Trail Overview
Waterbag Way is a hidden gem single track in the Umpqua National Forest in Oregon. The east entrance is off of Windigo Pass, just past the Windigo Pass Parking Area. It’s not marked from the road, so it can be easy to miss. The trail is mostly a narrow alpine single track that weaves through the scenic forest for 4.5 miles, with fun and moderate challenges such as a couple of small rock obstacles, switchbacks, and log crossings. Most of the trail is fast and flowy through the pine trees, though. Depending on the snowpack, the trail should be rideable by late May or June. Expect narrow side-hill sections and some mud in the early season. There were several large downed logs in early season that made it tricky, but the area looks moderately trafficked, and it seems like large logs will get cut eventually, as there were many previously cut logs. After about 2 miles, the trail crosses a meadow where the track is faint, and an offline map is helpful to see where the trail enters the trees again. The forest setting is very scenic, especially as it approaches Calamut Lake on the west end, and ends at an intersection with the Calamut Lake single track and ATV trail. There are picnic tables at the west end by the lake for a scenic rest stop or lunch break.
Difficulty
This is a moderate trail due to a couple of small rock obstacles, moderate switchbacks that are smooth dirt, but tight and semi-steep, and the potential for logs. Expect narrow sections and typical forest hazards such as mud and ruts.
