Central Oregon residents and visitors have made Sunriver a place to rest, relax, and enjoy the outdoors for decades. From its being a launching point for weekends at Mt. Bachelor in the winter to its home base for day trips on the Deschutes River in the summer, Sunriver offers a little bit of everything we want here in Central Oregon. 

Despite its modest size, Sunriver’s charm lies in its intimate, community feel. Spanning just a few thousand acres, the area is ideally suited for exploration by bike. Sunriver has harnessed this advantage, making it a cyclist’s paradise.

The paved, 15-mile Sunriver Bike Path stretches around the community, taking riders and walkers alike through residential areas, shopping districts, and restaurants. Off of the public Sunriver Bike Path, nearly 40 more miles of paved path are located on the Sunriver Resort property. Staying at Caldera Springs, for example, will provide you access to this additional 40 miles of bike paths and is also one of the Northwest’s premiere resort rental communities. 

But how do you get around? Where should you go, and where can you get a bike if you don’t have one? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.

What can be accessed by the bike paths?

Almost everything in Sunriver is bikeable, thanks largely to the extensive bike path network. And, where you go will largely depend on where you stay.

Most will enter Sunriver on Century Drive, traveling south of Bend on Highway 97. The lion’s share of the bike paths in Sunriver are north of Century Drive, although a few dip to the south. For reference, the Sunriver Resort seems to be the southern cutoff for the area’s bike paths, as it also appears to be a bit of a boundary for the area itself.

What do you want to do while in Sunriver? Whether you are looking for good food, some great golf, or some activities to do with the family, Sunriver has a way to get you there by bike.

But, before you and the family head out on this extensive trail system, it is important to know some ground rules. All pathways are intended for non-motorized use, except class-1 e-bikes. Throttle-controlled class 2/3 e-bikes, Segways, hoverboards, and electric scooters are prohibited.

Just like driving, ride on the right side of the bike path and pass on the left. Only pass when you have enough distance to do so, and be sure to communicate audibly with the person or persons you are passing. Pets must be secured in a basket or carrier, not running alongside a rider. 

Two more critical safety concerns to point out: first, bike riders and passengers under sixteen must wear a helmet, per Oregon State Law. Lastly, the bike paths intersect many different roads as they wind through Sunriver, and cyclists must yield to cars at these road crossings. Luckily, vehicle traffic is relatively light, and visibility is excellent, with no road crossings sneaking up on you. As you enjoy the trails, keep an eye out for those learning the ropes—young and new riders often add a dash of unpredictability to the scenic routes!

Cycling to Food

Great places to grab a beer and a bite to eat await you in Sunriver. Leave the car at the rental and hop on your bike to get there!

Sunriver Brewing has two locations in Sunriver, both accessible by bike. Their Brewery Taproom is a great place to grab a quick beer and see how Sunriver Brewing makes its phenomenal beer. It is located on Enterprise Drive and connected to a bike path. 

The Sunriver Brewing Pub is located just a bit north, in The Village at Sunriver shopping center. This rustic-style brewery has excellent beer and food and has a play area for the kids, making it the perfect lunch or dinner spot for the whole family. Plus, it is easily accessible by the bike path that runs along Abbot Drive.

The Owl’s Nest, located in The Lodge at Sunriver, this cozy spot has an atmosphere that’ll make you want kick up your feet, share a few drinks and stay for a while. Especially after a heart pumping ride. With a blend of cuisines the menu offers something for everyone. 

Food cart pods continue to pop up all around Central Oregon, and Sunriver is no exception. In the summer of 2024, we will see the opening of Century Commons, Sunriver’s newest taphouse and only food cart pod. Seven food carts will accompany the indoor and outdoor seating at the Century Commons, which is not too far from the Sunriver Brewing Taproom. As with most places in Sunriver, you can easily ride to the Century Commons.

Fun Pit Stops Along Your Ride 

Many golfers flock to Sunriver for the incredible greens and challenging courses the area offers. And while you may want to exchange your bike for a golf cart as soon as you get there, Sunriver’s bike paths will lead the way to the resort courses.

If eighteen holes isn’t your thing, maybe disc golf is. Pedal over to SHARC for nine holes on their par 27 disc course or splash in the aquatic center’s many pools. The kids will have fun playing at Paulina Park, or you can easily pedal to Fort Rock Park for an afternoon there. Horseshoes, pickleball, basketball, and tennis are also an option.

Need to rent a bike for your stay in Sunriver? That is no problem; Sunriver has several locations where you can rent bikes. Village Bike and Ski, Sunriver Sports, and Four Seasons are all located in The Village at Sunriver and offer rental bikes. Whether you’re just looking to rent for the day or for the duration of your time in Sunriver, you’ll be able to find a bike that works for you. 

And, if it is mountain biking you are looking for, hundreds of miles of Central Oregon’s best singletrack is just across the Cardinal Landing Bridge. Crossing the bridge will put you on a trail called Roundabout, connecting to Afternoon Delight, Royal Flush, Tyler’s Traverse, and more.

So, next time you’re in Sunriver, trade your car for a bike and enjoy everything the area offers. Happy pedaling!