Stein Butte ride
This ride can be done as a loop with no hiking if you're a serious rider, but only in the CW direction. This trail gets four stars, needs to be a bit longer to get the five star rating. Tall timber along most of the route and swimming holes at the finish make this a good ride for warmer days.
Driving directions:
Drive past Applegate reservoir on the main road that follows the west shore, at the "T" turn left continuing on Upper Applegate road for one more mile (a right turn would take you up Carberry Creek road), cross a second bridge and park in the small gravel lot on your left. The trail heads straight up the hill from this lot.
The ride:
No route finding skills necessary on this outing, the right turn onto the New London trail is well signed, and another right when you hit the gravel will take you back to your car.
Check for ticks and have a beer, you deserve it.
Note: The blue dashed line is the actual location of the trail, black dashed lines are the inaccurate guesses found on most maps.
The first half of the ride is in Oregon, the second half in California - something to consider for those with outstanding warrants.
