Cline Buttes Trail Network in Central Oregon is Now Fully Integrated

Unleash Your Ride: Discover the Newly Completed Cline Buttes Trail Network!

Navigating Challenging Descents: The Reimagined DH3 Trail

Cline Butte is renowned among local riders in Bend, Oregon, for its demanding descents, particularly during the off-season. The technical, loose, and rocky sections have earned it a formidable reputation. While DH1 and DH2, rated black and double-black diamond respectively, remain in their original configurations, the DH3 trail has undergone a significant transformation. This rerouting was crucial to redirect riders away from private land while preserving the trail's advanced difficulty, incorporating new features like jumps and rock gardens.

Ascending New Heights: Enhanced Climbing and Cross-Country Routes

Previously, reaching the summit of Cline Butte involved a lengthy trek along an access road that often encroached on private property. To address this, COTA introduced 'Crossfire,' a two-mile, machine-built trail designed for uphill cycling only, with a gentle incline to accommodate all riders. Another addition, 'Legal Eagle,' provides a new cross-country route, avoiding sensitive eagle nesting habitats and connecting to the wider Cascade View trails, which offer over 10 miles of intermediate singletrack.

Ensuring Future Access: The Strategic Importance of Cover Charge

Accessing Cline Butte's summit from the north historically relied on a section of the XC Trail that traversed leased land, posing a risk of future closure. The introduction of 'Cover Charge' mitigates this concern. This one-mile climbing trail, rated intermediate due to its technical sections and steeper gradient, offers a direct route to the top, ensuring uninterrupted access for cyclists, particularly those approaching from Cascade View.

Optimizing the Riding Experience: From Difficult to Multi-Directional Trails

COTA's vision included creating an intermediate descent from the summit. Initially, 'The Goat' was introduced for this purpose, but its challenging nature led many riders to bypass it, opting for a designated climbing trail, 'Return Policy,' for their descent. Recognizing this, COTA reclassified 'The Goat' as a black diamond descent and ingeniously converted 'Return Policy' into a multi-directional trail. This change, facilitated by excellent sightlines, now provides a clear blue-rated descent from top to bottom, enhancing rider safety and experience.

A Progressive Trail System: Catering to All Skill Levels

The overarching goal for the CBRA network is to offer a progressive riding experience. Each of the three trailheads—Maston, Cascade View, and Cline—offers approximately the same mileage but caters to distinct skill levels. Maston provides beginner-friendly cross-country trails, ideal for newcomers. Cascade View elevates the challenge with intermediate cross-country routes, featuring more elevation and technical elements. Finally, Cline Butte is designed for advanced riders seeking thrilling descents. This thoughtful design ensures that cyclists can seamlessly advance their skills within the same expansive network.