Corvallis to Big Elk via Cardwell Hill Wagon Road

About Corvallis to Big Elk via Cardwell Hill Wagon 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. It uses a historic wagon road on the west side of Corvallis and climbs over the shoulder of Marys Peak using Tum Tum Road. There is a seasonal closure of a one mile segment beginning at mile 28 between October 16 to May 15. Two detour options are provided below.

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).  

RWGPS route map: 35 miles; +3040'; 71% unpaved

Permit needed: None

Seasonal closure: A one mile segment of this route is closed to bicycles between the middle of October through the Middle of May (on the Sugarbowl Creek segment of the C2C Trail). Two detour options are provided below.

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

Climbing: There are two significant climbs on this route: Cardwell Hill Wagon Road (about a 600' elevation gain) and Tum Tum Road (about a 1000' elevation gain).

Sugarbowl Creek Detour 1

RWGPS route map: 40 miles; +3375' 

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.  

Sugarbowl Creek Detour 2

RWGPS route map: 37 miles; +2830' 

This detour is necessary from 10/16 to 5/15.