Google Maps coverage of backcountry areas is often incomplete and inaccurate. Roads are often missing, located incorrectly, or are misnamed. Below are three of examples of how Google Maps can lead you astray! 

Also, be aware that other mapping programs use Google Maps data for their routing (and for generating cue sheets and turn-by-turn directions). For example, Ride with GPS gives you the option of either using Google Maps or Open Street Map, which is not perfect but is often more accurate than Google Maps.

Apple Maps and Bing Maps are far less accurate than Google Maps. None of these programs are reliable for offline navigation. Below, I will describe options that are far better. 

Example 1: A significant intersection near Alsea Falls

Hull Oakes Road is the major unpaved route from Alsea Falls to Bellfountain Park. In the summer of 2021, two different groups of local riders were misled by this particular discrepancy and both groups ended up doing an unintended 800' climb. 

Example 2: Roads to the southwest of Burnt Woods

Google Maps misnames the roads and shows a road that doesn't exist, which could lead you to making the wrong turn.

Example 3: A completely missing road

The road to The Valley of the Giants is completely missing.

Better options for offline navigation

Here are my recommendations for offline navigation services. 

Briefly, my favorite program is the premium version of GaiaGPS (which in 2023 costs $40 per year). A free alternative is Guru Maps which allows you to download Open Street Map basemaps of entire states for offline use. Follow the link above for more information.