About Corvallis to Big Elk via Woods Creek Road
Big Elk Campground is conveniently located about half-way between Corvallis to the Coast. This is one of three routes on this website from Corvallis to Big Elk. This route is similar to the Old Peak Road route. The advantages of this route are that it involves a little less climbing and no permit is needed. The downside is that you have to ride on Highway 20 (which has a narrow shoulder and high traffic) for almost 2 miles.
Essential information
Starting location: Shawala Point in downtown Corvallis. Public parking with a 48 hour limit is available at the lot at 647 SW 2nd Street (see location).
RWGPS route map: 28.7 miles; +2200'; 58% unpaved
Permit needed: None
Seasonal closure: A one mile segment of this route is closed to bicycles between the middle of October through the Middle of May (on the Sugarbowl Creek segment of the C2C Trail). A detour is possible and will be described below.
Additional information: Before riding any part of the C2C Trail, check the C2C Trail Partnership website for updated information.
Climbing: Most of the climbing on the route occurs between Highway 20 and Woods Creek Trailhead where the route gains 1500' in elevation over 7.6 miles.
Sugarbowl Creek Detour
This detour is necessary from 10/16 to 5/15. This route continues north on Shot Pouch Road and then turns south on Burnt Woods-Harlan Road and rejoins the C2C route at the settlement of Harlan. This detour adds a net of about 8 miles and 300' of climbing to the route.
RWGPS route map: 11 miles; +442'; 35% unpaved