Mountain Biking at LaPine State Park: My Experience + Tips

Viewpoint above turquoise-colored Deschutes River in LaPine State Park in Oregon

As much as I love the thrill of rock gardens, steep descents, and the occasional spicy feature, I also really enjoy those easy, mellow trails, especially when I’m looking for a reset ride.

LaPine State Park, located about 30 minutes south of Bend, Oregon, ended up being the perfect spot for just that. The trails are mostly flat and non-technical, but they’re super scenic, flowy, and peaceful. You’ll ride through quiet pine forests and along the beautiful Deschutes River. It’s great for a rest day or just a low-key pedal in a stunning setting.

In this post, I’ll share what to expect from the trails, tips for planning your ride, and why LaPine is worth a visit even if you usually go for the more technical stuff.

Quick Tips

For mountain biking at LaPine State Park

e-bikes are allowed
Trails are multi-use, so watch out for hikers and runners
Don’t get up close to the riverbanks – they can be unstable
The trails here are pure XC. Don’t expect any features or rowdiness.
It’s a great place for beginners or families!

TWW Take

Please note that these are my personal opinions – you may argue otherwise! And if so, state your case (politely) in the comments 🙂

Fun-ness Factor

Trail Variety

Average Difficulty

Screenshot of Bend Mountain Bike Itinerary

4-Day Bend Mountain Biking Itinerary

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Plan your trip!

Planning your ride on the LaPine trails

Best trails to hit

In all, there are about 14 miles of trail at LaPine State Park and most of these miles are great to ride bikes on. The only trail I don’t recommend riding is Big Pine Loop because it’s more of a footpath. When I rode it, there were downed trees and it was hard to follow in places.

Deschutes Loop (beginner)
Fall River Loop (beginner)
Cougar Woods Loop (beginner)

Tip: Visit “Big Red”, Oregon’s largest ponderosa pine that is estimated to be over 500 years old!

Route recommendation

Tour de LaPine (beginner) – This route hits most of the trails at LaPine. It’s not the most technical riding around Bend, but what it lacks in features, it makes up for with beautiful views along the Deschutes and Fall Rivers.

LaPine Trails Map

Small waterfall cascading into pool in LaPine State Park in Oregon — Fall River Falls on the Fall River Loop is a must – take a dip if it’s a hot day!

FAQs for visiting LaPine State Park

Yes, e-bikes, up to class 1, are allowed at LaPine State Park, which is nice because e-bikes aren’t allowed in most places around Bend.

There are a few parking areas, but this is the one I parked at. It’s central and has good trail access?

No, the trails are free to use.

Yes! There is a campground at LaPine State Park that is open year-round. In additional to tent sits, there are also log cabins to rent as well as full-hookup RV sites. Amenities include showers, bathrooms, water, and a dump station. Find more information about camping at LaPine State Park here.

I rode LaPine State Park in early May and it was perfect. That being said, spring in the Bend, Oregon area can vary wildly. During the time I was there, I also got caught in a hailstorm at a different trail system.

I’d say late spring through summer and early fall are the best times to ride LaPine State Park.

If it’s been particularly wet and rainy, I’d give the trails a few days to dry out.

Singletrack mountain bike trail next to Deschutes River in LaPine State Park in Oregon

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Other outdoor activities at LaPine State Park

While there isn’t a ton of singletrack miles (or variety) in LaPine State Park, you can use it as a basecamp to enjoy some other outdoor activities like

Hiking: All of the trails in LaPine State Park are open to hikers if you want to explore the trails on foot. Definitely be sure to visit “Big Red”, the largest ponderosa pine in Oregon!
Floating the Deschutes River: Bring your inner tubes, kayaks, or SUPs and spend a few hours floating down the Deschutes River. There are no shuttles out at LaPine, so you’ll either need to shuttle yourself or plan on paddling back upstream.
Fishing: LaPine State Park is well-known for its trout fishing on the Deschutes. Learn more about Oregon Fish Licenses here.
Picnicking: There are a number of great picnic sites by the river in LaPine State Park. Bring a lunch and have a picnic post-ride!

Scenic picnic area along the Deschutes River in LaPine State Park in Oregon — There are lots of nice picnic areas in LaPine State Park including this one, which is just a short walk from the main parking area

LaPine State Park may not be the most ‘epic’ mountain biking destination in Oregon, but I really enjoyed my day cruising around the trails there. The singletrack is mellow and flowy and the views out over the Deschutes River are stunning. If you’re in the area and looking for an easy pedal, I highly recommend checking this little gem of a state park out!

Have you pedaled the scenic and peaceful trails at LaPine State Park? What did you think? Worth the visit? Let me know in the comments!

Mountain Biking at LaPine State Park: My Experience + Tips

Quick Tips