Riding out of the pastures at McKuster Ranch it is 12.5 miles to reach the dinning room at Tollgate Mountain Chalet. The Chalet is located at Hwy. 204 and Lincton Mountain Road. These 12.5 miles are mostly an uphill grade. Leaving McKuster Ranch at 1300 feet elevation you will climb 3000' to reach the Chalet at Tollgate which is at 4300 feet elevation. Most of this ride is beautiful views of the backcountry landscape of northeast Oregon. It doesn't get much better than this no matter where you trail head. Here are views on the way to Tollgate, going backcountry.
This beautiful ride to Tollgate a great way to start your day at an easy pace with a good days' workout for you and your horse. Along this trek are a number of springs, and you will want to water your horse well before leaving McKuster Ranch.
We have found every meal we have eaten at the Tollgate Mtn.Chalet has been very delicious, good size portions, and reasonably priced.
If you look at a USGS Topo map you will see that this ride -Lincton Mountain Road- has many more mile of takeoff trails you can explore on you way back to McKuster Ranch. Remember, don't stay out too late as you have to face tomorrow.
For just $5-US we will let you park your rig in one of our secure pasture areas, saddle up, warm up in the round pin, and take your ride starting at our gate. You can enjoy your ride and will not have to think twice about the condition of your rig upon your return. Beats parking on the side of the road to see these views. For $20.00-US we will shuttle your horse trailer rig to Tollgate Mtn.Chalet if you want to do a one way only ride.