OC and E Woods Line

OC and E Woods Line State Trail follows a portion of the historic Oregon, California and Eastern Railway corridor through the scenic Cascade foothills southeast of Bend, Oregon. This linear park preserves approximately 22 miles of abandoned railroad grade converted to a multi-use recreation trail through ponderosa pine forests, juniper woodlands, and open high desert terrain. The trail commemorates central Oregon's timber railroad history while providing non-motorized recreation opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The corridor connects the communities of Bend and Prineville, offering scenic views of the Cascade peaks and access to central Oregon's unique transitional ecosystems.

Wildlife along the trail corridor includes mule deer, elk, coyotes, and occasional black bears wandering from higher elevations, with mountain lions present though rarely seen. Small mammals such as golden-mantled ground squirrels, yellow-bellied marmots, and bushy-tailed woodrats inhabit rocky areas and forest edges. Bird diversity is high and includes western bluebirds, mountain bluebirds, Lewis's woodpeckers, white-headed woodpeckers, and various raptor species including red-tailed hawks and prairie falcons. Pygmy nuthatches and mountain chickadees frequent ponderosa pine forests, while Say's phoebes and rock wrens inhabit more open areas. Reptiles including western fence lizards and gopher snakes are common in sunny exposures.

Vegetation transitions from ponderosa pine and juniper woodlands in higher western portions to sagebrush steppe and juniper savanna in lower eastern sections, reflecting the rain shadow effect of the Cascade Mountains. Ponderosa pines with their distinctive puzzle-piece bark dominate forested sections, accompanied by bitterbrush, manzanita, and snowbrush ceanothus in the understory. Western juniper becomes more prominent eastward, dotting grasslands dominated by Idaho fescue, bluebunch wheatgrass, and big sagebrush. Wildflowers bloom from April through July including arrowleaf balsamroot, lupines, desert parsley, and Indian paintbrush. Disturbed areas along the trail support both native species and invasive annuals including cheatgrass that increase fire risk.

The trail corridor traverses volcanic rocks of varying ages from the Cascade volcanic arc, including basalt flows, volcanic ash deposits, and weathered cinder cones. The landscape was shaped by millions of years of volcanism followed by erosion creating the rolling topography visible today. Pillow basalts in some areas record submarine eruptions when the region was covered by ancient lakes. The railroad grade cuts through several rock layers, providing exposures that reveal the volcanic stratigraphy. Pumice deposits from explosive Cascade eruptions mantle much of the area, creating the well-drained soils that support ponderosa pine and juniper forests. The distant views encompass major Cascade peaks including Bachelor, the Three Sisters, Jefferson, and Hood.

The area experiences a high desert climate with cold winters, warm to hot summers, and low annual precipitation averaging 12-15 inches. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F in lower sections, while winter temperatures drop below zero during cold snaps, with snow accumulation varying by elevation and year. Most precipitation falls during winter and spring, with summer being quite dry apart from occasional thunderstorms. The trail is generally accessible year-round in lower sections, though winter snow can make higher western portions challenging. Strong winds are common, particularly in spring, and the area lies in the rain shadow of the Cascades receiving far less precipitation than areas just 20 miles westward.

The area was traditionally used by Northern Paiute and Warm Springs peoples for hunting, gathering, and seasonal travel between ecosystems. Euro-American settlement accelerated in the late 1800s with ranching and timber harvest becoming primary land uses. The Oregon, California and Eastern Railway was constructed in the early 1900s to transport timber from central Oregon forests to sawmills, with ambitious plans to eventually reach California that were never realized. The railroad operated through the mid-20th century before abandonment as truck transportation replaced rail for timber hauling. The grade sat unused for decades before its conversion to a recreational trail, preserving the alignment and commemorating the region's railroad heritage.

OC and E Woods Line State Trail was established through acquisition of the abandoned railroad corridor by Oregon State Parks and local partners in the 1990s and 2000s. The trail development involved clearing vegetation, improving drainage, and creating trailhead facilities while preserving the railroad grade character. Community volunteers and advocacy groups played crucial roles in establishing and maintaining the trail. The trail became part of Oregon's growing rail-trail network that converts abandoned transportation corridors to recreation uses. Management focuses on sustainable multi-use recreation, invasive species control, and maintaining the trail surface for non-motorized users including hikers, bikers, and equestrians.

The entire 22-mile trail provides varied terrain from forested areas near Bend to more open country approaching Prineville, with users able to access sections of interest rather than completing the full distance. The trail offers excellent mountain biking on the relatively smooth railroad grade surface, with moderate climbs and descents following the historic route. Equestrian use is popular particularly in spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. Interpretive elements along the trail educate visitors about railroad history, natural history, and land use changes in central Oregon. Views of Cascade peaks provide scenic backdrops, particularly spectacular at sunrise and sunset. Several access points allow shorter out-and-back trips or car shuttle arrangements for one-way journeys.

Trailhead access points are located near Bend and at several points along the corridor, with parking areas and basic facilities at major trailheads. The trail is primarily for non-motorized use, though some sections may allow motorized use outside the state trail corridor. No camping facilities exist along the trail itself, though nearby areas offer camping options including national forest campgrounds. The cities of Bend and Prineville provide full services including lodging, food, and bike shops for equipment and repairs. Water is not available along the trail, and users should carry adequate supplies particularly during hot summer months. The trail is accessible year-round though conditions vary seasonally, with spring and fall offering optimal temperatures and wildflower displays.

Trail management focuses on controlling invasive plants particularly cheatgrass and medusahead that degrade habitat and increase wildfire risk in the high desert environment. Sustainable trail design and maintenance minimize erosion while accommodating multiple user groups with varying impact patterns. The linear corridor provides wildlife movement opportunities through a landscape increasingly fragmented by development and roads. Educational programs emphasize fire prevention as the area has high fire risk during summer months when vegetation cures and lightning storms pass through. The trail demonstrates successful adaptive reuse of transportation infrastructure for recreation while preserving open space in a region experiencing rapid growth and development pressure. Partnerships between state parks, local governments, and volunteer organizations ensure trail maintenance and community engagement.