Oregon Opens 11.5 Miles of New Trails
Central Oregon just opened 11.5 miles of new hiking and biking trails at Cline Buttes near Redmond. The high desert volcanic landscape expansion aims to reduce crowding on existing trails and connect local communities. Early reports show positive feedback from both locals and visitors looking for fresh spring adventure options.
The recently opened trails are part of a multi-year improvement project at the 32,000-acre Cline Buttes Recreation Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This initiative aims to formalize and expand the trail network, which will nearly double the existing 12.7 miles of mountain bike trails to 24.8 miles upon completion. This expansion, a partnership between the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) and the BLM, cost approximately $178,000. Funding was secured through the Central Oregon Future Fund and the Recreational Trails Program, both of which support the development of motorized and non-motorized trails in the region. The project involved over 3,985 volunteer hours and the expertise of professional trail builders Velo Solutions. New trails include six miles at Cline Butte with names like "Chainbreak" and "Positive Vibrations," and 5.5 miles at Cascade View, featuring trails such as "Whiptail" and "Rattler." A primary goal of the project was to enhance trail sustainability and user experience by rerouting existing paths away from private property. This realignment secures long-term public access for riders and hikers, particularly for popular downhill trails. Conservation was a key component, with specific trail adjustments made to protect sensitive nesting habitats for golden eagles. Some older trails are now subject to seasonal closures between February and August to minimize disturbances to the birds. The Cline Buttes area is a year-round destination known for its technical terrain, making it popular when other high-elevation trails are snow-covered. Beyond hiking and biking, the broader recreation area also accommodates off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on a separate 89-mile trail system. This trail development reflects the significant economic impact of outdoor recreation in Central Oregon, which supports thousands of jobs. Tourism is a major industry in the region, with outdoor activities being a primary draw for visitors.
