Fall Mountain Biking in Bend
Mountain biking is a popular summer activity in Bend, so much so that the trails can get a little crowded at peak season. But by the time fall rolls around, the crowds slim down, and the trails open up. Fall mountain biking in Bend also brings some of the best weather of the year to ride the trails around Central Oregon. These are the best mountain biking trails near Bend to hit once the weather and crowds cool.
Peterson Ridge Trail
A family-friendly network of loops, the Peterson Ridge Trail is one of the Cascades’ most popular mountain bike routes. It’s also known for being crowded and dusty in the summer months. Fall provides bikers with some of the best views of the Deschutes National Forest, unimpeded by the summer traffic or loose sediment. The total length of the loop is 18.4 miles, but the distance can be tailored to preference with the numerous connectors between the east and west sides of the loop. The majority of the ride is on singletrack trails and defunct Forest Service roads. The prominent signage and moderate technicality make this system of trails an excellent choice for families who want to get out for a ride in the fall or for beginners who can choose the route that works best for them.
Distance: Variable
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Parking: Free. The trailhead is about a half-mile south of Sisters, just across the Whychus Creek bridge.
Open: Until mud and snow make for a near-impossible ride, usually around mid-November.
North Fork of Tumalo Creek
The higher elevation of the North Fork Trail provides mountain bikers with a cooler alternative on warm fall days. The trail begins at the base of Tumalo Falls and climbs steeply until it is level with the creek above the falls. The more gradual climb follows a series of waterfalls through old-growth forests to Happy Valley. This section can be ridden with mosquitos (and hikers) in the summertime, but the population(s) taper out by early fall. The loop descends via the Farewell Trail, which begins with a circuitous route back through the forest before transitioning into somewhat technical switchbacks near the bottom.
Distance: 7-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate to technical
Parking: Tumalo Falls Trailhead for the 7-mile loop or Skyliner Trailhead for a 15-mile ride. Tumalo Trailhead $5 for a day pass or NW Forest Pass required.
Open: Until the road closes for the fall in late October.
Lookout Mountain Loop
The panoramic views offered by Lookout Mountain come at the cost of substantial sun exposure in summer but can be comfortably enjoyed on a fall ride up the highest peak in the Ochocos. The most comfortable climb begins on Independent Mine Trail and climbs almost a mile on singletrack before opening up on the mountain’s summit. After riders take in the views of the Cascades and surrounding wilderness, those looking for a more gradual descent can descend back on Independent Mine Trail. In contrast, thrill seekers can elect the steeper, rockier Lookout Mountain trail.
Distance: 7.1-mile loop or 8.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to technical
Parking: Independent mine trailhead
Open: Until snowfall and mud make the trail impassible
Flagline Loop
Closed until mid-August for elk calving, this mountain bike trail experiences a deluge of riders in the weeks following its official opening, but the crowds should thin out in fall as these riders get their initial fix. The trail in the Deschutes National Forest off Cascade Lakes Highway is primarily singletrack and forested. Still, even the initial, somewhat strenuous climb provides openings for various mountain views. After the initial climb, riders are treated to an extended downhill stretch littered with technical features before ending with another climb back to Dutchman Flat.
Distance: 12.1-mile loop
Difficulty: Technical
Parking: Tumalo Trailhead $5 for a day pass or NW Forest Pass required.
Open: Until snowfall and mud make the trail impassible
Read more about more trails to ride and our local Mountain Biking scene here.
