Thank you to our trail users, volunteers, members, and donors for always giving us feedback, we hear you! These questions are based on what we get asked most frequently, and we hope you find the answers to your questions here. If your question was not on this page, please reach out via email at [email protected].
TRAIL USERS related
Who can use the trails? (bikers, hikers, dogs, horses, motos, e-Bikes)
This depends on the specific land managing agency’s rules based on where the trails are (ie: US Forest Service, BLM, city or county property, etc), so you may need to do a little research before you head out. That said, the vast majority of mountain bike trails in the central Oregon region are located in the Deschutes National Forest and the Ochoco National Forest, where the current rules are:
Hikers and human-powered bike riders share the trails
- Hikers have the right of way, so bikers yield to hikers
Horses
- Horses are not allowed on most of the trails, unless those trails are clearly marked as shared with horses. If horses are allowed on a trail, both hikers and bike riders must yield to horses.
- Find more information on equestrian trails at OET.org
Motorcycles (aka motos)
- Motos are not allowed on the bike/hike trails, to reduce user conflict and trail degradation. Motos are allowed on forest roads.
Dogs
- The vast majority of the Deschutes National Forest accommodates off-leash opportunities for dogs, but there are notable exceptions. Learn more about these here.
- Common sense off-leash dog etiquette that we hope you'll follow: Well-trained dogs under their owner's voice control are generally well tolerated when encountered by other trail users like bikers and hikers. However, keep in mind it can be difficult to stop safely if a dog darts across a trail unexpectedly. Dog/rider collisions or out of control stops resulting in nasty accidents are something everyone wants to avoid, so please monitor your dog's whereabouts to keep them safe and happy.
E-bikes
- E-bikes are currently considered motorized vehicles by the USFS and therefore are not allowed on hike/bike trails.
- Scroll down to the E-bikes section for more info.
Hikers and human-powered bike riders share the trails
- Hikers have the right of way, so bikers yield to hikers
Horses
- Horses are not allowed on most of the trails, unless those trails are clearly marked as shared with horses. If horses are allowed on a trail, both hikers and bike riders must yield to horses.
- Find more information on equestrian trails at OET.org
Motorcycles (aka motos)
- Motos are not allowed on the bike/hike trails, to reduce user conflict and trail degradation. Motos are allowed on forest roads.
Dogs
- The vast majority of the Deschutes National Forest accommodates off-leash opportunities for dogs, but there are notable exceptions. Learn more about these here.
- Common sense off-leash dog etiquette that we hope you'll follow: Well-trained dogs under their owner's voice control are generally well tolerated when encountered by other trail users like bikers and hikers. However, keep in mind it can be difficult to stop safely if a dog darts across a trail unexpectedly. Dog/rider collisions or out of control stops resulting in nasty accidents are something everyone wants to avoid, so please monitor your dog's whereabouts to keep them safe and happy.
E-bikes
- E-bikes are currently considered motorized vehicles by the USFS and therefore are not allowed on hike/bike trails.
- Scroll down to the E-bikes section for more info.
Why are there one-way trails?
For user safety and to reduce user conflict. Ever notice how the trailhead is packed but the one-way trail feels like you’re the only one on it. Ahhh, the magic of one-way trails. You might also notice that one-way trails tend to widen less since riders aren’t passing each other.
Why don't we have more one-way trails? Land managers’ goals include protecting the land for wildlife and ecological sustainability for future generations. The more one-way trails there are, the more humans are spread out, reducing the native, wild areas.
Do one-way trails apply to all users? Generally, the one-way trail designation in the Phil’s network applies to mountain bikers only. Hikers can go both ways (just keep an eye out for others).
Why don't we have more one-way trails? Land managers’ goals include protecting the land for wildlife and ecological sustainability for future generations. The more one-way trails there are, the more humans are spread out, reducing the native, wild areas.
Do one-way trails apply to all users? Generally, the one-way trail designation in the Phil’s network applies to mountain bikers only. Hikers can go both ways (just keep an eye out for others).
TRAIL ETIQUETTE related
Who has right of way - climbing riders or descending riders?
