Grand Depart Resupply at the R&D Market photo: Conan Thai
Around Mile 205.5 on the OTT, you ride onto Hwy 97 about half mile south of Chemult, OR. Chemult is the first town you pass through from the southern terminus without going off route. Chemult is a small town, but it has most services that a bikepacker could want, including hot food, showers, laundry, motels, a campground, and even an Amtrak station!
Chemult was established in 1924 as a station on the Southern Pacific Cascade Line named “Knott” during construction. The station’s name was changed to Chemult when the line opened in 1926 and a post office was established the same year. The name Chemult comes from a Klamath chief who was one of the 26 who signed the Klamath Lake Treaty of October 14, 1864. Present day population is 300 and the town sits at an elevation of 4,764 feet.
Food
Double D Mountain Market. Photo by Conan Thai
For resupply there are 2 gas stations, a Subway and the Double “D” Mountain Market. There is also a seasonal taco food truck that sets up at the Budget Inn Motel parking lot in the summer.
Pilot is open 24 hours and has all the snacks and drinks! I saw they have Liquid IV at the counter for rehydration, I’ve also seen NUUN in there at the counter before. The Subway is located inside of the Pilot and is open until 10pm.
Chevron is across the Highway and has a variety of snacks.
The Double “D” Mountain Market (photo of winter hours… they are open later in the summer) has a breakfast and lunch menu AND Ice cream. On the north side of the Market is a small MIA/POW Memoriam Park with a grassy area and two picnic tables to rest and enjoy your food.
KJ’s Café is located just across the Hwy for breakfast and lunch until 3pm. I had a delicious cheeseburger there!
Lantern Trailer Park is right when you ride into town and has a laundry/showers. (I couldn’t find the showers in the laundromat building). Laundromat hours 7am to 9pm.
Lodging
There are several choices if you want to get a room in Chemult - all located right along Hwy 97.
Eagle Crater Lake Inn (541) 365-2235
Budget Inn Motel (541) 365-2266
Dawson House Lodge (541) 365-2232
Amtrak is on the east side of Chemult, just a block off Hwy 97. They have long term parking and I have staged a car here for a Silver Lake to Chemult overnighter before.
The nearest Camping around Chemult is just a mile out of town or so along the route at Walt Haring Sno-Park/Campground. Walt Haring Sno Park has restrooms and a warming hut! Every January, Chemult hosts sled dog races are held at the sno park, though 2014 and 2015 races were called off due to low snow fall.
Lantern Trailer Park has this wonderful laundromat. Fresh chamois anyone?
Pilot is open 24 hours. Subway is attached