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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Need gear recommendations?
Here are a few recommendations specific to Bend mountain biking:
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!
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Want even more planning tips? Download my Bend Mountain Biking Guide
Great article! I love dispersed camping in Bend. I try to find sites close to the trailhead so I can get up and go bike. Thanks for this great post!
Bend is a great place for free camping right by trail heads 🙂 Thanks for reading!