The Oregon Coast is known for its rugged beauty, fresh seafood, and stunning sunsets. But there is another side to this coastal paradise that is drawing visitors from across the Pacific Northwest: world-class mountain biking. At the heart of this emerging scene is the Ride the Dirt Wave Enduro Race Series – Oregon’s only enduro-style race series featuring three legendary coastal trail systems.
Now entering its fourth year, Ride the Dirt Wave offers something for everyone. Seasoned enduro racers competing for cash prizes, weekend warriors seeking a new challenge, and families looking for a unique coastal getaway will all find unforgettable experiences across three spectacular venues.
With Oregon Beach Vacations, you can turn any of these race weekends into a full coastal adventure. Extend your stay and explore everything Oregon’s Adventure Coast has to offer.
2026 Ride the Dirt Wave Race Series: Three Events, Three Epic Venues
The 2026 season features three races across Oregon’s most celebrated trail systems. Register for one race or go for the glory and sign up for all three.
Race
Venue
Date
Location
Race #1
Alsea Falls
June 7, 2026
Alsea Falls, Oregon Coast Range
Race #2
Whiskey Run Trails
July 18–19, 2026
Coos County Forest, Coos Bay
Race #3
Big Creek Trails
August 1–2, 2026
Newport, Oregon
All events are sanctioned by the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association (OBRA), and participants must hold a valid OBRA license or purchase a one-day license at registration. Registration is limited to 100 racers per event, so early sign-up is essential.
Race #1: Alsea Falls – June 7, 2026
Kick off the series at the exciting new venue at Alsea Falls, a favorite trail system in the Willamette Valley and the perfect way to start the summer. Located near Monroe, Oregon, this 3.4 km race route climbs 270 meters with a max elevation of 834 meters.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026
Race Start: 10:00 AM
Location: Alsea Falls, Oregon Coast Range
The Alsea Falls trail system offers a mix of flowy singletrack and technical features, making it an ideal season opener. The course is designed to challenge riders while showcasing the beauty of the Oregon Coast Range.
Where to Stay for Alsea Falls?
While Alsea Falls is located inland, the Oregon Coast is just a short drive away. Consider basing yourself in a coastal town and making the drive to the race.
Newport offers world-class attractions like the Oregon Coast Aquarium and Yaquina Head Lighthouse, about 90 minutes from Alsea Falls. Depoe Bay, the Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast, offers dramatic coastal scenery. Seal Rock provides incredible tide pools and ocean views in a quieter setting.
Race #2: Whiskey Run Trails – July 18–19, 2026
Whiskey Run is the crown jewel of mountain biking on the Southern Oregon Coast. Located in the Coos County Forest, this purpose-built trail system winds through loamy, beautiful old-growth evergreens with views of the Pacific Ocean at the trail tops. With 64 thrilling paths spanning over 32 miles, Whiskey Run offers endless opportunities for adventure and exploration for riders of all skill levels, from seasoned pros to beginners.
Event Details:
Dates: Saturday, July 18 – Sunday, July 19, 2026
Location: Whiskey Run Mountain Biking Trails, Coos County Forest
Nearest Cities: Coos Bay and Bandon
Saturday, July 18: Dig Day and Community Celebration
Saturday is all about giving back and building community. The day kicks off at 10:00 AM with check-in and day-of registration.
Club Dig Day (10:30 AM – 1:00 PM) – Hosted by the Wild Coast Trails Association, this is your chance to help maintain one of the Oregon Coast’s most celebrated trail systems. All skill levels are welcome, and no experience is necessary.
Group Ride (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM) – After the morning trail work, participants are invited to join a guided group ride on the Whiskey Run trail system.
Packet Pickup and Race Registration (1:00 PM – 3:30 PM) – Racers can pick up their packets or register for Sunday’s Enduro race.
Pre-Ride of Race Course (2:00 PM) – A non-race pace guided ride of Sunday’s race course is open to all participants.
The celebration also includes food, music, and beverages on site, with food cart fare and beer from 7 Devils Brewery available for purchase.
Sunday, July 19: Race Day
Check-in opens at 7:00 AM and closes at 8:00 AM. The race begins at 9:00 AM.
Ride the Dirt Wave Enduro Race (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM) – Participants complete two timed runs down the race course. The clock starts when you drop in – the climb to the top is not timed. Categories range from Cat 1 (Expert) to Cat 2 (Sport) and Cat 3 (Beginner).
Cash Prizes – First place in the Expert Male Division and Expert Female Division each receive $250, and first place in the Expert E-Biker division receives $100, courtesy of Moe’s Bike Shop in North Bend.
