your ride, download the All Trails or Gaia hiking apps, or pick up a paper map at the trailhead along California Street near the historic Britt Gardens to guide youIf it's your first time visiting the trail system, be sure to explore the peak, Panorama Point, to see epic views of the historic town of Jacksonville and the mountainous Rogue Valley.

More interested in rough terrain? Designed specifically for mountain bikes, test your skills at Mountain of the Rogue. This single-track, flow trail provides a stacked loop system of trails with opportunities for all skill levels to experience. The higher you climb, the more technically challenging the trails become. After an elevation climb of 1,300 feet, Tin Pan Peak offers a rewarding and thrilling descent that features exposure, steep rollers, tight turns, berms and rock gardens. If you are more of an intermediate or beginner rider, the lower loops of the mountain offer many exciting views and challenges just waiting to be explored. Spectacular views of the Rogue River and surrounding mountain range abound throughout the trail, making this the perfect location to trek a challenging yet rewarding mountain biking trail!

This park lives up to its name, boasting with 1,080 acres of forested hills and over 30 miles of multi-use trails in the Jackson Creek Watershed. Find trails specifically for biking, trail loops are laid out to access various features found in the park. You’ll never have to fear losing your way around the park, with each trail loop all starting and finishing at the same parking area. The view shed encompasses the Siskiyou Mountains, Upper Bear Creek Valley and the Cascade Crest as far as the Three Sisters. Explore the beautifully forested trails, marvel at spectacular views, and explore the wonder of biking in the Rogue Valley at Forest Park.

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Experience Oregon's only national park on an intimate level by biking along Rim Drive! Although beautiful, this road is not for the lighthearted. Stretching along 33 miles, biking along the rim of the lake is physically demanding, with steep grades at high altitudes. Riders face many hazards including accelerated speeds on steep downhill sections, narrow roads without shoulders, rocks, animals, potholes and other road and weather-related risks.

Only cyclists experienced at riding with elevated vehicle traffic in two directions, should consider
 biking Rim Drive at Crater Lake. The lake also offers one dirt path where mountain biking is encouraged: Grayback Drive With 8 miles of unpaved and vehicle free roadway, leave your worries behind and bike through the park on a more carefree level.

Whether you seek the thrill of a challenge or checking off a bucket-list classicCrater Lake is a spectacular place for experienced bikers to explore.

Located just outside of Ashland, 57 miles of rugged trails await you. With 14 trials specifically assigned to mountain biking, this spectacular location has swift turns, rugged pathways and thick, beautiful trees on all sides. Pear out to open views of the mountain ranges and the mixed forested area throughout your ride. The trail surfaces run from granite to clay with minimal rocks. It features two trails, Ditch Mine (North Side) and Grub Gulch that are beginner. The rest of the trail offerings are recommended for intermediate and advanced riders, so prepare and plan accordingly for your trip. Enjoy beautiful views, the fragrant ponderosa pines, and a wonderful day of riding at the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail System!

Just a few miles down the road lies Wagner Creek, with beautiful all-mountain trails and scaping downhill roads, this is the perfect place for intermediate riders. This location offers 65 miles of trails with 18 specifically designated to bikers. Create your own adventure as you ride from trail to trail, with astounding views of the mountain ranges and forested landscape. Find a small slice of paradise, and prepare for an exciting day out on the trails!

Lithia Park, best Oregon hikes in Medford, hiking and biking trails in Medford

Just 20 minutes away from Medford lies Lithia Park. Nestled into downtown Ashland, this friendly park houses the Japanese Gardens, unique flora and a calm creek running through the park. A popular trail for hikers and bikers alike, you can choose to bike a loop through the dirt path or stay on the paved road. Just outside of the park lies a larger reservoir of trails, infamously known as the watershed. Less crowded from the downtown foot traffic, the watershed offers trails to all skill levels. Trails range from mostly smooth at lower elevations to more rocky and technical at higher elevations. The area is forested with a mainly granite trail surface, and all trails can be accessed from either Ashland Loop Road or Forest Road 2060. Shuttle service is also available up to the Mount Ashland Lodge. With 30 different trails to explore, find an endless amount of adventure just south of Medford!

