Sutherlin Reservoirs – Bicycling and Birding

Sutherlin is a nice town just off I-5 at Milepost 136.  Sutherlin offers a full range of traveler services and this fun opportunity for a casual, scenic Oregon bicycle ride.  Make sure your riders dress and ride for narrow, winding roads with few, but possibly fast-moving vehicles.

The Sutherlin Area has recently become well-known for its’ birding possibilities.  West of town is Ford’s Pond, recently made a city park.  Ford’s pond attracts a wide variety of aquatic and land bird species.  Because of busy roads, cyclists with less-experienced riders or children might want to drive to Ford’s Pond.

Equally attractive to aquatic bird species are other Sutherlin-area reservoirs featured in this ride.

To get to the best parking and jumping-off point for the Sutherlin Reservoirs Ride, follow Central Avenue east from I-5.  After about 3 miles, find the Sutherlin Community Center on the right just after the town’s quaint downtown area, near the city park with it’s wonderful retired steam train.  Park near the Community Center and cycle towards Cooper Creek Reservoir, the first reservoir on the route.

The Cooper Creek portion of the route is an easy out-and-back ride…go just as far as your schedule and interest suits you.  As you leave the Cooper Creek area and ride north and east, enjoy the tranquil beauty of the farms and ranches in the area.  The route takes you on a wide swing through this lovely area and eventually back to Central Ave, which you will ride into town and the Community Center.

If you plan to stay the night, consider the motels near I-5.  Enjoy dinner at Pedotti’s Italian Restaurant and Abby’s Pizza on the east side of I-5 or several eateries on the west side such as Si Casa Flores, Dakota Street Pizza, Apple Peddler, and national fast-food providers.