How To Bike The Oregon Trail

While the idea of riding the Oregon Trail from one end to the other might seem appealing, the truth is that it can't be done. Parts of the Oregon Trail fall on private land, making it impossible for anybody to access those areas. Also, the Oregon Trail is more than 2,000 miles long, an impressive size even for professional bike riders. If you decide to bike the Oregon Trail, the key to success is to plan the trip well.

Step 1

Look at a map of the trail and choose what segments you want to ride. If you want a day ride, pick a short segment like the 1-mile Three Island Crossing or Register Cliff, where you can still see the places where immigrants arriving in the 1800s carved their names on the sandstone rocks. For longer riding, the Blue Mountain Segment offers 17 miles of mountainous terrain and plenty of water and woods to enjoy and challenge you.

Step 2

Check the weather in advance. Some sections of the trail cut through Washington and Wyoming. These areas are more likely to experience extreme weather, especially in late autumn and winter. If you want to explore these areas, pack the appropriate gear.

Step 3

Mark points of interest on the map. Certain areas of the Oregon Trail are well-known for their attractions. Bike the segment alongside Hagerman, Idaho, to see the Hagerman Fossil Beds, America's largest concentration of horse fossils, or explore the Baker City section of the trail for a look at the Flagstaff Hill/National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.

Step 4

Try the Chimney Rock segment if you don't have a preferred area in mind. This is one of the most famous points on the Oregon Trail because during the 1800s, travelers used it as the signal point that marked the end of the prairies and the start of the Rocky Mountains.

Tips and Warnings

Parts of the trail, like Fourmile Canyon, are very popular with hikers. During spring and autumn the trails are busy and you might need to walk your bike through certain segments since they're too narrow and inconvenient for hikers and riders to share.