Can we get more biking trails in the McKenzie River area?
Problem:
We have a huge demand for local hiking trails, especially ones that include mountain bikes. The few that we have are so good, they are getting over used! It’s a problem affecting both hikers and mountain bikers as these are dual use trails.
Mckenzie River National Recreation Trail and the King Castle portion of the O’Leary Loop Trail are both experiencing heavy use from both hikers and bikers.
These trails with mountain bike access have become key drivers of tourism revenue. They provide important revenue supporting our local economy. Excessive use deteriorates recreational value and threatens local jobs. Our community needs additional trails to relieve the overuse pressure and to driver more overnight stays (overnight stays are the top priority in tourism goals as these visitors have a larger economic impact).
Proposed Solution:
A new trails project, named Deathball Mountain, near Blue River, Oregon has been initiated by a group of locals, trail groups, outdoor enthusiast, businesses, non-profits and has the support of local Forest Service staff.
The name, Deathball Mountain Trails Project, is derived from the name of the mountain peak these trails are to be developed on. In spite of the name, the trail project will include trails at all skill levels. Project materials state, “We are developing a system of low-elevation, accessible trails that accommodate mountain bikers across all skill levels.”
The steering committee has proposed this trail development project to Travel Oregon. Our committee includes avid hikers/cyclists as well as various local trail stewards, recreation guides, Forest Service personnel, and tourism marketing professionals: Cascade Volunteers, Horse Creek Lodge, Mckenzie River Mountain Resort, Eugene, Cascade & Coast, McKenzie River Trail Run & more.
The Deathball Mountain Trail Project has been accepted to Travel Oregon’s inaugural Recreation Ready program!!
The Recreation Ready program offers us technical assistance and possible funding to advance the concept of this amazing project.
“This is a BIG project that is expected to have an oversized impact on our local economy – helping our community recover after the devastating Holiday Farm Fire. ” – Chris LaVoie executive director of McKenzie Community Partnership
Next Steps..
Building awareness beyond our local community is important to us — we’ll need help.
The steering committee is hoping that community members like you will share your perspective on the characteristics and amenities you’d like to see from this trail system — as your input will shape the final design of our project.
Would you be interested in getting information and updates about our development project?
If you have any initial questions about this project, please don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re excited for this project’s potential to enhance the McKenzie River as an outdoor recreation destination, and look forward to your engagement!
Please Note: This is not an official release from the Deathball Mountain Trails Project steering committee. It is an information piece to keep you informed from someone who is participating in the project. MCP is not the project lead on Deathball Mountain Trails Project, we are participating and providing support.
Chris LaVoie – Executive Director
Formerly McKenzie Community Development Corporation
A Non-Profit Community Development Organization