In a significant boost for outdoor enthusiasts, the Tillamook Off-Road Trail Alliance (TORTA) has been actively developing the first public trail system in Pacific City, situated just south of Tillamook, Oregon. Prior to this initiative, local mountain bikers faced extensive travel times, often exceeding an hour, to access any trail systems, with Drift Creek in the Tillamook State Forest being a common destination. Since 2024, TORTA has successfully introduced seven new trails, extending the network at Buzzard Butte by three to four miles. The organization now plans to further expand this network to six or seven miles, supported by prominent figures within the biking industry.
The Buzzard Butte Trail Network, previously referred to as the “Sand Lake Trails,” has seen substantial progress since its inception. The initial phase focused on the Whalen Knob area, where the majority of the construction has taken place. This includes a multi-use climbing trail and six descending trails, four of which are directional, downhill-only flow trails designed for mountain biking. The trails are thoughtfully progressive, with “Greenhorn” serving as an accessible starting point, featuring rollers and berms for a smooth, fast ride. Riders can then advance to “Dorsal,” a blue flow trail with smaller tables and higher speeds, and further to “Full Share,” a more challenging blue trail approaching black diamond difficulty. For expert riders, “Sea Donkey” offers a black-diamond jump trail, known for its significant jumps and features, which have been showcased by professional riders. Alongside these machine-built flow trails, TORTA has also crafted two hand-built, technical trails, “Slammin’ Salmon” and “Rock Fish,” rated blue and black respectively, offering a taste of the coastal mountains’ rooty and rough terrain. The completion of these trails at Whalen Knob marks the successful conclusion of phase one, setting the stage for future expansions.
Looking ahead, the long-term vision for the Buzzard Butte Trail Network is ambitious, aiming for an extensive 35 miles of trails catering to all levels of mountain biking expertise. This includes new trails built by professionals like Christian Rigal, featuring well-sculpted jumps and rhythm sections, and a “double black” trail designed by Carson Storch, characterized by steep descents and natural features. A ridgeline trail, over a mile long, will offer breathtaking views and access to new zones. Additionally, a $150,000 Travel Oregon grant is funding an adaptive-friendly jump line, designed by Dovetail Trail Consulting, which will incorporate multiple riding options and ADA parking spots. Further development in the “Ellis Mountain” zone, supported by a $60,000 grant from the Shimano Trail Born Fund, promises more technical trails. With a projected total cost of nearly $2,000,000, TORTA’s efforts are transforming the Oregon Coast into a premier mountain biking destination, with many new additions expected to open in 2026. This ongoing expansion not only provides thrilling experiences for riders but also fosters a vibrant community and promotes active outdoor lifestyles.