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Mountain Biking in Bend, Oregon: Everything You Need to Know

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Bend, Oregon is no secret in the mountain biking world, and for good reason. With hundreds of miles of singletrack weaving through beautiful pine forests, over lava rock, and across high desert terrain, it’s got a lot to offer for all types or riders.

Whether you’re into fast XC loops (which Bend does incredibly well), flowy descents, shuttle laps, or even lift-served trails at Mt. Bachelor in the summer, Bend delivers. Add in a lively outdoor town full of good food, craft beer, and river hangouts, and you’ve got the perfect MTB getaway!

I’ve spent a good chunk of time exploring the trails around Bend through housesits and coaching with Ladies AllRide, and it’s easily one of my favorite places to explore on two wheels. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to plan your own mountain biking adventure to this awesome adventure town.

Highlights of mountain biking in Bend, OR

  • Hundreds of miles of fast, flowy singletrack
  • So many ways to ride: pedal, shuttle, lift-serve
  • Free, dispersed camping in Deschutes National Forest
  • Beautiful pine forest riding
  • Ample off-bike adventures like floating the river
  • A great community and town vibe

✨ Photo Gallery

Bend, Oregon Trail Map

The trails around Bend, Oregon extend from virtually downtown all the way up to the summit of Mt. Bachelor. There is SO much riding here. It can be overwhelming to know where and what to ride, but hopefully this guide will help point you in the right direction. If you want more tips and specific route recommendations, be sure to grab my Bend mountain biking itinerary below 👇.

⚡️ Heads up on e-bikes: Bend is one of the least e-bike-friendly mountain bike destinations I’ve been to. E-bikes aren’t allowed on any of the singletrack managed by the Forest Service, and locals take the rules seriously. If you’re caught riding one where they’re not permitted, expect to get called out—or more likely, yelled at.

Screenshot of Bend Mountain Bike Itinerary

4-Day Bend Mountain Biking Itinerary

Looking for the best trails and route recommendations for mountain biking in Bend, Oregon? Download my 4-day itinerary packed with tips, links, and local secrets including the best trails to ride and route recommendations. Grab it now and start planning your trip to Bend!

Plan your rides

1. Start at Phil’s

Phil’s is the main trail network just outside of town and the “OG” of Bend mountain biking. It’s where locals head for quick post-work laps, and it’s a great place to start if you’re visiting for the first time. I definitely spent a good chunk of time getting my bearings there.

There’s nothing super technical or steep at Phil’s, but that doesn’t mean it’s not fun. The network is packed with pedaly, flowy cross-country singletrack that’s fun for all levels, plus a few hidden tech lines and advanced features if you know where to look.

Tips for riding at Phil’s
  • Some of the trails are one-way, so read the trail signs.
  • Even though the trails here are XC and on the mellow side, have a ride plan. You can get yourself into a big day!
  • e-bikes are not allowed.
  • If you’re looking for airtime, make your way to the jumps at the Lair.
a person riding a bike in the woods
Phil’s is fast, flowy XC singletrack to the max! Photo credit: Katie Lo

2. Move up to Wanoga

Wanoga is basically an extension of Phil’s, but the trails are farther up the slope toward Mt. Bachelor, so most people either drive up or shuttle. If you decide to pedal from Phil’s, know you’re in for a 17-18+ mile day!

Wanoga has some of the best mountain bike trails in Bend (IMO) including Funner, Tiddlywinks, and Tyler’s Traverse. These trails have a bit more elevation to them, so they don’t feel quite as XC as Phil’s, but they’re still not exactly technical (although Funner has some pretty good tech alt-lines).

If you don’t have a shuttle, these trails can easily be lapped since each has its own climbing trail. Keep in mind that Wanoga is often snowed-in until late spring.

Bend mountain bike shuttles. During the height of summer, a lot of rider choose to shuttle the mountain bike trails in Bend, especially around the Wanoga, Swampy, and Dutchman Flat area. Shuttlers that start from Wangoa can enjoy a 15-20 mile ‘mostly’ downhill descent and hit some of the most popular trails like Funner, Tiddlywinks, and Tyler’s Traverse. 

If you have two cars, you can shuttle yourself or Cog Wild offers daily shuttles starting from LOGE Hotel. If you’re around for a few days, they offer a 6-punch shuttle pass. Also check out my favorite one-way shuttled routes in Bend for route recommendations.