We follow the trail use rules for this one set by IMBA and commonly used worldwide, that uphill riders have the right-of-way. Put the other way, downhill riders should yield to uphill riders. Why? Because it’s much harder to get started again on an incline than it is for the riders going downhill.
Who has right of way - hikers, bikers or horses?
- Horses always get the right of way. Even the calmest horse may spook unexpectedly, putting the rider and/or others in harm’s way.
- Bikers and hikers yield to horses.
- Bikers yield to hikers.
What should I do when I see a horse on the trail?
Stop. Move off the trail to the low elevation side (a spooked horse will want to run uphill). Talk so the horse understands you’re a human and is likely to be scared. Wait for the horse to pass, or for instructions from the rider.
Tread on trail - aka ‘How do i pass another rider’?
The best way to let someone pass is to stop at a safe spot on the trail, and while leaving your tire tread on the edge of the trail, lean your bike away from the trail in order to give them enough room to pass on the trail tread.
Especially here in the high desert, our vegetation is delicate and slow growing, so those riding off-trail do more than begin a braided trail, they compromise fragile plants and ecosystem. Please do not ride off-trail.
Especially here in the high desert, our vegetation is delicate and slow growing, so those riding off-trail do more than begin a braided trail, they compromise fragile plants and ecosystem. Please do not ride off-trail.
TRAIL WORK EVENTS related
I've never attended a work event before. Do I need any experience?
No, absolutely not. Our work events are lead by trained crew leaders who understand the scope of the event's project and provide all the tools and training, and the important safety briefing, to all who attend. All you need to bring is a can-do attitude and a willingness to get a little dirty.
Sign up on our Meetup page here. You can ask the crew leader posting the work event any questions you may have beforehand.
Sign up on our Meetup page here. You can ask the crew leader posting the work event any questions you may have beforehand.
How do I get training to work on the trails?
COTA hosts free training sessions every spring. Please follow COTA’s meetup page for more information. You can still volunteer, though! No experience is necessary to sign up for our trail work events, and you’ll learn a bunch about trails while meeting others in our community. Sign up on our Meetup page here.
Can I do trail work on my own?
Land managers require that volunteers do work in accordance with COTA’s written volunteer agreements. To make sure we comply, please do not do trail work on your own. Please attend COTA work events and our training series in the spring if you would like to do trail work. Sign up on our Meetup page to learn about work events and trainings here.
Can kids attend work events? How about dogs?
Yes, kids are welcome! A Parent or Guardian must sign the waiver form for trail workers under 18 years old. For anyone 14 years of age or younger, we require one Parent, Guardian or Responsible Adult for every four kids attending the work event.
Unfortunately, we do not allow dogs at work events. We all love dogs but it can be challenging to manage a group of volunteers and their comfort of dogs. Thank you for understanding.
Unfortunately, we do not allow dogs at work events. We all love dogs but it can be challenging to manage a group of volunteers and their comfort of dogs. Thank you for understanding.
What’s a Crew Leader?
A crew leader is a volunteer who has had the required amount of training by COTA instructors (approximately 16 hours) plus mentoring in the field to ensure they are doing the work correctly and safely. Crew leaders are very important to our mission - consider becoming one - we have a lot of fun and do important work.
Trainings are generally in the spring, so sign up on our Meetup page here to receive notifications of upcoming events and trainings.
Trainings are generally in the spring, so sign up on our Meetup page here to receive notifications of upcoming events and trainings.
Can my company/school/organization come out to work on a trail?
Absolutely. Every year we host groups looking for a team-building, community-service type event outdoors. Learn more here.
E-BIKES (ELECTRIC BIKES) related
Where can I ride my E-bike (electric bike)?
COTA’s Madras East Hills trail system is open to e-bikes! This trail system includes 20 miles of trails featuring lots of jumps and drops. Riding is good almost year-round and it is about a 45-minute drive to the trailhead from Bend. (These trails are on land owned by the City of Madras.)
The Radlands Trail in Redmond is also e-bike friendly as it sits on county land. This trail system consists of 8+ miles of rolling terrain through Juniper trees. The ride is very similar to Maston, with great views of Smith Rock State Park.