Awards Ceremony (1:30 PM) – The event concludes with an awards ceremony.
Trails for Every Rider:
Family-friendly and beginner areas – Flowy green trails perfect for those new to the sport
Intermediate trails – A mix of flow and technical features
Advanced jump lines – For riders seeking airtime
Double Black Diamond trails – The ultimate test of skill and nerve
Where to Stay for Whiskey Run?
Bandon is the closest charming coastal town to Whiskey Run, famous for its cheese factory (Face Rock Creamery), cranberry bogs, and stunning ocean views. Pacific City features the famous Cape Kiwanda and beachfront access. Rockaway Beach offers seven miles of sandy beach and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Race #3: Big Creek Trails – August 1–2, 2026
Close out the 2026 season in style at Big Creek Trails in Newport. This natural area features 11 trails, ranging from easy to very difficult, offering something for riders of every skill level.
Event Details:
Dates: Saturday, August 1 – Sunday, August 2, 2026
Location: Big Creek Trails, Newport, Oregon
Nearest City: Newport
Saturday, August 1: Pre-Race Activities
Similar to Whiskey Run, Saturday features check-in, packet pickup, and a pre-ride of the race course. This is your chance to preview the 1.3-mile course and strategize before race day.
Sunday, August 2: Race Day
The Newport race course challenges riders with a mix of technical features and flowy sections. As the series finale, this race carries extra weight – it is where the season champions are crowned.
Where to Stay for Big Creek Trails?
Newport is the closest city to Big Creek Trails, offering world-class attractions like the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Yaquina Head Lighthouse, and a working fishing fleet. Depoe Bay is just north of Newport, known as the Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast. Seal Rock offers a quieter alternative with incredible tide pools and ocean views.
Beyond the Race: Exploring Oregon’s Adventure Coast
The Ride the Dirt Wave events are the perfect excuse to explore Oregon’s Adventure Coast. The region offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, dining, and relaxation.
Coos Bay and North Bend
Coos Bay is the largest city on the Oregon Coast and serves as the gateway to the Whiskey Run trail system. The city offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions. North Bend, its neighbor to the north, is home to Moe’s Bike Shop, the sponsor of this year’s cash prizes.
Bandon
Just south of Whiskey Run, the charming town of Bandon is famous for its cheese factory, cranberry bogs, and stunning coastal views. Face Rock Creamery offers tours and tastings, and Bandon Beach is a must-visit for its dramatic sea stacks and tide pools.
Charleston
This small fishing village is home to the Charleston Marina and offers fresh seafood straight off the boat. It is also the gateway to Cape Arago State Park, where visitors can spot seals, sea lions, and migrating whales.
Hiking and Water Activities
Beyond mountain biking, the South Coast offers miles of hiking trails, kayaking opportunities, and world-class fishing. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is just north of Coos Bay, offering endless sand dune adventures.
Where to Stay: Oregon Beach Vacations
After a long day of racing or trail maintenance, you need a comfortable place to rest and recharge. Oregon Beach Vacations offers a curated selection of vacation rentals across the Oregon Coast, giving you the space, privacy, and amenities that hotels simply cannot match.
Why Choose a Vacation Rental?
Hotels confine you to small rooms with limited amenities. A vacation rental from Oregon Beach Vacations gives you:
More space – Separate bedrooms, full kitchens, and private living areas
Oregon Beach Vacations offers properties throughout the Oregon Coast, making it easy to combine your race weekend with a coastal getaway.
Seaside offers a classic beach town experience with a historic promenade and family-friendly attractions. Cannon Beach is famous for Haystack Rock and its charming downtown. Manzanita offers a quieter, more relaxed beach experience with stunning views of Neahkahnie Mountain.
Oceanside is a secluded gem with the famous Tunnel Beach. Neskowin is a charming village with the iconic Proposal Rock. Lincoln Beach offers a quiet stretch of coastline with easy beach access. Gleneden Beach is a family-friendly beach community. Otter Rock is home to the famous Devil’s Punchbowl.
Plan Your Ride the Dirt Wave Getaway
The Ride the Dirt Wave series is more than just a race. It is a celebration of community, adventure, and the incredible mountain biking culture of the Oregon Coast. Competitors chasing cash prizes, volunteers helping maintain the trails, and spectators enjoying the coastal atmosphere all play a part in making this an event you will not want to miss.
Ready to go?
Register for the race – Visit www.thedirtwave.com to secure your spot. Limited to 100 racers per event.
Plan your weekend – Arrive on Friday to settle in, participate in Saturday’s activities, and race on Sunday.
