Connect Lane Cycling Routes

This route of the Connect Lane series features Creswell just south of Eugene.  Although it's a short distance, the hilly terrain turns this route into more of an "adventure by bicycle". Start in the heart of Eugene's downtown at the Eugene, Cascades & Coast Visitor Center and follow the extensive network of downtown bike lanes south, where neighborhoods intermix with new and old-growth forests.

As you leave Eugene, you’ll encounter two small climbs, eventually descending into the open, rolling hills that characterize the South Willamette Valley. Keep an eye out for Fox Spring Farms, a small farm stand perfect for grabbing a mid-ride snack. Keep riding until you reach Hamm Rd, which links to Creswell — or continue riding Territorial Hwy to Cottage Grove.

You'll approach the steepest and tallest hill once you turn east towards Creswell. Hang in there, the ride's reward is the beautiful views during the descent. But if you are ready for a break, you can pause the ride here and stay overnight at Lanzarotta Bed and Breakfast, a sweet, secluded B&B nestled in the forest.

After tackling the hill, the rest of the ride will be smooth as you pass small farms and open pasture, riding right out onto Creswell's main street.  Make sure to stop by the Creswell Bakery for the best cardamom buns you've ever had!

This section of the Connect Lane collection takes you back out to the Gillespie Corners and south towards Cottage Grove.  As you're approaching Lorane, you'll see the magnificent King Estate winery, which is a lovely place to take a break.

Want to show your love for Oregon wine even as a beer drinker? Right next door is Alesong Brewing and Blending, which is the perfect marriage between wine and beer, as they ferment most of their brews with recycled Pinot Noir barrels — giving each drink a touch of bright fruitiness. If you want to power through your ride, check out Lorrane Market for an energy bar or a hydrating beverage.

Head east onto Cottage Grove-Lorane Rd, which you'll follow tall the way into Cottage Grove's Main Street, filled with shops, murals and breweries, ending at Trailhead Park. This trailhead is right next to Bohemia Park, the town's main outdoor concert venue, and is also the start point for the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway!

This is a challenging route that amps up in difficulty past the halfway point, climbing from the South Willamette Valley to the mountain town of Oakridge.

The ride starts simple with a flat, paved, multi-use path from Cottage Grove's Trailhead Park. This section is part of the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway which is very popular with families and more casual cyclists. The Row River Trail route passes Dorena Lake to county roads with the rural landscape shifting to denser forests and greater inclines. The next 40 miles (64.37 km) are all uphill with forested views and shade as you climb.

You’ll near the top at over 4,800 feet (1.46 km) above sea level, followed by a short descent and another short climb to the main summit. Past that, you'll cruise 16 miles (25.7 km) of Forest Service roads as you wind downward and into the mountain town of Oakridge.

Enjoy a well-earned drink at the 3 Legged Crane Pub, and stop by Cog Wild if you want to swap the road bike for a mountain bike, as Oakridge is the "Mountain Biking Capital of the Northwest". Stay over at a mountain motel before riding on to the Aufderheide Scenic Bikeway, or taking a bicycle-friendly public bus back to Eugene.