The best mountain biking trails near Bend to hit once the weather and crowds cool.
Photo of Farewell Trail near Tumalo Falls by Anthony Smith courtesy of Travel Oregon
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. The season also brings some of the best weather of the year to ride the trails around Central Oregon. Check out these trails this fall that are suitable for a range of skill levels.
Peterson Ridge Trail
A family friendly network of loops, the Peterson Ridge Trail is one of the most popular mountain bike routes in the Cascades. 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 full length of the loop is 18.4 miles, but 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 trail and defunct Forest Service roads. The prominent signage and moderate technicality make this system of trails a great 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.
Mountain Biking on the Farewell Trail near Tumalo Falls. Photo by Anthony Smith courtesy of Travel Oregon.
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 level with the creek above the falls. The more gradual climb follows a series of waterfalls through old growth forest to Happy Valley. In the summertime, this section can be ridden with mosquitos (and hikers), 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 summit of the mountain. 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, whereas 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, but even the initial, somewhat strenuous climb provides openings for an array of 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
