Carlton Bakery Gravel Loop

Ride Tips:

This is a challenging route with two parts. There’s an interesting opening stretch perfect for road bikes and 16-plus miles of gravel for fatter tires. But make no mistake about it. This is not for beginners.

Start/Finish: This ride starts and ends in downtown Carlton, 7 miles from downtown McMinnville. The Carlton Bakery can provide sustenance before a 28-mile trip into the countryside or a satisfying reward after a job well done. The route heads west on pavement before turning north for a gravel loop and a return to town.

Navigation: Download this map to your Ride with GPS mobile app for turn-by-turn guidance during your ride. Click “Send to Device” at the top of the map on this page.

Oasis/Bathrooms: There are no services along this route. If you need food, water, or a bathroom, check with the bakery or another downtown business. A public restroom adjacent to the outdoor pool in Ladd Park also may be accessible.

Road Surfaces: Gravel found during this route survey was small to medium in size. Gravel size and volume is subject to change based on motorized use and county road maintenance.
Tire Recommendation: Consider riding on 33-centimeter tires or wider on gravel. Narrow road bike tires are not recommended.

You Might Enjoy: A downhill stretch beginning at mile 13 eventually catches up with the North Yamhill River on Old Railroad Grade Road. Stop and listen to the river and the wilderness.
That Special Segment: Riders using Strava can look forward two segments. “Moores Valley Road Gravel Climb” is a 1.9-mile segment once the route turns from pavement to rocks. The full “Moores Valley” climb extends that first segment for another 4.5 miles with 859 feet of elevation gain.

Caution at the Start: Meadowlake Road west of Westside Road does not have road shoulders as it rolls past farmland and vineyards, and eventually winds its way up into the trees. Take extra caution. Consider wearing bright clothes, using a taillight, and riding on weekend mornings when traffic is light and logging trucks may be off the road.

Watch Out at These Crossings: Use caution when crossing NW Oak Ridge Road (mile 21.5) and again at NW Moores Valley Road (mile 22.9). Cross traffic may be moving fast at these blind intersections.
Carry Safety and Repair Equipment: This route is off the grid at times. There are miles without cell phone coverage so consider carrying a satellite communications device, a first aid kit, water filtration, and spare tire tubes.

About this Route Evaluation: These notes are provided as general guidance but are not intended to replace each cyclist’s own research and due diligence. We encourage you to become familiar with the route. This route is subject to change.