Nearly seven miles of new riding opportunities now open; new film previews adaptive mountain biking trail opening later this summer
The Tillamook Off-Road Trail Alliance (TORTA) has announced the opening of three new trails at the Buzzard Butte Trail Network, marking a major milestone in the development of one of Oregon’s newest mountain biking destinations.
Located east of Sand Lake between Cape Kiwanda and Cape Lookout in the USDA Siuslaw National Forest’s Hebo Ranger District, the Buzzard Butte Trail Network now offers nearly seven miles of trail following the opening of Mossy Hogs, Wavelength and Skizafernia. The approximately $2 million project will ultimately include nearly 30 miles of trails and a skills park designed to serve riders of all experience levels.
The trail system is also being developed with accessibility in mind. Later this summer, riders will gain access to the Groundswell Adaptive Trail, a purpose-built trail designed to expand adaptive mountain biking opportunities on the Tillamook Coast.
“Opening Mossy Hogs, Wavelength and Skizafernia is a significant milestone for a project that has been years in the making,” said Ron Baker, board vice president of Tillamook Off-Road Trail Alliance. “Buzzard Butte has been built through thousands of volunteer hours, strong partnerships and a shared vision for creating high-quality mountain biking opportunities on the Oregon Coast. We’re excited to welcome riders to the network and continue building toward a trail system that can be enjoyed by people of varying abilities and experience levels.”
The Buzzard Butte Trail Network has been developed through a collaborative effort involving TORTA, the U.S. Forest Service and numerous public and private partners. Funding and support have come from Travel Oregon, Oregon State Parks Recreational Trails Program, Shimano’s Trail Born Fund, Kubota and Tillamook County transient lodging tax funds, along with the contributions of local volunteers, trail builders, adaptive riders and advocates.
“Travel Oregon is proud to support the Buzzard Butte Trail Network through grant funding,” said Michelle Woodard, Travel Oregon’s Director of Stewardship Investments. “Our vision for Oregon is a welcoming destination for all, and that includes the state’s world-class outdoor recreation opportunities. The inclusive trails at Buzzard Butte ensure all riders can access this incredible resource, including those using adapted mountain bikes.”
To coincide with the trail openings, Visit Tillamook Coast has released a new short film highlighting the project and its commitment to accessible outdoor recreation. Buzzard Butte Trail Network | Accessible Adventure on the Tillamook Coast follows adaptive riders Quinn and Joe as they experience the soon-to-open Groundswell Adaptive Trail alongside local trail builders and advocates. The film previews the adaptive riding experience at Buzzard Butte and highlights the partnerships helping make outdoor recreation more inclusive on the Tillamook Coast.
“Outdoor recreation should be something more people can experience and enjoy, regardless of ability,” said Dan Haag, interim executive director of Visit Tillamook Coast. “What makes Buzzard Butte special is that accessibility wasn’t treated as an afterthought. It was part of the conversation from the beginning. We’re proud to support this film because it showcases the partnerships and commitment that are helping create more inclusive outdoor experiences on the Tillamook Coast.”
Learn more about the Buzzard Butte Trail Network, watch the film and plan your ride at www.tillamookcoast.com/mountain-biking.
About Tillamook Off-Road Trail Alliance
The Tillamook Off-Road Trail Alliance (TORTA) is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to building, maintaining and advocating for non-motorized mountain biking trails in Tillamook County, Oregon. Founded in 2018, TORTA works with land managers, local governments, businesses, schools and community partners to develop high-quality trail experiences that support recreation, stewardship and economic vitality. Learn more at www.tortamtb.com.
About Visit Tillamook Coast
Tillamook Coast Visitors Association (dba Visit Tillamook Coast) is a destination management organization committed to sustainable tourism principles of community, stewardship and economic vitality. We support the Tillamook Coast through initiatives guided by those principles, including outdoor recreation, accessibility, culinary/agritourism, cultural heritage/arts, community development, natural resources and public safety. For more information, visit www.tillamookcoast.com.
