A lot of people come to Oregon and want to go mountain biking. It’s a great state for it!

There are so many different trails with varying difficulty levels that there’s something for everyone.

In this article, we’re going to focus on the Timothy Lake Loop mountain biking trail. This trail is rated as moderate difficulty, which makes it a great option for those who are looking for a challenge but don’t want to be completely out of their element.

The Basics: What You Need To Know About Biking The Timothy Lake Loop

The Timothy Lake Loop is a 27-mile trail that circumnavigates Timothy Lake. The trailhead is located at the Oakland Ranger Station, which is about an hour’s drive from Portland. 

You first need to know that this trail is not for beginners. Some sections are fairly steep and technical, so if you’re a beginner, I would recommend doing some research on other trails in the area before attempting this one. 

Another thing to remember is that this trail is very popular with hikers, horseback riders, and campers, so you need to be prepared to share the trails with other users.

Be courteous and yield to hikers and horses whenever possible, and be extra careful when passing campgrounds—there might be tents or kids running around that you can’t see until it’s too late. 

Finally, since this is a loop trail, you can choose to start at any point along the route. However, I would recommend starting at the Oakland Ranger Station so you can get an idea of the lay of the land before embarking on the rest of the journey. 

The Journey Itself: What to Expect Along the Way

As I said before, the Timothy Lake Loop is a 27-mile journey. There are many ups and downs, but luckily there are plenty of places to stop along the way if you need a break. My favorite part of the ride is around mile 15 when you break out of the tree line and into an open meadow with views of Mount Hood—it’s breathtaking. 

One final tip: make sure you bring plenty of water with you. Even if it’s not super hot out, you’ll still exert yourself quite a bit and need to stay hydrated. There are only a few water fountains along the route, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and bring your own water bottle or hydration pack.

And speaking of packing…What to Bring on Your Ride

In addition to water, you should bring a few other things with you on your ride. 

• First, since this is a mountain biking trail, you’ll need a bike that can handle some bumps and uneven terrain. A cross-country or hardtail mountain bike would be ideal—I wouldn’t recommend a road bike. 
• Second, you’ll need basic repair supplies if you get a flat tire or your chain comes off. I always like to bring a small hand pump, a few extra CO2 cartridges, and a multi-tool, just in case. 
• Third, you’ll want to bring snacks and lunch with you since there aren’t any stores along the way. I like to bring energy bars, trail mix, and some sort of sandwich or Wrap. 
• Finally, don’t forget your camera! This is a beautiful ride, and you’ll want to document it.

Now that you know what to expect, go out and enjoy the Timothy Lake Loop. Just be sure to come prepared, be courteous to other trail users, and, most importantly, have fun!