Central Oregon Gets 11.5 Mile Trail Network
Cline Buttes near Redmond, Oregon just opened 11.5 miles of new trails for hikers and bikers. The expanded network offers options for varying skill levels with scenic butte views and close proximity to Redmond for supplies. This adds a major new outdoor destination for Pacific Northwest adventure seekers planning spring and summer trips.
The recent 11.5-mile trail expansion at Cline Buttes is the result of a two-year collaboration between the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) and the Bureau of Land Management. This project, which began in October 2023, cost roughly $178,000 and was funded by the Central Oregon Future Fund and the Recreational Trails Program. The expansion nearly doubles the existing mountain bike trails from 12.7 to 24.8 miles. It includes 6 new miles of trail at Cline Butte with names like "Chainbreak," "Positive Vibrations," and "Legal Eagle," and 5.5 new miles at Cascade View, featuring trails such as "Whiptail," "Rattler," and "Bull Snake." A primary goal of the project was to enhance trail sustainability and user experience while protecting sensitive golden eagle nesting habitats. Rerouting trails away from these nesting sites is crucial as human activity can cause stress and potential nest abandonment. The nesting period for these eagles typically runs from January to August. Volunteers played a significant role in the trail development, contributing over 3,985 hours to the project. Professional trail builders from Velo Solutions, led by Paul Thomasburg, were also instrumental in the construction of the new trails. Several popular downhill-only trails, known as DH1 and DH3, were rerouted off of private property as part of this project, securing long-term public access. In addition to the new trails, the project included the installation of new signage to help with navigation. The Cline Buttes Recreation Area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including trails for equestrians and off-highway vehicles, in addition to hiking and mountain biking. Future plans for the area include the potential for a trail connecting the Cline Butte Trailhead to the Maston Trails, which would require collaboration with the Oregon Department of Transportation for a safe highway crossing. The overall improvement project for the recreation area is estimated to cost $500,000, with a goal of completion by 2026.