Tips for riding at Wanoga
  • Trails may be snowed-in until late spring
  • Funner and Tiddlywinks are the two most iconic trails in Bend. Don’t miss them!
  • e-bikes are not allowed.
  • Check out Cog Wild for shuttles
Mountain biker riding bike down sculpted bermed trail
You’ll find fast, flowy machine built trails at Wanoga – Funner and Tiddlywinks are a must!

3. Head into the backcountry at Swampy and Dutchman Flat

If your idea of a perfect day on the bike includes big backcountry climbs, ripping descents, stunning views, and a variety of terrain, head up to the Swampy area and Dutchman Flat. These trails sit closer to Mt. Bachelor and offer some of the most beautiful, forested riding around Bend.

The ecosystem up here is completely different from the drier trails closer to town—it reminds me of Southeast Alaska with its lush vegetation, towering trees, loamy dirt, and rushing creeks. It’s probably my favorite place to ride in the Bend area. Just be prepared for plenty of pedaling and higher elevations; most of the trails sit around 6,000 feet.

Tips for riding Swampy & Dutchman Flat
  • Trails don’t melt out until June or later
  • Best to ride Swampy and Dutchman as a shuttle
  • e-bikes are not allowed.
  • Pack a lot of water and snacks – it’ll be a big ride no matter what you do.
Phils Mountain Biking Bend Oregon6
I love the Swampy Lakes area because it has a lush backcountry feel – it’s so beautiful!

4. Ride the lifts at Mt. Bachelor

And finally, there’s Mt. Bachelor. If you’re looking to give your legs a break from all the pedaling, the Mt. Bachelor Bike Park is just a 40-minute drive from Bend and has everything you’d expect from a lift-served bike park: flow trails, jump lines, and rough, natural DH tracks for all levels of rider. I will say, though, that the terrain is definitely on the loose side. Don’t expect nice loamy trails with good traction.

I’ve only ridden Mt. Bachelor once, but it was a great experience even though we were still riding between snow banks. I’d love to go back for more laps. Plus, the alpine views from the top? Absolutely epic.

Tips for riding Mt. Bachelor
  • The park doesn’t open until June or later depending on snowpack.
  • You can ride from the top of Mt. Bachelor all the way down to Bend in a day. Eat your Wheaties!
  • The Loam Pass is accepted.
  • Bike rentals available.
Mountain biker riding bike down singletrack trail at Mt. Bachelor Bike Park in Bend with snow band on righthand side
Mt. Bachelor Bike Park

5. Spend a day on the Deschutes River Trail

The Deschutes River Trail is one of my favorite rides in Bend. It’s so beautiful! The trail follows the scenic Deschutes River and it goes all the way from downtown Bend to Lava Butte.

The best way to ride the Deschutes River Trail, though, is as a one-way shuttle. But if you don’t have two cars (or don’t want to take an Uber), you can do an out-and-back. Not all sections are created equal, though, so be sure to read my post to find out which sections are the best.

Tips for riding the Deschutes River Trail
  • If you can, do a one-way shuttle from Lava Butte to Bend.
  • Make it a day and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the river.
  • While most of the trail is pretty mellow, there are some rather technical spots.
  • Keep your eye out for llamas on their daily walk!
Idyllic landscape view out over Deschutes River Trail in Bend Oregon
The Deschutes River Trail is so beautiful!

6. Head farther afield

Phil’s, Wanoga, Swampy/Dutchman, and Mt. Bachelor are the closest trails to Bend, but there’s also great riding within a short driving distance. In fact, some of my favorite riding is farther afield. Here are a few other places to check out on your mountain bike tour of Bend:

