The Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route (ORBDR) offers adventure and dual-sport motorcycle riders a 686-mile, multi-day off-pavement journey through Oregon’s remote territories. Starting at the California border, the route generally tracks the eastern edge of the Cascade Range before concluding at the Columbia River on the Washington border.

The southern half of the route is characterized by drier terrain and forests dominated by Ponderosa Pines. As riders head north, the landscape changes to a colder region with higher precipitation, featuring subalpine firs and views of glaciated volcanoes.

This route guides riders to many of the state’s natural wonders, from lava buttes and hot springs to caverns and volcanic peaks, providing prime sightseeing and recreational opportunities. With stunning views throughout and terrain designed to challenge riding skills and endurance, the ORBDR stands out as an exceptional way to explore Oregon’s backcountry.

Best time of year: Mid-June through mid-October. Snow can linger at higher elevations into July in some years, so check Route Updates before an early-season trip.

Difficulty: Challenging

Please note: Since the Oregon BDR was released, we’ve listened closely to rider feedback and learned from real-world experience on the route. In November 2025, we’re excited to introduce major updates to the first three sections of the ORBDR to improve rideability and extend the riding season. The original southern sections often faced closures due to wildfire restrictions and extreme summer heat in the high desert, making it difficult to complete the route from start to finish. The revised Sections 1–3 now travel through higher-elevation National Forests, offering cooler temperatures, more consistent conditions, and a longer, safer season to ride the full route—from mid-June through mid-October.