Newport, Oregon could be the next Oregon Coast mountain biking destination with two trail systems emerging. Just north of town lie the trails at Big Creek Reservoir, a MTB optimized trail system. If you head south, the Wilder Trails await.
Mountain biking on the Oregon coast is a fairly recent thing, and both trail systems are still a work in progress with new trails constructed every year. Earlier this spring, the Bermstyle crew met up with the MBO guide team in Newport, Oregon. While in the area, we were treated to a guided tour of two different local trail systems.
Many of the trails we experienced are fairly new, having been constructed in recent years. There was a nice mix of terrain and features, with plenty of roots and loam, and a few solid flow-style lines.
We ended up riding at two different zones in one day and got a nice taster of the best Newport has to offer, and there are some really fun segments of trail that made for a great day of riding. Like the coastal trails to the north in Seaside, these new trails have the potential of putting Newport on the map as a mountain biking destination, and we’re excited for a return visit in the future to get to know the area better.
As we were keeping pace with a group, photo opportunities were challenging, but we did our best to capture a few glimpses of the experience.
Wilder Trail System
The Wilder Trail System is in the South Beach area in Newport. lies on lies on property owned by a timber company. In a model that is seemingly becoming a norm for Oregon area single-track recreation, (Klootchy Creek, Growlers Gulch, Rocky Point) the trails are built and maintained by local mountain bikers with the Newport Trail Stewards, AKA NEWTS. (A free permit is required to access the trails.)
Recreation opportunities in the area include single-track mountain biking, running, walking, and disc golf. E-bikes are permitted, and as there isn’t a lot of trail beta at the moment (MTB Project doesn’t have anything in the area, so you’re limited to Trail Forks)
Though there wasn’t a lot of mileage, what we rode was fun, with the Social D flow line and a few others standing out as must-do trails. If you’re looking to spend more than one day in the area, it would be worth looping around and pedaling back up to hit the gravity lines a second time.
Big Creek Trails
The Big Creek Trails system was opened to the public in the fall of 2021, and while it is still low on mileage, the quality of the trail offerings bode well for the emerging mountain bike trail scene.
Like the Wilder Trails, the new systems is the work of NEWTS. A joint effort between NEWTS and the city of Newport, the trails are located on city land, with the bike club building and maintaining the trails. Many of the trails are machine-constructed, including the climbing trail, which winds up to access several gravity-oriented trails.
Though its still a small system, new trails are planned, and constantly in the works. The flow line was super fun and littered with opportunities for hang time.
There’s also a new line currently being constructed that combines rooty tech with a more natural raw vibe we’re excited to come back to ride when it’s completed.
Resources
“New NEWTS bike trails to open soon”, Newport News Times.
Big Creek Trails, Trailforks.
Ride the Dirt Wave (event), Newport, Oregon.
Newport Trail Stewards (NEWTS)