E-bikes NOT allowed on The Saddle
The Saddle is one of 3 downhill trails on Cline Butte. Almost as technically challenging as Trail 1. Many people ride laps up the fire road and down the saddle.
This trail is maintained by Central Oregon Trail Alliance.
Closed for eagle nesting
Doesn’t this closure only apply to the first section of trail from the Quarry TH to the road that leads up to the Saddle? I seem to recall an alternate road route that avoided the closure, or has that changed?
Scratch this – was meant for the XC trail, but my phone did something wonky and it ended up here.
Signs are up at Cline, but they say the Saddle closure doesn’t begin until March 1st
The original closure sign had the incorrect date (as per the BLM). New signs with correct date (Feb 1st) should be posted soon.
As per the BLM: The Saddle is closed from February 1st until August 31st. There is a pair of Golden Eagles nesting in the area, and they are very sensitive to human disturbance. The closure will be lifted as soon as the territory has been documented to be unoccupied, failed, or fledged.
Some jerk smashed the nice sign at the top of the saddle that someone spent a lot of time making and hanging up. The DH1 sign was smashed over the summer, no respect.
Confirmed with BLM and the eagle closure has been lifted. Saddle and Buttes XC is open.
get it while you can. Trail is all dry with a little moisture near the canyon.
Riding great today
report: single track down still has a bunch of snow. Most of it rideable but one small hike-a-bike section.
Dirt had dried enough to not be slick and was just about perfect.