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The Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route (ORBDR) is the 12th route developed by the BDR organization for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle travel.
The Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route (ORBDR) is a 670-mile, multi-day off-pavement ride designed for adventure and dual-sport motorcycles. Starting in the high deserts of the southeast and exploring north through ancient pine forests and into the rugged mountains of the Cascade Range, challenges include lava rocks, silt, sand, and arduous mountain roads. From sagebrush steppe and hot springs, to caverns and glaciated volcanoes, riders are guided into remote territories that reveal many of the state’s natural wonders, providing prime sightseeing and recreational opportunities. With stunning views throughout and terrain that is certain to test your riding skills and endurance, the ORBDR is one of the best ways to discover the backcountry of Oregon.
The Oregon BDR Expedition Documentary film tour is happening at dealerships and clubs around the country.
ORBDR – SECTION DESCRIPTIONS
Section 1: Denio Junction, NV to Plush - 166 Miles
Section 1: Denio Junction, NV to Plush – 166 Miles
The Oregon BDR starts at the quaint hotel, restaurant, and gas stop known as Denio Junction in Nevada. From there, Section 1 travels north on pavement to the Oregon border and continues another 18 miles on Highway 205 where the track turns left onto a dirt road and ascends Domingo Pass (6400′) in the Pueblo Mountains. If you continue straight on Highway 205, you’ll find the town of Fields which serves as an alternate starting point for the route. Both Denio Junction and Fields have gas and lodging options but it is advised to book your rooms well in advance.
After crossing over Domingo Pass, it’s a long ride through vast open lands in southeast Oregon. The roads will vary in width and alternate between gravel and dirt, and include some nice double-track. Watch for loose silt beds on these segments especially later in the riding season. Riders can opt to explore the more difficult and optional out-and-back track to the summit of Beatys Butte (7918′).
Consider stopping for a quick dip at Hart Mountain Hot Springs or the visitor center for Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge before descending to the general store in Plush, the end of Section 1.
Section 2: Plush to Christmas Valley - 98.5 Miles
Section 2: Plush to Christmas Valley – 98.5 Miles
Plush has food, drinks, and a gas pump—amenities that you’ll need before starting Section 2. Be sure to check for hours of operation before you arrive. Not far from Plush the fun factor kicks in as the route ascends into the Coyote Hills. Riders will encounter a long straight powerline road that goes north and leads to Highway 395 at the upper end of Lake Abert—an alkali lake that is mostly dry in late summer. After crossing the highway, the gravel roads are in good shape for a stretch, but eventually the track deteriorates into rocky sections that demand careful line selection to avoid flat tires. Be mindful, there is an arched cattle guard that could prove dangerous if taken at speed. In addition, there are a few barbed wire ranch gates throughout this section, please close after you ride through.
The terrain remains this way for over 40 miles, so take your time and hydrate along the way. Eventually the route descends into Fandango Canyon and takes you to the rural town of Christmas Valley which has a more complete selection of services.
Section 3: Christmas Valley to Sunriver - 101 Miles
Section 3: Christmas Valley to Sunriver – 101 Miles
You’ll take gravel roads that head north out of Christmas Valley as you start Section 3. Not far into the day’s ride, two optional 1/4 mile hikes lead to a volcanic feature called ‘Crack in the Ground’ and a viewpoint at ‘Green Mountain Lookout’ (5190′). The route then turns onto Millican Road (remember to leave gates as you found them) and then enters Deschutes National Forest. The roads in this area are usually in good shape early in the year but can get silty and rocky as the riding season progresses. Take it easy if the silt is deep or if the roads are wet, as they’ll be slick and sometimes impassable. If time permits, take advantage of two optional out-and-back rides to discovery points: the viewpoint on Pine Mountain (6348′) and the Paulina Crater in Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
This next section might provide some of the most epic and memorable riding on the entire ORBDR. We’ve dubbed this “The Luge ” as it is a fun section of tight, twisty forest road that winds down the mountain and feels like riding a luge. After recomposing yourself and wiping the smile off your face, the main track follows a road that wraps around the north end of the Paulina Crater and then crosses Highway 97 at the town of Sunriver.
Section 4: Sunriver to Sisters - 60 Miles
Section 4: Sunriver to Sisters – 60 Miles
Gas up in the resort town of Sunriver and get ready to enter an area of Central Oregon that hosts outdoor recreationalists of all kinds. Keep the speed down and watch for walkers and cyclists who could be crossing the roads on singletrack trails in the vicinity.
The next section of the ORBDR hopscotches between dirt and tarmac via Cascade Lakes Highway and Skyliners Drive. Soon afterward, expect steady climbs into an area where snowpack occasionally lingers into mid-July. If the snow is gone, this segment is a real treat with fun, flowy roads and includes a short side trip option to Three Creek Lake, which has a small store with limited supplies. Continue through blissful, tight two-track to the vibrant western-themed town of Sisters, named for the Three Sisters volcanoes which are visible from portions of the road.
Section 5: Sisters to Detroit - 76 Miles
Section 5: Sisters to Detroit – 76 Miles
The track north of Sisters journeys back onto roads within Deschutes National Forest. Skylight Cave is a recommended short side trip for cave lovers to get their spelunking on. After a fun whoops-filled section of the Old Santiam Wagon Road, there is an optional Advanced track to loop around Cache Mountain and the summit of Cache Mountain (5579′) where excellent views of the Cascade Range can be seen. The riding north of Cache Mountain can be sandy and include plenty of bumps in late summer. This section is a delightful experience which soon connects with a brief segment on Highway 20.
The route then follows miles of typical forest roads before descending to the east shore of Detroit Lake. Paved roads lead the rest of the way to the town of Detroit which was devastated by the Beachie Creek Fire in 2020. The town is being rebuilt and can use the infusion of tourist dollars, so stop and support local businesses while riding through or staying for the night.
Section 6: Detroit to Govt Camp - 92.5 Miles
Section 6: Detroit to Govt Camp – 92.5 Miles
North of Detroit is another area that has been impacted by recent wildfires. In 2021, the Bull Complex Fire burned a large portion of Willamette National Forest. Traverse through burnt out forest, with an option to detour to Olallie Lake. There’s a small store on the shore of this scenic lake which has food and supplies in the summer months (no fuel there). Olallie Lake also offers excellent camping and has cabins available. After Olallie, the route becomes a navigational challenge, so you’ll want to pay close attention to the GPS tracks, as intersections are easily missed. Near the end of Section 6 the route passes by both Timothy and Clear Lakes which are excellent places to visit. The final miles are on Highway 26 and end at the town of Government Camp which has a fine selection of lodging, restaurants, and pubs.
Section 7: Govt Camp to Hood River - 81.4 Miles
Section 7: Govt Camp to Hood River – 81.4 Miles
The last section of the ORBDR leaves Government Camp on Highways 26 and 35. After leaving pavement, the route follows a blissful series of roads on a circuitous route through Mount Hood National Forest. The byways in this area to the southeast of Mount Hood are rocky and exposed at times, so keep your focus and ride within your ability. Factor in stopping at the numerous amazing viewpoints along the way.
The route follows a short segment of the historic Old Barlow Wagon Road which unfortunately has been closed recently due to forest fires—hopefully it will open again soon. The track then heads true north following high elevation ridges on Gunsight Butte, Lookout Mountain, and Surveyors Ridge. The last ten miles are on pavement, but they are exceptionally scenic and pass through rural farms within the Hood River Valley. The ORBDR ends at a park where Hood River meets the mighty Columbia River in the city of Hood River.