Trail Snapshot
Trail Reports
May 10, 2019 at 11:41 amMade it down from Edison .3 miles before snow got too deep.
November 16, 2018 at 5:50 pmDid an out and back from Edison to Kwhol Butte intersection. Great tread! I had my small folder so only cleaned up about half the downed trees. Still 5 medium (~5-6") and one biggy (~15")
August 13, 2018 at 1:58 pmhttps://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5259335.jpg
August 13, 2018 at 12:59 pmI noticed a few question regarding OHV use in the area and hope to clear up some confusion as I have been using the area for decades with all sorts of mountain bikes and motos. Before I explain, please make note that the trail is officially known in the USFS map data base as Trail #31.
Edison Lava is a very old and frequented OHV area. It is popular with the "Rock Crawling" jeep crowd. It has been a legal OHV area before COTA really ever set tread there. The center part of the Edison Lava Lake single track is open to moto and will have traffic on it. The good news is, the OHV boundaries are well marked.
When you are riding your mtb from Edison on trial #31, the OHV section begins when the single track crosses Edison OHV trail #3. Again, it is well marked, and is noted as intersection #137. As you climb, the OHV moto section ends at the top of the climb where you start to descend down to Lava Lake. Trail #31 will cross OHV trail #4 at intersection #146. Again, this is well marked unless some dummy defaced the signage.
If you see a moto riding outside of these designated areas, please politely remind them that the OHV area is clearly marked and they can revisit those boundaries in the Edison Snow Park staging area.- July 26, 2018 at 10:35 am6" tree down about half a mile west of Kwohl Butte. There's another tree half a mile east of too but that one has a decent ride over in place. Still might be worth clearing it if you make the effort to get the other one since the log ramps are not likely to endure for much longer.
June 19, 2018 at 8:43 amThere is a shared section, not exactly sure how long it is. We will add this to the description.
June 19, 2018 at 4:18 amRode this yesterday (6/18/18) and unless I missed something this is a shared trail with OHV. If it's not technically shared there have been a number of dirt bikes out riding it and tearing it up. Just an FYI for those who make it out that way!
Trail Description
The Edison-Lava Trail is a volcanic semi-technical trail going from Edison Sno Park to Little Lava Lake. The trailhead is a little farther from Bend than Wanoga or Swampy — so you can often ride an out and back and be the only one on the trail. Typically done as an out and back from Edison, it also connects to the Metolious Windigo for some larger loops around Bachelor.
Expect 1500′ of climbing to the midpoint of the trail and a fast 1500′ decent towards the lake. Don’t miss the optional log ride on the trail heading toward the lake! There’s also a bonus photo-op climb up Kwohl Butte at the midpoint.
Climbing back out from Lava Lake is a challenge with a steep grade in spots and loose rocks, so take a break at the Lava Lake resort and grab a snack before you head out.
Make a note that there is a section of this trail open to motorized/OHV use. Map posted here of shared areas.
If you choose to ride the Bachelor loop, start at Dutchman and ride the circuit counter clockwise towards Edison Sno-Park continuing on to Dinah Moe Humm and Wanoga.
This trail is maintained by Central Oregon Trail Alliance.
Trail Photos
Trail Reports » Edison-Lava
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Made it down from Edison .3 miles before snow got too deep.
Did an out and back from Edison to Kwhol Butte intersection. Great tread! I had my small folder so only cleaned up about half the downed trees. Still 5 medium (~5-6″) and one biggy (~15″)
I noticed a few question regarding OHV use in the area and hope to clear up some confusion as I have been using the area for decades with all sorts of mountain bikes and motos. Before I explain, please make note that the trail is officially known in the USFS map data base as Trail #31.
Edison Lava is a very old and frequented OHV area. It is popular with the “Rock Crawling” jeep crowd. It has been a legal OHV area before COTA really ever set tread there. The center part of the Edison Lava Lake single track is open to moto and will have traffic on it. The good news is, the OHV boundaries are well marked.
When you are riding your mtb from Edison on trial #31, the OHV section begins when the single track crosses Edison OHV trail #3. Again, it is well marked, and is noted as intersection #137. As you climb, the OHV moto section ends at the top of the climb where you start to descend down to Lava Lake. Trail #31 will cross OHV trail #4 at intersection #146. Again, this is well marked unless some dummy defaced the signage.
If you see a moto riding outside of these designated areas, please politely remind them that the OHV area is clearly marked and they can revisit those boundaries in the Edison Snow Park staging area.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5259335.jpg
6″ tree down about half a mile west of Kwohl Butte. There’s another tree half a mile east of too but that one has a decent ride over in place. Still might be worth clearing it if you make the effort to get the other one since the log ramps are not likely to endure for much longer.
There is a shared section, not exactly sure how long it is. We will add this to the description.
Rode this yesterday (6/18/18) and unless I missed something this is a shared trail with OHV. If it’s not technically shared there have been a number of dirt bikes out riding it and tearing it up. Just an FYI for those who make it out that way!
trail is clear. thanks Tberg and Adam Craig
A few smaller trees down a couple of miles out from Edison sno park
Mostly rideable up to 5600′. Snow free for first 3 miles and then intermittent drifts until they got too numerous for me (~4 miles).
Deadfall report:
Cleared all below 5600′
Cleared by adam craig and tberg yesterday.
Tberg cleared the East side today of deadfall and cleared some drains as well.
any updates on this trail?
Unridable snow started 4.5 mi from Edison, at about the 5750′ elevation. Until that point, there were 3 large tree’s (16″ diameter) that I couldn’t ride over starting at mile 3.5 from Edison. Until that point, it was riding great, at least as great as lava rock, sand, and lose rock can be considered riding great.
Excellent riding for about 4 miles until you hit deep snow. My GPS tracker f’d up so I can’t tell you exactly when the snow gets bad but I think you’ll figure it out. Lower section is money
Hard to believe the snow isn’t melted out yet. Top is at 6k or so I was figuring it was dry by now.
Cleared trail about 3 miles up to about 5300 feet elevation.
Rode this Monday. The rain that fell over the weekend made the trail moist and tacky for at least a few days before it dries out again. The climb up was just as hard though ;)
Lev and I cleared large amounts of deadfall and brush from the Edison TH to just past the saddle towards Lava lake. Paul Thomasberg and Adam Craig started at Lava and cleared towards us. I think they were aiming to get to where we stopped, so Edison-Lava should be good to go. Loose and dusty on the east side.