row river trail

rebeccas940

This is one of the greatest things about Cottage Grove. Quite a lengthy walking/biking trail. We plan to go back with our Bikes and ride it. It goes halfway around one of the lakes and is far away from traffic for the most part. Very Cool! And great views of the covered bridges.

Marco9

Road the trail on a coolish day in October, was a very nice easy ride from Dorena to Cottage Grove. Never saw another person till I got closer to CG. Would be very nice in the summer or at least on a little nicer day.

90gingerc

We started right in downtown Cottage Grove, on the designated bike path. It is well marked, paved, and a nice width to meet oncoming bikes. We rode approx. 14 miles one way - as the last few miles didn't seem that scenic. Along the Dorena Lake was really pretty. You go in and out of nice, tall fir trees. There are several trail heads along the trail, with parking lots, where you can start your ride. It is a very slow, gradual incline up to the dam, from town. It is an 'out and back' ride - not a loop. Very nice.

dlfay

This is a nice town and they give you detailed information on how to get around the area. This was much different from the coast we had just visited but very nice.

marymo362

The Dude and I biked this trail last week, and I biked it alone at the beginning of the month. Very navigable path for most bodies and capabilities. I had a little bike trouble and was so pleasantly surprised when other folks stopped to check to see if they could help out.Great scenery, beautiful lake/reservoir, easy to locate. Yup, this was a fun thing to do!

VictoriaHikerbiker

The full 35 mile route includes a very pleasant rails-to-trails paved path along Dorena Lake after which there is an optional short four-mile spur (out and back = 8 miles), ending up with the return leg along relatively low-traffic paved roads on the developed side of the lake, with pretty good shoulders. There is one longish steep hill near the end of the route which would be a bit tough for kids. The bridges are interesting - at least for the first few - and the signage is adequate. Once out of the park areas, there is no support infrastructure, so make sure you have sufficient water, especially on warm summer days. A good choice for lodging near the trailhead is the Best Western.

paultL3078IS

We traveled the trails around the area. They're fairly flat and easy to walk. Several trails go around lakes that have great views of the area. An added bonus is visiting the various covered bridges in the area. Surprisingly all these bridges are in great shape. One you can even drive through. It's worth the trip if you have the time.

380bobb

It was worth the 20 mile round trip. Dorena covered bridge is the nicest, in my opinion..Others are very similar...with little parking space. Not very user friendly for a featured tour.

SusanO713

The Row River Trail is a completely paved rails to trails project which begins in downtown Cottage Grove, OR and ends about 17 miles later. It's an easy hike, jog or bike ride through some absolutely gorgeous scenery. The trail crosses or parallels the Row River at several points and skirts along one side of Dorena Lake. There is lush greenery and farmland along nearly the entire route and as an additional bonus, there are several old covered bridges. The grades on the trail are very gentle which makes it an especially good ride for a family or a novice rider. A picnic lunch eaten by the lake makes the trip even more of a treat. If there is any distraction at all it's that the trail dead ends and at that point there are no facilities or attractions save for an outhouse and a sign that reads "End of Trail". It's a rather anticlimactic finish to an otherwise wonderful ride but it takes nothing from all the wonderful sights that preceded that point. All the more to look forward to as you make the return journey.

CharlieK72

We decided to ride the Covered Bridge tour rather than drive. Estimate that it was about 35 miles; counting stops, it took about 4 hours. Rented bikes at Rainy Peaks and followed the Covered Bridge tour signs. Big Hill between the Mosby Creek Bridge and Dorena Lake (Garoutte Rd) and rolling rising 2 lane road on the south side of the lake. The ride back along the trail was peaceful and more gradual. The lake level was very low; suspect that it would be even more impressive with the reservoir full in the spring/early summer.

LaurieR58

On a clear fall day this trail is a visual delight. It is well maintained for the most part & is a pleasant ride up to Dorena Lake for a picnic. The covered bridges along the route provide for great photos.

Suz1884

Rode our bikes along 5 miles of path. Mellow, smooth, scenic, well maintained asphalt path. Great for road bikes.

711ci

Once you get near the end of the trail there are some concerns. We've seen automobiles on the bike path likely because there are missing uprights to prevent entry. Also, the vegatation is creeping into the walkway - needs some trimming. Then the issue of the pot plants growing at the ramshackled trailer house at a small mill right next to the trail - the collection of stuff at this location also spills into the trail. One time their donkey stopped some fellow riders from passing. The BLM does not seem to be taking care of this incredible assett.

albertc_11

The weather cooperated and we had a nice drive, hike to start our morning.sampling the local wild berries makes a delicious snack while walking

Zagtraveller

The Row (pronounced like wow) River Trail is a paved rails to trail that goes some 15 miles from cottage Grove to Dorena Or. There are several access points. The trail is well maintained and generally level with a slight grade up to Dorena Lake. It is very scenic and parallels Dorena Lake for several miles. When you get to Dorena reward yourself with an ice cream at the mercantile. You are then ready to ride back.