Alpine Trail

Alpine Trail #3450, near Oakridge is a popular 9.3-mile route known for its scenic beauty and diverse terrain, offering opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the trail features a significant elevation gain of 1,584 feet, starting at 3,200 feet and ending at 4,784 feet, making it a moderate to difficult trek for outdoor enthusiasts.

Trail Summary

Trailhead: Multiple access point(see below)

Length: Approximately 9.3 miles

Elevation: 1,584 ft. overall elevation gain

Difficulty: Classified as moderate

Scenic Views: Mostly forested trail with some rocky flowered meadows and panoramic vistas

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Trailhead Locations and Access Points

Alpine Trail #3450 offers multiple access points, providing flexibility for hikers and mountain bikers. There are five main trailheads, ranging from lower to higher elevations. The Alpine Trailhead #1 serves as the lowest access point, while Alpine Trailhead #3 is situated at a higher elevation, offering different starting options for trail users. For those seeking a more challenging approach, the trail can be accessed from the west via the Gold Point Trail #3468, though this 3.5-mile route with a 17% ascent is considered too steep for most riders. Another option is the Alpine North Fork Trailhead, accessible by driving 1.6 miles on Forest Road 5821 and then 3.8 miles on Forest Road 5828, which bypasses the last 1.5 miles of Alpine Trail #3450. This variety of access points allows users to tailor their experience based on their preferred difficulty level and desired trail length.

Elevation Gain and Scenic Views

Alpine Trail #3450 offers a diverse elevation profile with stunning scenic views along its route. The trail climbs through timber and passes through several open rocky meadows, providing hikers and mountain bikers with panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. After the junction with Tire Mountain Trail, the path traverses a series of scenic meadows offering expansive views to the south and east. As riders ascend to Sourgrass Mountain, they are treated to a spectacular display of white beargrass blooms in midsummer. The trail’s elevation gain of 1,584 feet over its 9.3-mile length presents a moderate challenge, rewarding users with ever-changing perspectives of the Willamette National Forest. Mountain bikers particularly appreciate the trail for its long descending sections, which offer thrilling rides through vast forests interspersed with breathtaking viewpoints. The varied terrain and elevation changes contribute to the trail’s popularity among outdoor enthusiasts seeking both a physical challenge and visual splendor.

Mountain Biking and Hiking Routes

Alpine Trail #3450 offers diverse routes for both mountain biking and hiking enthusiasts. For mountain bikers, the trail is part of an epic Oakridge Oregon Alpine ridgeline experience, with most traffic flowing north to south. A popular option is the 37.5-mile out-and-back route starting from the Alpine North Fork Trailhead, involving 9,700 feet of ascent. Hikers can enjoy a 27.3-mile loop to Sourgrass Mountain, passing by North Fork Middle Fork Willamette River and Windy Pass. The trail’s varied terrain includes steep sections with loose conditions due to downhill traffic, making it challenging for both hikers and bikers. For those seeking a less strenuous experience, the northern approach from the Alpine FR1835 Trailhead offers a moderate 29-mile out-and-back option with 7,200 feet of ascent. The trail’s mix of singletrack (50%) and forest roads provides a diverse riding and hiking experience through the scenic Willamette National Forest.

Sources:

Travel Oregon, Cascade Singletrack, Outer Spatial, Forest Service

MTB Project, Hiking Project, Gaia GPS

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