The best MTB trails in Deschutes County

Get ready for a classic Central Oregon mountain biking adventure on the Ben's, Pinedrops and Phil's Trail Loop. This moderate route guides you through an open Ponderosa pine forest, offering 15.4 miles (24.7 km) of flowing singletrack. You will encounter mellow climbs, particularly on Ben's Trail, and fun, twisting descents, gaining 1203 feet (367 metres) of elevation over an estimated 2 hours and 18 minutes. Look forward to the smooth, downhill sections of Phil's Trail, known for its big berms and rolling bumps, often called 'whoops', that you can pump for extra speed.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the Phil's trailhead is a popular and well-equipped starting point. You will find restrooms, ample parking, and helpful signs there. If you are coming from Bend, you can even access the trailhead directly via a dedicated bike path. The best time to enjoy this trail is generally from early spring through late fall, but always remember to check local conditions, especially for snowpack, with area bike shops before you head out.

This loop offers a true immersion into the high desert landscape, characterized by dense Ponderosa pines and Manzanita bushes. The combination of Ben's, Pinedrops, and Phil's Trails creates a dynamic and engaging ride that showcases the region's best singletrack. It is a prime example of why Central Oregon is a renowned destination for mountain biking, providing a memorable experience for riders seeking both flow and scenic beauty.

Get ready for a moderate mountain biking adventure on the Funner and Tiddlywinks Loop, a 12.9-mile (20.8 km) route that offers a dynamic change of scenery. You will start in a high desert landscape, then quickly transition into the vibrant, green Deschutes National Forest. The trail climbs 1330 feet (405 metres) through thick forests on the Funner section, providing a rewarding workout. As you descend on Tiddlywinks, you will experience winding paths through dense woods and open, logged areas, keeping your ride engaging for about 2 hours and 35 minutes. This loop provides a comprehensive and varied visual experience from start to finish.

The Funner and Tiddlywinks Loop is part of the well-known Wanoga trail system, making it easy to access. You will find general parking available at the trailheads located within the Wanoga area, so plan to arrive early on busy days. While there are no specific warnings for snow or closures mentioned, it is always a good idea to check local conditions before you head out. This ensures you have the best possible experience on the trail.

This loop is a highlight for mountain bikers near Bend, Oregon, offering a complete experience within the Deschutes National Forest. The route is known for its well-maintained paths, making it a reliable choice for a fun ride. You will appreciate how the trail seamlessly blends different environments, from high desert to lush forest, all within one continuous loop.

Embark on the COD, Lower Storm King, and Catch & Release Loop for a moderate mountain biking adventure through Deschutes National Forest. You'll pedal through heavily forested sections, enjoying the shade of towering ponderosa pines. The terrain varies, offering flowy sections with banked turns alongside technical challenges like large lava rock gardens. Keep an eye out for a notable boulder on the Catch & Release segment. This 10.7-mile (17.1 km) route involves gaining 692 feet (211 metres) in elevation, typically taking around 1 hour and 36 minutes to complete. It's a balanced experience, perfect if you have some mountain biking experience.

Accessing the trail is straightforward, with the Cascade Lake Welcome Station serving as a convenient starting point for your ride. While you can complete the entire route as a loop, many riders opt to shuttle to the top, allowing for a faster and twistier descent on the Lower Storm King segment. Before heading out, always check local conditions for any potential trail closures or advisories. This ensures you have the most up-to-date information for a smooth and enjoyable trip.

This trail system is well-known for its diverse riding experience within the unique volcanic landscape of the region. The presence of lava rock gardens adds a distinct character to the ride, showcasing the area's geological history. It's a popular choice for mountain bikers looking to explore the varied terrain and dense forests of Central Oregon. Consider combining your ride with other outdoor activities in the Deschutes National Forest for a full day of adventure.

Explore the Ben's and Phil's Trail Loop, an easy mountain biking route spanning 12.3 miles (19.8 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 689 feet (210 metres). You can expect to complete this ride in about 1 hour and 44 minutes. As you pedal, you will ride through an open pine forest, surrounded by Ponderosa pines and Manzanita bushes, offering a classic Central Oregon experience. Keep an eye out for the distinctive "Flaming Chicken" roundabout, a unique piece of trail art you will encounter on Phil's Trail.

This loop's trailhead is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Bend, providing restrooms, parking, and clear signage for your visit. Be aware that later in the season, the trail surface can become quite dry and sandy, creating what riders call "moon dust" conditions. In winter, lower sections might have frozen ruts, so consider exploring higher elevations for smoother riding if there is snow on the ground.

The trail offers a smooth, flowy singletrack experience, making it an enjoyable ride for many. It serves as an excellent introduction to the region's mountain biking scene, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Deschutes National Forest. The consistent scenery and fresh mountain air contribute to a refreshing outdoor adventure.

Get ready for a classic mountain biking adventure on Ben's and Phil's Trail Loop, a moderate route spanning 29.8 miles (48.0 km). You will climb 2278 feet (694 metres) over an estimated 4 hours and 7 minutes, immersing yourself in the open pine forest of Deschutes National Forest. The trail offers a quintessential cross-country experience, winding through Ponderosa pines and Manzanita bushes. Expect a mix of smooth, flowy singletrack, with Ben's Trail providing a fun, twisting uphill section. Make sure to pause at the Shooting Star Shelter View for expansive scenery and a moment of fresh mountain air.