  • La Pine State Park: If you’re after a scenic, low-key ride, La Pine State Park—about 35 minutes south of Bend—offers mellow trails with beautiful views of the Deschutes and Fall Rivers. It’s perfect for a rest day, newer riders, or families, and you can easily spin out 12 peaceful miles and still have time for a riverside picnic.
  • Maston: Maston is Bend’s go-to XC zone—mostly flat, fast, and buff singletrack with about 18 miles of trail that fly by if you like to spin. It’s great for beginners, families, or XC lovers, with a few rocky sections and big views of the Three Sisters and Mt. Bachelor.
  • Peterson Ridge: Located just outside Sisters, Oregon, this is a stacked-loop network with mostly smooth, buff singletrack and some techier sections on Upper Peterson Trail West. You can opt for a quick spin or tackle the full 18-mile outer loop—either way, the higher you go, the better the views.
  • Horse Butte: About 25 minutes south of Bend, Horse Butte is one of my favorite places to ride. It offers classic cross-country trails with more climbing and tech than Maston, plus loops ranging from a mellow 10 miles to 20+ mile epics. The views are awesome, and you can even explore Boyd Cave while you’re out there (bring a headlamp and an extra layer).
  • Newberry Crater: If you’re up for a big day in the saddle, the 22-mile loop around Paulina and East Lakes in Newberry Crater—about an hour south of Bend—is one of my favorite rides in the area, with stunning views and 3,000 feet of climbing at elevations up to 8,000 feet. It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding ride you won’t regret!
  • Horse Ridge: I haven’t made it out to Horse Ridge yet, but I’ve heard it’s a must-ride if you’re into steeper climbs and faster, more technical descents—especially on trails like Escape From Moscow and Sand Canyon. If you’ve ridden it, drop a comment below and let me know what you think!

FAQs & Planning Tips

Ready to plan your mountain bike trip to Bend, Oregon? Here are some FAQs and tips to consider before heading out:

Bend is a summer mountain biking destination. You can visit in the spring, but the higher-up trails will most likely be covered in snow. When I visited Bend in May, I got caught in a massive, chilly downpour as well as a squall with hail and wind. If you’re visiting in the shoulder seasons, be prepared with extra layers because the weather can turn fast! Fall is usually pretty nice, but the weather can also be unpredictable.

June through September is typically the prime season for mountain biking, but depending on the year you may be able to ride the lower stuff as early as May and as late as October.

The website Bend Trails does a great job updating trail status so you can see what the trail conditions are.

Honestly, you could spend a summer in Bend and still find new and fun trails and routes to ride. If you really want to get a feel for the mountain bike scene, I recommend spending at least 4 days there.

A car really isn’t necessary, actually, to explore the mountain bike trails in Bend. If you don’t have a car, I recommend booking a room at the LOGE Hotel. You can pedal to Phil’s from there and catch a Cog Wild shuttle right from the hotel.

Wrong. Even if you take a shuttle, you’ll still be pedaling more than you probably want. Depending on what route you take, it may feel like you didn’t take a shuttle at all! Bring water and pack snacks.

There are a few great bike shops in Bend. I like Pine Mountain Sports and Sunnyside Bike Shop.

Definitely a shorter travel cross-country bike. Don’t bring the kitted out Enduro rig.

Pine Mountain Sports occasionally hosts ree group rides. Check their calendar. I joined a co-ed ride during my most recent trip to Bend and had a blast!

Cog Wild also has group rides for a fee (which includes a shuttle and post-ride beverage).

There is free camping around Bend in the Deschutes National Forest. You can stay for up to two weeks. I use the app AllStays (paid) and iOverlander (free) to find both free and paid camp spots.

Photo out over front of mountain bike handlebars onto snowy and muddy mountain bike trail
This was mid-May – Bend trails can stay snowy and muddy until late May or early June

Need gear recommendations?

Here are a few recommendations specific to Bend mountain biking:

  • Dry Lube: The conditions can get real dry dusty in Bend so be sure to pack some dry chain lube to keep dirtout of your chain. I like to use the Rock n’ Roll Gold.
  • 3 liter hydration reservoir: Bend is actually a high desert environment and trails can get above 8,000ft. It’s important to stay hydrated in this high, dry place. I typically always fill up my Osprey Raven reservoir even if I’m just heading out on a short pedal.
  • Light windbreaker: I used my Patagonia Houdini jacket a lot when I visited Bend in May. It’s super lightweight, wards of light precipitation and packs down small.

Bend really does have a little bit of everything — flowy XC trails, big backcountry rides, techy descents, and even a full-on bike park. It’s one of my favorite places to ride, and I hope this guide helps you make the most of your time there. If you have any questions or want to share your own favorite trails, drop a comment below!

What questions do you still have about mountain biking in Bend, Oregon? What are your favorite trail networks and routes? Leave a comment below!

Want even more planning tips? Download my Bend Mountain Biking Guide

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