Deschutes National Forest

The Deschutes National Forest spans an impressive 1.6 million acres of public land, primarily located to the west of Bend, along the eastern slope of the Cascades. This vast area includes wilderness regions stretching from Mount Thielsen in the south to Mount Jefferson in the north. The forest near Bend is immensely popular for activities like horseback riding, hiking, and backpacking. It's also known for its scenic campgrounds (such as Elk Lake) and shimmering lakes ideal for paddling (like Sparks Lake). However, if you need a compelling reason to visit, it should be for the 600 miles of singletrack trails that have made Bend a legendary destination for mountain bikers.

Phil's Trail Network

Mountain bikers are particularly fond of the trails, especially the extensive network called "Phil's" west of town. These trails are known for being fast, flowing, and well-maintained, requiring minimal technical skills to navigate. This makes the area perfect for family rides and introducing kids and new riders to the sport. For more technical riding, enthusiasts often head to Mount Bachelor. With numerous loop options, you can tailor a ride to fit your schedule, whether you have 20 minutes or 20 hours. Apps like Trailforks can help you avoid getting lost.

The West Bend Trail, a mostly paved route, runs for about three miles to the Phil's trail system starting from NW 17th Street and NW Galveston Avenue, approximately a mile west of downtown. This allows riders to begin their journey in town, bypassing the need for a car. Alternatively, bikers can drive to Phil's Trailhead, about 4 miles west of downtown, and start their ride from there.

It's important to note that Phil's is just one of the many areas in the forest available for riding. Other popular trailheads include Wanoga and Swampy off Century Drive, as well as Tumalo Falls off Skyliner Road.

When to Ride

Thanks to varying snow conditions, it's possible to find rideable trails around Bend almost any time of the year. Spring and fall offer excellent opportunities with fewer crowds, trails that are neither too wet nor too dry, and cooler temperatures. However, if trails are muddy, it's advisable not to ride them. Trail reports and maps are available on the Central Oregon Trail Alliance website. Summer remains the most popular time to ride since higher elevation trails become snow-free, although lower elevation trails can become very hot and dusty. Many visitors and locals opt for a shuttle to Mount Bachelor and then enjoy a 22-mile ride back to Bend, almost entirely downhill on singletrack. Services like Cog Wild offer shuttles, guided trips, and bike rentals, with Pine Mountain Sports and Sunnyside Sports also providing bike rentals.

Admission and Hours

A Forest Pass is required for parking, costing $5 per day or $30 annually. Deschutes National Forest is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. Some activities within the forest, such as visiting the Newberry National Volcanic Monument and the Lava River Cave, may require additional fees and reservations, and they may have specific operating hours. For more details, visiting the Forest Service's website is recommended.