Most of the trails COTA maintains are on land managed by either the US Forest Service or BLM. On these lands, e-bikes are currently allowed on roads and trails open to motorized vehicles (e.g., fire roads, trails allowing dirt bikes). E-bikes are currently not allowed on trails open to non-motorized use (e.g., Phil’s network, Wanoga network, Met-Win, etc.). Check out Dirty Freehub to find lots of scenic, uncrowded routes that are open to e-bikes (check for the ebike symbol; not all Dirty Freehub rides are open to e-bikes).
The Radlands Trail in Redmond is also e-bike friendly as it sits on county land. This trail system consists of 8+ miles of rolling terrain through Juniper trees. The ride is very similar to Maston, with great views of Smith Rock State Park.
Most of the trails COTA maintains are on land managed by either the US Forest Service or BLM. On these lands, e-bikes are currently allowed on roads and trails open to motorized vehicles (e.g., fire roads, trails allowing dirt bikes). E-bikes are currently not allowed on trails open to non-motorized use (e.g., Phil’s network, Wanoga network, Met-Win, etc.). Check out Dirty Freehub to find lots of scenic, uncrowded routes that are open to e-bikes (check for the ebike symbol; not all Dirty Freehub rides are open to e-bikes).
Does COTA make laws or rules regarding land use - such as authorizing E-bikes access?
COTA does not have the authority to grant or deny e-bike access. These decisions are made by the land managers.
DOES COTA HAVE ENFORCEMENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR E-BIKES?
COTA does not have enforcement authority or an enforcement mission in regards to recreational use of lands containing COTA-maintained trails. As part of COTA’s education mission we assist land managers in ensuring trail users are aware of the land manager’s rules for recreational use of the trail system. This includes advising the public on fire danger levels, closures for fuels management and forest thinning operations, legal use of non-motorized trails, etc.
LAND MANAGERS/USFS related
WHAT IS A LAND MANAGER?
Land management is the process of managing the use and development of land resources, so in our case, public land stewardship entities such as the US Forest Service (our national forests), Bureau of Land Management, as well as counties, cities and the state of Oregon.
IS COTA A LAND MANAGER?
No we’re not. COTA is a nonprofit organization of mountain bike riders who build, maintain, advocate for and educate about singletrack trails. We have relationships and volunteer agreements with various land managers in Central Oregon, including the U.S. Forest Service (national forests), Bureau of Land Management, as well as cities, counties and the State of Oregon.
DOES THE U.S. FOREST SERVICE BUILD AND MAINTAIN THE TRAILS?
The USFS is responsible for all of the trails in their inventory, and many of the trails used by mountain bikers were built by the Forest Service. For example, the USFS built Met-Win (Metolius-Wendigo) and much of Storm King. They also send crews out to do some trail maintenance and clearing of deadfall and sometimes hire crews from various service organizations to do trails construction and maintenance.
However, the USFS do not have the funding or manpower to maintain all of their recreational trails and that’s where organizations like COTA come in. We operate under a volunteer agreement with the Forest Service to help them meet demand for recreational trails and maintain those already on the ground.
However, the USFS do not have the funding or manpower to maintain all of their recreational trails and that’s where organizations like COTA come in. We operate under a volunteer agreement with the Forest Service to help them meet demand for recreational trails and maintain those already on the ground.
WHAT IS A NEPA STUDY & WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions. It is extremely important to conduct these studies to ensure minimal environmental impact occurs when planning to build new trails. This process will also dictate any changes to the proposed trails location, and can take years to complete.
I AM CONCERNED ABOUT ISSUES LIKE LITTER AND CAMPING IN THE NATIONAL FOREST. DO I REPORT THIS TO COTA?