Planning your ride on Ben's and Phil's Trail Loop is straightforward, as the trailhead is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Bend. You will find restrooms and ample parking available, making for an easy start to your mountain biking day. The best time to tackle this route is typically from early spring through late fall, but always check local conditions, especially regarding snowpack, which can affect trail access. Despite numerous intersections, the trails are well-maintained with clear signage, making navigation simple.

This loop is a prime example of the Bend mountain biking scene, offering a deep dive into the region's natural beauty. The open pine forest environment provides a refreshing atmosphere, perfect for a sustained ride. It is a popular choice for those seeking a solid cross-country experience without venturing too far from urban amenities. The trail system's accessibility and well-kept paths make it a standout option for mountain bikers in the area.

This easy mountain biking loop, known as Ben's, Phil's & Voodoo Loop, takes you through 10.3 miles (16.6 km) of the Deschutes National Forest. You'll gain 553 feet (168 metres) in elevation, typically completing the ride in about 1 hour and 27 minutes. Expect a fun, flowy ride through dense ponderosa pine forests and manzanita bushes, offering plenty of shade. The trails feature swooping turns that are generally smooth, though you might encounter some loose, sandy sections, especially later in the season. Keep an eye out for the tighter, twisty turns and occasional rock gardens on the Voodoo Trail segment.

To begin your adventure, head to the popular Phil's Trailhead, which offers convenient access to the loop. You will find ample parking available, along with restrooms and clear signage to help you navigate. Its close proximity to downtown Bend makes it an ideal spot for a quick escape into nature. This makes planning your visit straightforward, allowing you to focus on the ride.

This route provides a fantastic introduction to the renowned Phil's Trail network, celebrated for its 'buff' and 'flowy' characteristics. The trails are well-regarded for their enjoyable nature, making them a favorite among local mountain bikers. You'll experience the fragrant high desert air as you ride, adding to the unique atmosphere of the area. It's a great way to explore the region's famous mountain biking scene.

Embark on the Maston Outer Loop – Beginner Loop, a moderate mountain biking trail that guides you through the scenic high desert landscape. This route covers 12.2 miles (19.6 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 453 feet (138 metres), typically taking about 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete. As you pedal, you will experience mostly smooth, flowing sections, winding through juniper forests and sagebrush, with picturesque views of Cline Butte and glimpses of the distant Cascade Mountains.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the main trailhead offers ample parking, restrooms, and clear signage to help you navigate. This area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, so you won't need a forest service pass for parking. Remember that e-bikes are not permitted on these trails. The Maston area is also a great option for riding during the winter and shoulder seasons, as it often remains snow-free when higher elevation trails are inaccessible.

This loop provides an excellent introduction to the high desert environment near Eaglecrest, showcasing its unique flora and terrain. The trail is known for its reliable conditions and accessibility, making it a local favorite when other routes might be closed due to weather. Keep an eye out for the Fat Rabbit Trail, which is incorporated into this loop, adding to the varied experience.

The Ticket to Ride Loop offers an easy mountain biking experience through a natural, forested environment. You'll cover 6.2 miles (9.9 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 399 feet (122 metres), which most riders complete in about 53 minutes. Expect mostly smooth singletrack, but be ready for some exposed rocks along the way. If you ride counterclockwise, you can enjoy a fun, swooping descent through a small rock canyon, adding a unique thrill to your ride.

Accessing the Ticket to Ride Loop is straightforward, as it begins and ends near the U.S. Forest Service's Cascade Lakes Welcome Station. This convenient location along Century Drive, west of Bend, makes parking easy for your mountain biking adventure. The Welcome Station also serves as a helpful hub, offering amenities and information before you hit the trail. You won't need any specific permits for this particular loop, simplifying your planning.

This route is set within the beautiful Deschutes National Forest, providing a refreshing escape into nature. The trail's proximity to the Cascade Lakes Welcome Station makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the wider area. It's a great option if you are looking for a quick, accessible ride that showcases the natural beauty of the region.

Get ready for a moderate mountain biking experience on the Peterson Ridge Loop, a 15.7 miles (25.2 km) route that winds through the Deschutes National Forest. You will gain 647 feet (197 metres) in elevation over an estimated 2 hours and 7 minutes of riding. The trail offers a mix of gradually sloped singletrack, flowing sections, and some steeper, more technical parts with lava rock. As you climb to higher elevations, particularly on the West trail, you can enjoy expansive views of the Cascade peaks, including the iconic Three Sisters and Broken Top. Expect to ride through beautiful ponderosa pine forests and open sagebrush country, providing a diverse and engaging landscape.

The Peterson Ridge Loop is a well-known trail system located near Sisters, Oregon, making it easily accessible for a day trip. Navigation is straightforward thanks to clearly marked signs and numbered junction posts throughout the route. Remember that this is a multi-use trail system, so you should be prepared to share the path with walkers, runners, dogs, and even horse riders. Planning your visit during off-peak times can enhance your experience by reducing trail traffic.

What makes the Peterson Ridge Loop unique is its