Biking

Biking in Bend Parks

Biking in Bend parks is a great activity to share with families and friends alike with fresh air, a little exercise and interesting sights to see. With many off-street trails available, the parks’ trail system is well-suited for all ages to pedal together on the same trails.

With the rise in popularity of e-bikes, here’s a refresher on the rules for such bikes in Bend parks. Electric assisted bicycles, as defined in ORS 801.258, and when operated in accordance with these rules, are permitted on trails and pathways except as prohibited by the Executive Director or a Designee. Electric assisted bicycles are subject to all District rules applicable to bicycles.

According to the state of Oregon, “electric assisted bicycle” means a vehicle that:

•       Is designed to be operated on the ground on wheels;
•       Has a seat or saddle for use of the rider;
•       Is designed to travel with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground;
•       Has both fully operative pedals for human propulsion and an electric motor; and
•       Is equipped with an electric motor that:
•       Has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts; and
•       Is incapable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of greater than 20 miles per hour on level ground.

Above all, respect other trail users, have fun and be safe.  Here are some favorites bike paths and trails to consider:

Big Sky Park Trails

Location: 21690 NE Neff Rd.

Surface: Natural trails of 0.8 mile out-and-back with no road crossings.

Highlights: Cascade mountain views, playground and natural areas with canals.

As of July 2022, work continues at the park to expand the bike options. Crews are busy putting the finishing touches on an asphalt pump track and single track trail around the perimeter of the park.

You can get more info at the park’s project website.

BMX Park: High Desert BMX operates a private BMX track onsite at Big Sky Park. To learn more about the BMX park or BMX offerings, contact High Desert BMX.

Deschutes River Trail & Old Mill District

Location: 799 SW Columbia St.

Surface: Paved and natural. 6+ miles including varying loops and out-andbacks with no road crossings. Consisting of both public and Old Mill District-owned trails, the entire system is open to the public.

Highlights: Nature is combined with an urban environment with the Deschutes River, the Shops at the Old Mill, Bend Whitewater Park, McKay Park, Miller’s Landing Park, Riverbend Park and Farewell Bend Park. Three pedestrian bridges and three tunnels let bikers connect loops while avoiding vehicle traffic. These trails are a must-do for all levels of cyclists. With the opportunity to play in parks and enjoy the amenities at the Old Mill, there are lots of activities to go with your cycling adventure.

Larkspur Trail – South

Location: 1600 SE Reed Market Rd. or 1310 NE Highway 20

Surface: Paved and fine gravel. 2 miles out-and-back with some road crossings.

Highlights: Natural area with canal, Larkspur Park with playground and Pliot Butte State Park. Good choice for grade-school aged children and older.

Pine Nursery Trail

Location: 3750 NE Purcell Blvd.

Surface: Paved. 1.9 mile loop around the park’s perimeter with some in-park road crossings.

Highlights: Fishing pond, playground and Cascade mountain views. A great choice for biking with grade-school aged children and older.

Rockridge Park Trail & Bike Skills Course

Location: 20885 Egypt Dr.

Surface: More than a mile of unpaved and accessible, paved paths that meander through the park with no road crossings. Natural-surfaced bike skills course onsite.

Highlights: Natural area, playground, skatepark, frisbee golf course and iconic rock outcroppings.

Bike Skills Course: Spanning over a mile, the beginner and intermediate bike skills courses feature dirt trails with obstacles – also known to cyclists as log skinnies, corduroy, boardwalk and armored trail features. Both courses allow riders to choose which obstacles or terrain to ride or bypass as they develop their skills.

Shevlin Park Trails

Location: 18920 NW Shevlin Park Rd.

Surface: Paved, fine gravel and natural 9+ miles of trail with several loops and out-and backs available with no road crossings.

Highlights: Aspen Pond, Tumalo Creek and mixed forest. The paved service road is nearly level and closed to vehicles making for a perfect beginning
adventure for little ones on scoots and first bikes. The park also offers a series of trails for beginner to intermediate mountain bikers.

Stone Creek Pump Track and Bike Skills Course

Location: 61531 Stone Creek Ln.

Surface: Unpaved paths that meander through old-growth Juniper and rock outcroppings with no road crossings. Natural-surfaced bike skills course onsite with improved features.

Highlights: Natural area, playground, skate spot, picnic shelter and iconic rock outcroppings.

Pump Track: There’s a hardened dirt pump track for beginners looking to hone their skills.

Bike Skills Course: There are smaller, beginner bike skills courses featuring dirt trails with obstacles – also known to cyclists as log skinnies, corduroy, boardwalk and armored trail features to develop your skills.

Learn more about this park.