The Oregon Outback bikepacking route goes from Klamath Falls to the Columbia River, traversing the state's high desert region.

This is a great video produced by Brian Choi from YouTube Channel Goody Finder covering an Oregon Outback bikepacking adventure of 360 miles from Klamath Falls to Deschutes River. Brian's trip took place May 2021 over 5 days.

The trail begins in Klamath Falls. The first day covers 65 miles on the OC&E Woods Line.

In Olene, you will encounter gates on the trail—please close them behind you.

Olene to Sprague River
This section travels through Olene Gap and north through juniper and sagebrush before swinging east at Swede’s Cut, a portion of track that was cut through high ground in order to maintain a gentle grade. The section is named for the Swedish workers who used star drills and black powder to move more than 10 feet of boulders and hardpan soil. Continuing east, the trail skirts the town of Dairy, named for the Dutch dairymen who first settled here.

Sprague River to Bly
As the trail descends into the Sprague River Valley, it traverses timber and ranch lands and passes the Sprague River. This scenic section is rich in wildlife and waterfowl. Agricultural activities abound in this fertile valley, and
trail users may encounter livestock. The main trail continues east to the end of the line at the quiet town
of Bly, once a booming mill town.

Woods Line Spur to Sycan Marsh
The spur trail splits off and heads north in Beatty. This rough section passes from open farmland to thick woods, then crisscrosses over Five Mile Creek at mile 10. The spectacular Merritt Creek Trestle awaits at mile 27, stretching 400 feet long and 50 feet high. The Woods Line breaks at the expanse of grasslands known
as Sycan Marsh, then continues north of the marsh for seven miles.

The Switchbacks
Gateway Section, mile 32
Original construction plans called for a tunnel through Bly Mountain, but funds ran short, and crews instead built what was to be a temporary double switchback over the hill, allowing trains to be split to
e hill. This switchback was the last of its kind in the U.S., operating until
the rail line shut down, in 1990.

Merritt Creek Trestle
Woods Line Spur, mile 27
As you head north, you’ll see a spectacular structure known as Merritt Creek Trestle. This monument stands 400 feet and towers more than 50 feet above the creek bed.

The remaining 136 miles are unpaved and suitable for wide-tire bicycles, walking, cross-country skis and horseback riding. The trail surface in the Gateway Section is gravel. The roughest section is from Sprague River on, where the trail is loose rock.

Feel free to subscribe to Goody Finder and Track Notes.

View Images