Favorite Mountain Biking Trails in Bend, Oregon
We'll show you road and gravel rides, too!
Join our rider-at-large, Don Leet, for these Central Oregon favorites:
"I’ve been asked to write and describe some of my favorite mountain bike trails in Bend, Oregon. A little background first: I love riding my mountain bike—the ups, the downs, the technical, the flowing, and the challenging. But what I really love is the mountain in mountain bikes. I love the views and the scenery more than anything. And I don’t like to shuttle. I’m not morally against it; I’d just rather be on my bike than in a van, so most of my rides will include long climbs, views, and thrilling descents." – Don
Gravel ride: Oregon's only unpaved state highway
Spring is the perfect time for longer road and gravel rides in Central Oregon, as the roads clear up before the trails. I’m not exactly a gravel grinder, but I enjoy mixing in some gravel for the peace, scenery, and reduced traffic. This route is one of my favorites.
• Start at Four Corners—the junction of Reservoir Road and George Millican Road, about 5 miles east of the Alfalfa Store near Bend.
• Head east and turn right onto Highway 27 at about 7 miles. After half a mile, you’ll enjoy a fun paved descent—watch for cattle guards and livestock.
• About two miles after the descent, the gravel begins and continues for about 20 miles to Highway 20, with roughly 1,000 feet of climbing.
• Go clockwise for smoother climbs on gravel and paved descents.
• When you reach Highway 20, turn right (west) toward Bend. You’ll be on the highway for about five miles with a good shoulder.
• Afterward, turn onto George Millican Road for the 14-mile return—mostly downhill after the first climb.
The ride is about 50 miles long, with around 2,000 feet of climbing—simple to navigate and always scenic.
Trail ride: Swampy, North and South Forks (22 miles)
With so many trails in Bend, finding the perfect mountain bike route—great climbs, thrilling descents, and minimal crowds—isn’t easy. This mountain bike trail hits all the marks. It takes about three hours and is best on weekdays or early mornings.
• Park at Swampy Lakes, 16 miles from Bend on Century Drive.• Take Swampy Lake Trail, pass Flagline, and turn left onto South Fork (2.3 miles). Descend to Tumalo Falls.
• At Tumalo Falls, enjoy the view, then climb North Fork Trail—about four miles to Happy Valley.
• Turn right onto Metolius-Windigo, go one mile to Road 370, then take Mrazek Trail for 1.5 miles to a junction.
Trail ride: Wanoga area
The Wanoga area offers some of Bend’s most fun and flowy trails—Funner, Tiddlywinks, and Tyler’s Traverse. Many riders shuttle, but I prefer earning my descents. This loop includes long climbs and two great downhills.
• Start and finish at the bottom of Tyler’s Traverse.
• Climb Tyler’s uphill-only route (about 1 hour).
• Take Kiwa Trail to Tiddlywinks, then descend Funner Trail—watch for the mandatory drop (rollable).
• Climb back up Tiddlywinks and return via Kiwa to the top of Tyler’s.
• Finish with a fun, flowy descent back to your car.
Expect over three hours of riding and a huge grin at the finish.
Winter ride: Smith Rock to Grey Butte
Many locals ride year-round in Bend. While fat biking is an option, I prefer long desert loops like this Smith Rock route—technical, scenic, and satisfying.
• Start at Smith Rock State Park (parking permit required). Cross the river and head left along the trail—yield to hikers.
• Climb the scree slope and tackle 17 switchbacks with incredible views to reach the top of Burma Road.
• Continue on the Gray Butte Trail into BLM land—beware of icy north-facing sections.
• Follow Cole Creek Trail for a two-mile descent, cross the road, and continue to Skull Hollow Trailhead.
• Take Cole Creek east for a steady climb, cross the main road, and ascend to Gray Butte Trailhead.
• Return to Smith Rock for a 27-mile, four-hour loop with about 400 feet of climbing.
Tip: Practice switchbacks on the descent and save energy for the steep final climb back to the lot.
Trail ride: South side, Crescent mountain
Located west of Santiam Pass, Crescent Mountain’s south side features lush Old Cascade Crest terrain and classic climbs.
• From Santiam Pass, take the left at Santiam Y, then follow signs toward Sweet Home and Corvallis.
• Turn right at Lava Lake Sno-Park, follow Road 2067, then take gravel Road 508 to the trailhead.
• The main loop is about 8 miles round trip (4 up, 4 down), taking around 2 hours.
• Expect hike-a-bike sections, sweeping switchbacks, and flowy downhill runs.
• Advanced riders can extend by linking north-side trails or other Old Cascade routes.
This pristine trail rewards those who love big climbs and raw mountain experiences. Ride gently to preserve it.