A friendly place to explore, Medford has a long list of bike friendly eateries, repair shops, and hotels that rent bikes just for you and your tribe!

Common Block Brewing Company

A beautiful location to grab a bite or specialty brew, this is the perfect location to indulge in a hearty meal with your family and friends after your day of adventure. If you're sitting outside, you can also play a game of cornhole, and marvel at the beautiful lights they have up year-round.

Rogue Organic Café

Enjoy a range of vegan and veggie eats, shakes and juices at this comfy breakfast and lunch venue! With comfortable seating and plenty of changing menu choices, you are sure to find something that will refuel and replenish your body after a day of adventure.

Downtown Market Company

Enjoy a lovely lunch at this bohemian restaurant! With several nutritious options to choose from, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The menu is ever-changing, so each time you stop by you can experience something new, exciting, and seasonally delicious!

4 Daughters Irish Pub

Spread out and relax in this 2-story bar & restaurant with old-world décor & live music serving Irish & American pub grub. Play a game of pool on the top floor, and lounge on the comfortable couches nearby.

Grape Street Bar & Grill

Experience this classic downtown hangout with tavern fare, a full bar and and happy hour deals! The bar often features a variety of live music & dancing, so make sure to pack your dancing shoes and prepare to enjoy a night of fun!

Porter's Dining at the Depot

Take a moment to enjoy the tantalizing taste of old town Oregon history at this classic American restaurant. Porter's is infamous for it's delicious award-winning bites, fireside eating options and overall raw history and design. A transformed passenger depot, the building carries many of its original craftsman features, from the windows to the classic lights greeting you at the front door.

Jefferson Spirits

This cozy, rustic‑chic tavern features refined New American bites, craft beers, whiskey flights and finely crafted cocktails you are sure to enjoy. They also feature live musicians, creating the perfect atmosphere for a fun night out with your friends!

Pomodori Osteria and Bar

This authentic Italian restaurant is family owned and operated, serving traditional dishes and delectable wine. The word "osteria" translates to a “simple restaurant” in Italian, with the origin, “oste,” meaning host. Treat yourself to a fantastic downtown lunch or dinner, and be amazed at the fresh ingredients and care in every simplistically designed dish.

Forage Coffee Company

Complete with a fabulous atmosphere, a lovely shop and of course, delicious brews, this local coffee shop is a must‑visit! Customize any drink to order, hang out in the suspended (totally instagrammable) bohemian swing, or even bring a plant friend home with you. 

Cultivate Coffee & Tea

Hand‑crafted coffees, herbal teas, and delicious eats all carefully cultivated for your enjoyment! Try the new specialty coffee items posted weekly, or taste a classic from their menu. Experience the fresh ambience, delicious brews and cozy seating at this local coffee shop.

TownePlace Suites

Perfect for extended trips and weekend vacations alike, find bike rentals, full kitchens, comfortable bedding, and ergonomic workspaces at this local hotel.

Siskiyou Cyclery

Just a 15-20 minute drive from the Heart of the Rogue, discover specialized bikes and e-bikes, as well as a repair service of all brands of bikes.

Ashland Electric Bikes

Ashland Electric Bikes offer electric-assisted bikes (e-bikes) that combine solid bike frame designs, powerful and efficient motors, latest technology lithium battery packs, and quality bike components to provide maximum value-per-dollar.

Al's Cycle & Hobby

Need a quick repair, extra part or professional guidance? Al's Cycle & Hobby is your one stop shop for all things biking, with top quality products and incredible customer service.

From exciting, mountainous trails to smooth, paved pathways, you can find all your heart’s desires in the Heart of the Rogue. Explore all this beautiful valley has to offer right in Medford, and discover even more destinations to hikebike and play!

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