Phil's
Trail system is by far the most popular trail in Central Oregon. It is
close enough to ride from town and it was built by bikers for bikers.
There are occasional runners in the first mile or two but there is
plenty of room for bikers and runners to pass. Except for a few
technical sections most notably on lower Grand Slam, most of the riding
is fast singletrack. For the first five miles or so, the riding is
gradual and suitable for beginners or riders not in the best biking
condition. Where the climbing does get steeper, like past the Road #300
on Ben's and Phil's, less experienced riders will likely be ready to
turn around anyway. There are dozens of variations on routes that can
be made out of the various trails especially if you use the logging
roads to connect them. This helps locals from getting bored on the same
old loop. For those in good shape, these trails can be continuously
linked to the higher elevation trails long enough to tire just about
anyone. No matter where you are, if you are not tired enough there is
no doubt some loop you could add. The truly great thing about most of
the riding on Phil's is that the descents do not require a lot of
constant breaking and you can let em run, not to mention that many of
the ascents are gradual enough that you can actually have fun cornering
going uphill.
The maize of trails can be challenging to newcomers but most of the intersections are marked with numbers and names that are on just about any mountain biking trail map of the area. The printable map provided on this site also has intersection numbers. Also, if you are lost, you can generally ask directions from other riders who are usually not too hard to come by.
This is not a particularly scenic trail system. It is almost all forested and there are scant few viewpoints. This was one of the first areas to be completely nuked by early loggers so most of the ride is in second growth ponderosa pine. It has been so long since then, that it is starting to look like a forest again. However, on November 1st, 2007, a big thinning operation is going to start, covering a major portion of the Phil's trail system. Ultimately, this will be a good thing, and it needs to be done, but it will look like a bad haircut for a couple of years. There are other rides in the area that are scenic if that is what you're after. Phil's is more for blasting around and racing your friends where you are not too focused on the scenery. If you want to meet other riders, the trailhead at Phil's is the place.
Although it is possible to ride directly up the Whoops Trail, this is not advisable. One of the reasons is that downhill riders are supposed to give the uphill riders the right of way. This means slowing down or stopping to get out of the way for uphill riders which is going to screw up a hard earned descent. COTA put up some signage requesting that riders use the road but it was promptly torn down. Everyone knows that “Amirika is Freedom” and the free in freeride means that no doubt you should be able to ride where ever you want whenever you want especially when your mother isn’t around. Don’t be a tourist. Ride the road or take Phil’s up to the helipad.
Trail Fee: Although this trailhead is in the National Forest you do not need a forest pass and there is no fee.
Getting to the Trailhead: From Google Maps copy and paste "NF-4606 @44.043520, -121.385600" as a destination. If you pass the parking lot with all the cars with bike racks, and people getting ready to ride you have gone too far.
Phil's Trail System 8.5 x 11 Pocket Map