We understand your concerns, however we do not have authority or jurisdiction in this area. Please report issues to the appropriate land managers:
USFS/Deschutes National Forest, Bend Fort Rock Ranger District, phone: (541) 383-5300, [email protected]
USFS/Ochoco National Forest, Prineville office, phone: (541) 416-6500, https://www.fs.usda.gov/contactus/ochoco/about-forest/contactus
Bureau of Land Management, Prineville office, phone: (541) 416-6700, [email protected]
USFS/Deschutes National Forest, Bend Fort Rock Ranger District, phone: (541) 383-5300, [email protected]
USFS/Ochoco National Forest, Prineville office, phone: (541) 416-6500, https://www.fs.usda.gov/contactus/ochoco/about-forest/contactus
Bureau of Land Management, Prineville office, phone: (541) 416-6700, [email protected]
COTA ORG related
What is COTA’s region or ‘reach’?
Central Oregon Trail Alliance’s reach includes trails in Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson Counties which naturally covers all of Bend, down to Sunriver and LaPine to the south, Sisters to the west, Madras and Redmond to the north, and Prineville to the east. We have 6 regional chapters: Bend, Crook County, Madras, Redmond, Sisters and South Deschutes County (SoDeCo).
Who are COTA members?
Mountain bikers and hikers, locals and visitors alike, who enjoy the trails free of charge! However, these “free” trails are built and maintained by COTA and we’re a nonprofit organization. That means we do what we can do with financial support from members like you, business sponsors, donations and occasionally grants.
Why is being a COTA member important?
COTA is a nonprofit organization. That means we do what we can do with financial support like individual memberships, business sponsors, donations and occasionally grants. We do not receive any funding from the US Forest Service, BLM, city, county or state governments.
It's also very important because membership numbers help us immensely when advocating for new trails with government agencies and when applying for grants. There's power in numbers!
It's also very important because membership numbers help us immensely when advocating for new trails with government agencies and when applying for grants. There's power in numbers!
What can I do to support the trails?
- Become a COTA member or keep your membership active
- Embody responsible riding/good trail etiquette
- Come to a work event or chapter meeting
- Ask your employer if they have a matching/giving program
- Donate when possible.
- Pick up litter
- Report down trees to Bend Trails
How many miles of trail does COTA maintain?
As of January, 2024 we maintain over 600 miles of singletrack trails in Central Oregon, with more in the works!
Where does COTA get money to operate?
Through memberships, business/corporate sponsors and grants.
As a nonprofit organization, we do what we can do with financial support like individual memberships, business sponsors, donations and occasionally grants. We do not receive funding from the US Forest Service, BLM, city, county or state governments.
As a nonprofit organization, we do what we can do with financial support like individual memberships, business sponsors, donations and occasionally grants. We do not receive funding from the US Forest Service, BLM, city, county or state governments.
Is everyone paid who works for COTA?
COTA only has five paid employees, our Executive Director, Trails Program Director, Development Director, Program Coordinator and Trail Maintenance Coordinator. Prior to that, COTA was a 100% volunteer run organization since its inception in 1992. COTA is still a volunteer-driven organization, with over 100 active volunteers who logged over 18,000 hours in 2023.
MISCELLANEOUS FAQ's
Why does it take so long to get new trails built?
The basic answer is that public land managers are answerable to all interested parties when determining what, when and how the lands they steward will be used. By law the public land managers must comply with NEPA (see above) which entails detailed studies and public comments to be considered before any changes to land use are allowed and approved. This is normally a multi-year process.
COTA works hard in partnership with the land managers to minimize the amount of work and thus the timetable for new trail approval. The trail approval process is affected at all stages by resource constraints and competing land use priorities. The timing for actually building a newly approved trail can also be affected by other activities going on in the forest (think thinning, burning and other fuels reduction efforts).
COTA works hard in partnership with the land managers to minimize the amount of work and thus the timetable for new trail approval. The trail approval process is affected at all stages by resource constraints and competing land use priorities. The timing for actually building a newly approved trail can also be affected by other activities going on in the forest (think thinning, burning and other fuels reduction efforts).
Why aren’t there many wooden jumps and other wood features?
