Historic Barlow Road and Trail

Description

This is a joint ride between Mt High Snowsports Club and PBC.

We will take you along the path the settlers took to cross the Cascades in search of a new life. Ride the route that the settlers used to make it across this rugged mountain range. Historical stopping points and views all along the way.

Please be aware this ride makes many stops along this historical route. It is not your usual PBC type ride. Emilio Trampuz, historian extraordinaire, narrates stories of the trials and tribulations of the pioneers that dared the Oregon Trail.

Last couple of years, there were 10 - 20 riders on this ride.

Each year, this tour is a bit different as we discover new trails. This year, we will follow Lucy's trail for a little while. Just for something new and to avoid biking along a section of highway 26.

We will cross highway 26 only once, and that will be at a marked pedestrian crossing with a flashing light alert for motorists in Zig Zag.

Where exactly is the Oregon Trail (Barlow Road) around Mt. Hood? Would you be able to show family or friends which way the wagons went? Come on this free guided bicycle tour and find out.

And see the last traces of the Oregon Pioneers' wagon wheel ruts.

Barlow Road was the only way to get around the south side of Mt. Hood for 71 years, until the old Mt. Hood Loop highway was built in the 1920s. Both roads are now abandoned (except for a few short segments).

When Timberline Lodge was built in the late 1930s, all the building materials and tools were brought up along the old Mt. Hood Loop highway, which we will also ride on. This is all part of Oregon’s history, but it is being neglected.

Find out where these roads are, hear some of the pioneers’ stories, and maybe consider adopting a section, clearing it of fallen trees and branches every year. This was usually the job of the first wagon train of the season.

Also, hear a few short stories and excerpts from the pioneers' diaries.

A few points of interest along the way:
1. Barlow Pass and junction with the Pacific Crest Trail
2. The best view of Mt. Hood (seen from the old highway)
3. Pioneer Woman's Grave
4. Pioneer Cemetery and hear the the ghost of Perry Vickers.
5. Wagon tracks, still barely discernible in a couple of places.
6. The only bat cave on Mt. Hood. Actually a horse tunnel.
7. Several historic wagon trail markers along the way.

Meet at the Barlow Trail Roadhouse, about half way between Welches and Zig Zag, on the south side of Hwy. 26. This Roadhouse is located just before the Fire Station on highway 26 (west of the fire station).

We will need some carpooling from there to transport everyone and all our bicycles up to Barlow Pass. We will arrange this on the spot. Most people will continue driving in their own cars. No worries if your rack only holds one bike.

We will leave only 2 or 3 cars in Welches. At the end of the bike ride, we’ll have refreshments and/or lunch at the Barlow Trail Inn, and then we’ll use the 2 or 3 cars to take us back to fetch our cars at Barlow Pass.

We’ll ride on a mix of surfaces, mostly paved, but also some forest trails, and about a mile of gravel road. And later on, another bit of gravel road. Most of the 18 miles will be downhill, but there will be 2 uphill sections.

Almost any bike will do, including a commuter bike, a mountain bike, or an e-bike. As a general rule of thumb, thicker tires would work better. Only a racing bike with those super-thin tires is not recommended. (leader's note: We have always done gravel or wider tires).

Bring some water and a snack - like maybe some trial mix, or a small sandwich, or some fruit or a power bar. We will all need some nourishment before lunch, especially if you haven't had any breakfast in the morning.

Also, the ride always takes longer than expected, and we will need to have a snack along the way.

Mileage addicts: The route has many turns and changes in ride surface so the mileage posted might be slightly off.
😊

If you are 5-10 minutes late, or lost, phone John Davis.