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Routes
Mountain biking trails
United States
Oregon
Marion County

Shellburg Falls Recreation Area loop

Easy

4.9

(8586)

17,245

riders

Shellburg Falls Recreation Area loop

00:58

8.40km

280m

Mountain biking

This easy 5.2-mile mountain biking loop in Santiam State Forest features the impressive Shellburg Falls and diverse forest terrain.

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Tips

Includes very steep uphill segments

You may need to push your bike.

After 1.25 km for 333 m

After 3.74 km for 216 m

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1

665 m

Shellburg Falls

Highlight (Segment) • Waterfall

The trail accesses the namesake falls which is a beautiful 100 ft. tall waterfall, with a large cavern carved out behind it. The falls are formed where Shelburg Creek drops over a basalt ledge into a small misty pool.

Tip by

2

6.79 km

Bobblehead Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

A black diamond trail that travels almost almost a mile downhill. It's steep and technical with roots, rocks and drops.

Tip by

B

8.40 km

End point

Parking

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

6.41 km

1.38 km

605 m

Surfaces

8.40 km

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (630 m)

Lowest point (390 m)

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Weather

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Today

Wednesday 6 May

19°C

9°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I park to access the Shellburg Falls Recreation Area loop?

There are multiple parking areas available for accessing the trails within the Shellburg Falls Recreation Area. Some trails are easily accessible directly from these parking spots.

Are there any permits or fees required to ride in Santiam State Forest?

While the specific Komoot tour is within Santiam State Forest, it's always a good idea to check the official Oregon government website for the latest information on permits or fees. You can find more details at oregon.gov.

Is the Shellburg Falls Recreation Area loop dog-friendly?

The information available does not explicitly state whether dogs are allowed or specific leash rules for this particular loop. It's best to check local regulations for Santiam State Forest before bringing your dog.

What is the best time of year to mountain bike this loop?

The area offers a diverse experience, but specific seasonal considerations are not detailed. Generally, spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for mountain biking. Winter conditions might impact trail accessibility and safety.

What is the terrain like on the Shellburg Falls Recreation Area loop?

The terrain primarily features singletrack, with sections of sculpted dirt and wood, berms, and rollers. You can expect rocky and rooty sections, as well as steep climbs. While some parts are smooth and non-technical, others, especially in the Shellburg Mountain Bike Area, include aggressive downhill sections, drops, jumps, and wooden features. Some steep chutes provide a thrilling challenge, and you might need to push your bike on certain portions.

What are the main points of interest along the route?

A significant highlight is the 100-foot Shellburg Falls, which features a large cavern carved out behind it. You can also view the Lower Shellburg Falls from a nearby trail. The route also passes through sections of the Bobblehead Trail.

Is this loop suitable for beginner mountain bikers?

While the Shellburg Falls trails generally fall into the intermediate difficulty level, there are easier options suitable for various fitness and skill levels. However, some parts are physically demanding due to steep climbs and technical challenges like roots and rocks, which might be difficult for absolute beginners.

Does the route intersect with other trails?

Yes, the route is part of a network of interconnected trails. It passes through sections of the Lost Creek Trail, Shellburg Creek Trail, August Mountain Trail, Bobble Head, Vine Maple Trail, Ayers Creek Road, Tie In Trail, Shellberg Falls Trail, Pusher Trail, and Lookout Mountain Road, allowing for various loop configurations.

How did the 2020 forest fire impact the trails?

The trails were impacted by the 2020 forest fire, but they have since been restored and improved. Riders will encounter areas with blackened tree trunks, offering a different but still beautiful landscape through a recovering forest.

Are there amenities like cafes or accommodation near the recreation area?

The provided information does not detail specific amenities directly at the recreation area. For cafes, pubs, or accommodation, you would likely need to look in nearby towns such as Lyons, Sublimity, Silverton, or Stayton, Oregon.

Are there advanced sections for experienced riders?

Absolutely. The Shellburg Mountain Bike Area, in particular, is designed for more advanced riders, featuring aggressive downhill sections, drops, jumps, and wooden features. Specific trails like "Payback" are considered "single-black" with steep chutes, and "Bobblehead" is a black diamond trail known for being steep and technical.

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