Central Oregon has a new riding area!! Located just east of Madras, the East Hills Trail System features separate trails for horses and mountain bikes, with about 10 miles of trail available for each type of user. Hikers and trail runners are allowed on all the trails.
The Riding
The equestrian trails are a set of four stacked loops you can mix and match to create the ride you want. The trails explore hills, ravines, juniper forest, and open grassland. From several vantage points, you’ll have splendid views of Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Hood, the Crooked River Grasslands, and the town of Madras.
All the trail junctions are marked, with carsonite signposts adorned with arrows pointing the way. The trails are low elevation, so they’re rideable virtually year-round. It’s a fun trail network, so give it a try!
The Backstory
The Central Oregon Trails Alliance (COTA), a mountain biking group, is building the trails, and with help from an equestrian group called Spur of the Moment. It’s delightful to see different types of users coming together to help each other develop the trail network. When you see these volunteers out working on the trail, please give them a huge thank you (or a donation!) for their efforts.
Getting There
To reach the East Hills Trails, turn east on NE B Street in Madras. As B Street passes Juniper Hills Park, it becomes E. Ashwood Road. Continue straight, and just past the east end of Juniper Hills Park, you’ll see the unsigned gravel parking area on your right. The parking area has room for up to eight trailers, depending on where hiker/biker cars are parked. The gate leading to the trails is on the southeast corner of the parking lot.