Corvallis to Big Elk via Old Peak Road

About Corvallis to Big Elk via Old Peak Road

Big Elk Campground is conveniently located about half-way between Corvallis to the Coast. This is one of three routes on this website from Corvallis to Big Elk. Each of these routes climbs over the north shoulder of Marys Peak. They all converge one mile west of Woods Creek Trailhead where Woods Creek Road meets Tum Tum Road. This is the official bicycle route for the C2C Trail.

Essential information

Starting location: Shawala Point in downtown Corvallis. Public parking with a 48 hour limit is available at the lot at 647 SW 2nd Street (see location). Longer term parking might be available at the Benton County Fairgrounds.

RWGPS route map: 30 miles; +2434'; 68% unpaved

Permit needed: Starker Forests recreation permit for the gated portion of Old Peak Road (Ridge Route Tree Farm) (free)

Seasonal closure: A one mile segment of this shared route is closed to bicycles between the middle of October through the Middle of May (on the Sugarbowl Creek segment of the C2C Trail). A detour is possible and will be described below.

Additional information: Before riding any part of the C2C Trail, check the C2C Trail Partnership website for updated information.

Directions: From Philomath, head west on Grange Hall Road. From Highway 34, Old Peak Road climbs 4.2 miles to a gate. The next 3.9 miles are gated at both ends and require a free permit from Starker Forests. Turn west on Woods Creek Road for 1.6 miles to the Woods Creek Trailhead. Continue on Woods Creek Road for 1 mile to the intersection with Tum Tum Road. Continue on Woods Creek Road for 2.3 miles to Shot Pouch Rd. Proceed for 0.6 mile and then turn south on Shot Pouch Trail Road. In 0.4 mile, pass a gate marking the beginning of the Sugarbowl Creek section of the C2C Trail. Follow the trail for 2.8 miles to Marys Peak Road. Head west for 3.5 miles to Harlan. Continue for 1.6 miles on Harlan Road to Big Elk Campground.

Climbing notes: Most of the climbing on the route occurs between Highway 34 and the Woods Creek Trailhead where the route gains 1900' in elevation over 9.6 miles.

Sugarbowl Creek Detour

This detour is necessary from 10/16 to 5/15. This route continues north on Shot Pouch Road and then turns south on Burnt Woods-Harlan Road and rejoins the C2C route at the settlement of Harlan. This detour adds a net of about 8 miles and 300' of climbing to the route.

RWGPS route map: 11 miles; +442'; 35% unpaved