Description

The Jedi Trail was once renowned as one of the flowiest mountain bike trails in Southern Oregon.

This backcountry classic appears to have fallen out of popularity.

This is due in part to the long drive deep into the mountains required to reach it and in part due to new trail construction across the region.

Even so, this fantastic flowy singletrack will richly reward the intrepid mountain biker willing to drive a few miles to reach it. The route shown here is a shuttle run down the Jedi trail.

If approaching from the north, which is the most likely approach route, you'll first arrive at the top of this singletrack, before then driving to the bottom.

While a mere 4-mile shuttle is rarely worth the effort, if you have a willing shuttle driver, it's easy to do a quick drop-off on the top and then have them meet you at the bottom.

Alternatively, this trail can be turned into a great loop as well or incorporated into a longer backcountry epic. Even with a shuttle, you'll still have to climb about 580 vertical feet to score the 1,100-foot descent.

The climbing takes place beneath the boughs of a towering Oregon forest, with majestic trees soaring high above your head.

The forest here has visibly survived the ravages of a recent forest fire. Despite being secreted away so deep in the Southern Oregon mountains, the trail tread on Jedi is unbelievably smooth and flowy.

Only a few roots punctuate the trail tread, and along with a few somewhat steep grades, account for the "Moderate" difficulty rating.

Even so, many beginners will definitely enjoy this trail! Once it's time to go down, the flow hits fast and furious, with the sinuous singletrack swooping along the side of a beautiful mountain ridge.

The fantastic downhill flow will put you in the zone instantaneously, instinct taking over as you whip high up the turns carved into the mountainside and skirt along the benchcut edge at top speed.

Unfortunately, the descent is over all too quickly.

Jedi will leave you thirsting for more! Maybe it's time for a second run?