Riders shuttle north during the 2021 Grand Depart. Photo by Conan Thai
Have you been to Lakeview yet? I hadn’t before I dropped a friend off for a solo mission on the Timber Trail a couple years ago. I had been to plenty of work parties in the Fremont since the start of the OTT a few years ago, but in all of those trips, I had only stopped in Silver Lake overnight when riding the Oregon Outback, and once for a pair of work gloves and grabbed food at the Saloon in Paisley. I’m completely charmed by these smaller historic towns. Paisley is another OTT resupply point, which we’ll profile in the near future.
Let’s start with some basic facts. The population was 2418 in 2020. Elevation is 4802 feet, which is why it’s known as the Tallest Town in Oregon, aka ”Tall Town“ If you’ve ridden the Timber Trail from the start, you’ll know that cattle ranching and hay production are key elements in the local economy.
Lakeview is known as one of the best places in the U.S. for hang-gliding and paragliding, and was designated "the Hang Gliding Capital of the West." Lakeview is also known for the hot water geyser, Old Perpetual, located at Hunter's Hot Springs. What else do you need to know? Lakeview’s mayor barbecued for riders the night before the first-ever Grand Depart. Only in small-town America.
We asked Thom Batty, OTTA board member and owner of Tall Town Bike and Camp for the best spots to resupply. He also gave us a new bikeable route from Klamath Falls, which means you can take the Amtrak train to K-falls and pedal the 149 miles to the start of the trail. Tom has also offered to shuttle folks to the start and he says you can park in front of his house. That’s what I call small-town hospitality! We love Thom!
Thom Batty is the guy you want to know in Lakeview. Owner of Tall Town Bike and Camp. He’ll give you a ride to the start of the trail AND let you park in front of his house. Photo by Conan Thai
Oregon Timber Trail Next left ! Thanks for the sign ODOT. Photo by Daniel Sharp
Tallest Town In Oregon. “Enjoy the open spaces and Friendly Faces in Oregon’s Outback” Photo by Daniel Sharp
Getting There
Fly/Bus/train into Reno, bus to Alturas CA, and either ride from there (50 miles to Lakeview) or coordinate with the Lakeview senior center. One way Uhaul is a viable option, and probably the simplest logistics. Hardy souls will simply ride the Outback route North to South and then take Thom’s route into Lakeview.
Lodging, Shipping, and Food
Tall Town Bike and Camp 19 N E St. (503) 314-6095
Thom Batty’s bike shop. Also has camping supplies. Call to see if Thom can give you a ride to the start. The go-to shop for Timber Trail riders.
Cycle Town Coffee and Bakery 25 N E St. (541) 947-4717
Howards Health Mart Pharmacy 101 N F St. (541) 947-2141 website
Howards has UPS and FedEx shipping!
Lakeview Lodge 301 N G St. (541) 947-2181 website
Hunters Hot Springs Resort 18088 US-395 (541) 947-4242 website
2 miles north of town. Still a “work in progress” Has the best local restaurant “Neon Cowboy” the attached bar is a big step above any of the others around.
Burger Queen 109 S F St. (541) 947-3677
Happy Horse Deli 728 N 4th St. (541) 947-4996
US Post Office 8 S G St. (800) 275-8777
Library 26 S G St. (541) 947-6019
Lake District Hospital 700 S J St. (541) 947-2114
Love these old towns. Photo by Daniel Sharp
Parking
Long term parking either at the town parking lot by the Chamber of Commerce or contact Thom Batty (owner of Tall Town Bike and Camp) about parking in front of his house
Thom Batty was kind enough to create this route from Klamath Falls to Lakeview and to the start of the trail. You realize it’s cool to leave your car at home, right?
