Overall Route Rating
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4.38 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.38
18 Reviews

The Estacada to Detroit Lake highway

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Apr 30, 2006

Rider Reviews

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ConnieVulcan800
2 McR Points
March 28, 2013
This is our favorite 1 day ride. Don't plan to do…
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wiggledbits
August 5, 2011
Started on Sunday afternoon after a very hard…
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Written Directions

The route starts in the town of Estacada, OR (which is about 20 miles south east of Portland, OR). Start in Estacada and get on the Clackamas Highway (AKA Route 224) and head south. Take this about 70 miles to the end point of Detroit, OR. Note: when you go through the town of Ripplebrook the name of the road will change to Clackamas River Road (NF-46) but will be the same road. At Breitenbush the road changes names again to Breitenbush Road but is still the same road. This will take you right into Detroit, OR.

Scenery

This route travel entirely through the Mt. Hood National Forest. Running river, nice bridges, high fir trees, tree covered mtns. This is a beautiful, sometimes winding roadway with white waters and high rock formations following the road. This is one of those roads that have beautiful fall foliage colors, too.

Drive Enjoyment

Lots of twists and turns but portions of the road do have some small potholes and dips. There are numerous turnoffs but I would recommend staying on the main road the first time until you get use to the trip. Of course, this does go over a high pass and will have snow during the winter season. If anyone is planning to take the ride in the early spring, it's important they take into consideration the snow. I was there at the end of April and was not able to go through because the snow had the road blocked but everything was fine a few weeks later ... so I suggest you check before you head out for this route anytime before June or past September.

Tourism Opportunities

Not much till you get to Detroit Lake ...just beautiful scenery and great campsites. There is an annual White Water Festival about 15 miles South of Estacada and in Detroit there is an Fishing Rodeo. Also at Detroit Lake there are two hotels, two restaurants, the marina (you can rent boats but you would need to make advanced reservations during summer weekends www.detroitlakeoregon.org for area information and www.detroitlakemarina.com for boat rentals, etc.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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locketine
July 17, 2016
2 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Enduro
Lots of beautiful scenery, plenty of twisties and a few straightaways. Most of the turns are moderately tight and the road gets narrow in a couple places but always two lanes.

I've ridden this route twice now and never seen police but don't go crazy because there can be rocks and while most of the road is in really good condition there are some spots that will unseat you if you're pushing it really hard. After you cross the river and go through one of the only hair-pin turns the road becomes unpredictable and rough for about 5 miles. There also seems to be persistent wet patches no matter how hot it is. If it's a nice weekend there will also be intermittent and sometimes unpredictable traffic as there's free camping alongside the road in certain spots (you'll see a sign in this area) and plenty of campgrounds as well.

I actually had a breakdown last time I road this and discovered that I had to have my bike towed all the way to Salem to find a repair shop. While riding back the two truck driver told me he's seen plenty of dead motorcyclists on this route so please be careful guys. Also, riding north is more dangerous due to falling rocks so I suggest always starting on the north end and riding south.
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Guest
September 22, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
I went on this ride yesterday, and it was great.. Very light traffic. The scenery was amazing... I wish I would of taken my camera and stopped at the many places to take great pictures.. There are a lot of tight corners and curvy twisties to keep you on your toes.. There are quite a few sneaky pot holes and bumps that will definitely grab your attention.. Overall, it was a great way to spend my afternoon off work!
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Guest
September 12, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Standard
World class scenery, fishing, camping. South from Detroit is the heart of the Cascades...Sisters, Bend, Crater Lake, Shasta...Watch out for deer at dusk or at night though, of course. From Estacata to Detroit and back is my "default" ride since I live in Sandy...
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