Generally, land managers are concerned about the longevity of any features that are built and the maintenance of wood features can be time consuming that is why most of the features you see on trails in the Deschutes National Forest are builtd of native materials such as large logs or rocks. Trails in Madras are on city-owned property and do have wood features as does a trail on county property in Prineville. Trails at Mt. Bachelor also have some wood features because they have a special use permit with the Forest Service that places additional responsibility on Mt. Bachelor management for building, maintaining and incurring liability for these features.
Are there any pump tracks in Central Oregon?
Yes there are, and more are on the way. In most cases we’ve provided financial and/or maintenance support because we believe pump tracks like these are great places to learn and do more on your bike, upgrade your bike handling skills, meet other riders and enjoy some fresh air.
Bend: Phil’s Trailhead Pump Track AND Stone Creek Pump Track and Bike Skills Course
Sisters: 242 Bike Park
Prineville: Prineville Bike Park
Redmond: Homestead Bike Park
Bend: Phil’s Trailhead Pump Track AND Stone Creek Pump Track and Bike Skills Course
Sisters: 242 Bike Park
Prineville: Prineville Bike Park
Redmond: Homestead Bike Park
Are there any jump lines?
Bend area: Many trails in the Deschutes National Forest such as Whoops, Lone Wolf, COD and Tiddlywinks contain jump lines that are also rollable to meet the FS guidelines limiting “mandatory air” on the main trail. The Lair and the Phil’s Slalom Play area contain free ride areas with gapped jump lines.
Madras: The Madras East Hills trail network
Prineville: Upper 66 network
Redmond: Cline Buttes
Sunriver: Royal Flush
Madras: The Madras East Hills trail network
Prineville: Upper 66 network
Redmond: Cline Buttes
Sunriver: Royal Flush
Where can beginner riders ride?
There are plenty of green-rated trails throughout the region that are ideal for beginning riders. Visit BendTrails.org or TrailForks to discover these trails.
Do you have a trail map?
No, we don’t offer digital maps or physical maps, but luckily you can find them here:
BendTrails - digital trail map
TrailForks - digital trail map smartphone app
Adventure Maps - laminated or waterproof physical trail maps for many western locations
BendTrails - digital trail map
TrailForks - digital trail map smartphone app
Adventure Maps - laminated or waterproof physical trail maps for many western locations
Why is there paint on the trees?
You have probably noticed a marking system of sorts on the trees in the forests west of Bend. This is all part of the West Bend Project on the Deschutes National Forest, designed to restore forest ecosystems, reduce the risk to our community from high-severity wildfire, and provide economic and social benefits to all of us who love the forest. Find much more info here at the Deschutes Collaborative Forest Project.
What is the difference between COTA and BendTrails?
COTA is the primary trail advocacy and stewardship organization in Central Oregon. COTA builds, maintains, and advocates for trails in Central Oregon.
BendTrails is an excellent online resource for riders that provides trail maps and publicly-sourced trail conditions.
BendTrails is an excellent online resource for riders that provides trail maps and publicly-sourced trail conditions.
Can I adopt a trail?
No, COTA does not have trail adopters. Instead, we rely on our extensive volunteer network to maintain the trails. We’d love for you to get involved and help us care for trails.
If you were thinking more in terms of trash pick-up to help keep nature looking natural (like the highway clean-up program), then by all means go for it!
If you were thinking more in terms of trash pick-up to help keep nature looking natural (like the highway clean-up program), then by all means go for it!
Who can I contact to get assistance designing and building trails on my private property?
COTA focuses on trails that are open to the public. Contact us if you would like suggestions for local pro trailbuilders.
Do you offer group rides?
In the summer of 2021 we started our first “Ride and Learn” group rides, organized by several women volunteers on behalf of riders identifying as female (called ‘Women of COTA’). These rides help COTA volunteers get to know each other and learn about trail work. Rides are posted on our Meetup page here.
As of 2022, we are expanding the program to all riders, especially those who want to learn more about trails. We are looking for volunteers to help us expand our “Ride and Learn” opportunities so they’re not just for the ladies!
As of 2022, we are expanding the program to all riders, especially those who want to learn more about trails. We are looking for volunteers to help us expand our “Ride and Learn” opportunities so they’re not just for the ladies!
