South Willamette Trail + Lower Hardesty Mountain Bike Ride

For those of you looking to test your limits on some physically and technically demanding singletrack, the South Willamette Trail and the lower section of Hardesty Mountain Trail offer a healthy serving of steep climbs, root drops, off-camber switchbacks and white knuckle downhill. Try nearby Goodman Creek or Eagles Rest Trail if you are looking for scenic beauty or a view from the top. This loop is for those who want a workout and some technical challenges.

The South Willamette Trail roughly parallels Highway 58 and looks innocuous enough on a map. Actually the trail climbs and descends steeply a couple of times before crossing Crale Creek Road.  From here a gravel road climb puts you at the trailhead of the lower section of Hardesty Mountain Trail.  All too soon you are at the bottom and returning on South Willamette Trail. If you don't want to repeat the steep climbs on the way back you can make your way out to Highway 58 and spin leisurely back to your car.