Photo Recap, Wil Matthews, 2023 Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder Stage 2 - McKenzie to Oakridge, Oregon

Photo recap of Stage 2 of the 2023 Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder, Photos by Wil Matthews

Out of the small community of Blue River, is a testament to a community’s ability to survive and ultimately thrive through challenging situations. The town of Blue River burnt down two years ago on Labor Day with the Holiday Fire and the town is now on the path to rebuilding. There is still a lot of beauty in the area and we are fortunate to partner with the McKenzie Community Track to host our campsite for the end of Stage 1 and the beginning of Stage 2.


Stage 2 departs, immediately crosses the McKenzie River, and then heads up to the lush and dense forest of Willamette National Forrest. Here, rain comes in significant amounts, and moss and ferns rule the landscape. Large stands of old-growth timber can still be found along the course route and peekaboo views of far-reaching mountains and scenic vistas can be seen along the route.

Riders will then descend to the South Fork of the Willamette River before climbing once again up and over the Huckleberry Mountain and into the old logging town of Oakridge. Oakridge is an interesting community that has gone from being a depressed logging town to recently finding its footing in recreation and tourism, boasting some of the most spectacular mountain bike trails and riding in the country.

We also have the luxury and the privilege to use Greenwaters Park on the middle fork of the Willamette River. This campsite is one of the most spectacular along the route, providing not only miles of green lawn and old-growth trees to tent under but also an incredible swimming hole right next to camp.

We are fortunate to be able to spend two nights at this location as we have an extra day in Oakridge on Friday for Stage 3.