No tour of the best biking in Central Oregon is complete without a stop in Sunriver, Oregon. A city named after the abundance of sunshine and water, Sunriver is a nationally-renowned destination for outdoor adventure. The town is nestled right where the Deschutes National Forest meets the base of the Cascade Mountains, just a few miles south of beautifully stark high desert landscapes. From mountain biking trails near volcanic monuments to paved paths meandering near the river, Sunriver is perfect to explore from the seat of a bike.
Top Sunriver Bike Paths
When we say Sunriver was made for biking, we’re not kidding. Road cyclists and bikers looking for a smooth ride will want to check out the Sunriver Bike Path. This is a 15-mile, fully-paved path made for biking. The path takes several different routes that sprawl out across the entire community, connecting to retail and entertainment districts, like The Village at Sunriver, as well as residential areas and Sunriver Resort, which offers world-class golfing, dining, spa amenities and close to 40 miles of paved biking trails on resort property. Other than simply offering transportation to and from many areas of Sunriver, the trail offers family-friendly adventure under the shade of tall pines. To the north, the trail connects with the Sun-Lava Trail, which explores the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. To the west, the trail follows a stretch of the Deschutes River for a peaceful ride.
The Best Mountain Bike Trails around Sunriver
Central Oregon is known for its mountain biking trails, and Sunriver is surrounded by them. The longest option, Deschutes River Trail is an easy-moderate 11-mile-path that follows the Deschutes River going north, near Bend. It takes riders past deep pools, cascading waterfalls and a rock shelter used by hunters who lived in the area more than 6,000 years ago. A shorter option on the other side of the Deschutes, the Roundabout Trail is a 3.3-mile loop with a rocky section best suited for experienced riders. This is one of the newer trails in Sunriver, and connects to the Elko Point Trail (0.5 miles), which gives you a view of the Deschutes River. Riders can also connect with Afternoon Delight, which takes you to Tyler’s Traverse and Catch & Release for more cycling adventure. Lastly, consider the Swan Song Trail. A very short and easy 2-mile gravel path with views of the Sunriver Marina and the Deschutes River; perfect for families with younger or inexperienced riders. This trail can be accessed from the Benson Day Use Area in the south, and connects with the larger Roundabout Trail to the north.
Sunriver Bike Rentals and Shops
If you don’t own a bike or just didn’t bring one along for the trip, don’t worry. There are plenty of rental options in Sunriver that have you covered. Sunriver Resort offers rentals through The Bike Barn, which offers over 300 different styles and sizes to choose from, as well as other equipment like helmets and shoes. Sunriver Sports is another great option, offering everything from tandem bikes and kid’s bike-strollers to ebikes and full suspension mountain bikes.
Don’t be surprised when you return from your adventures hungry for a good meal; the trails build up an appetite! Be sure to check out some of the best dining Sunriver has to offer, featuring innovative dishes made from local ingredients by talented chefs.
Other stories
More inspiring stories, adventures, and tips & tricks for planning and experiencing the best Central Oregon has to offer.
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Favorite Year-Round Mountain Bike Spots
When winter comes and the snow falls, some of Central Oregon’s popular mountain biking trails become a little too muddy to ride – which means some of the unheralded spots in the region get a little more love. Places like Smith Rock can get scorching hot (and quite crowded) in the summer making it a great spot to head come winter. Want some good locals tips on where to ride? Ask the folks at Hutch’s Bicycles, Pine Mountain Sports or The Hub Cyclery for the 4-1-1, or set up a tour with Cog Wild Mountain Bike Tours and Shuttles.
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Great Getaway: Sisters, Oregon
When pulling into Sisters from the West you’re greeted by a main-street cowboy town filled with local shops, western storefronts and lots of charm. But as you reach the far end of that main street (it’s actually U.S. Hwy. 20,) something different emerges. There’s some upscale lodging, a brewpub, movie theater, and spa that gives Sisters a whole new attitude.
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Adventures Abound Starting at Sunriver Resort
Sunriver is the type of place that takes your breath away no matter what season it is. During the summer you can hop on a horse for your very own wild wild west experience. The team at Sunriver Stables will make you feel comfortable on your ride, even if you’ve never saddled up before. Whether you’re in a tube or a kayak, floating down the Deschutes River is a relaxing activity that’s fun for the whole family.
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Casual Family Weekend in Sunriver
Imagine this: you’re riding your bike through a rolling meadow, the Cascade mountain range in the background, and the only sound is from the whir of a prop plane taking off against a crisp blue sky. Up ahead, your children pull carrots from their pockets and present them to a gathering of friendly horses in an adjacent pasture.
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Central Oregon Winter Adventures
When the snow flies, Central Oregon shines. All you have to do is choose your adventure. Mt. Bachelor - The model of a complete snowsports resort, Mt. Bachelor offers 360-degree lift-served groomed skiing and riding from its volcanic summit.
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Central Oregon Hiking Trails
Head east on Highway 20 (Greenwood Avenue) to the Pilot Butte State Park. The parking area and trailhead are just east of the butte. Walk on either the nature trail or the paved road. The road is also for vehicle traffic, weather permitting. It is a wonderful viewpoint for the entire Bend area. This hiking trail is one of the most popular in Central Oregon.
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Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway: Pull Off For a Central Oregon Adventure
The Cascade Lakes Scenic byway is one of the prettiest drives in the U.S. But it might be the most recreationally rich road you’ll ever drive too. From Bend southwest to the Highway 58 junction, the Oregon Route 372 cuts through 66 miles unique volcanic formations and geological beauty that offers everything that makes Central Oregon an outdoor lover’s paradise.
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Scenic Bikeways Showcase Central Oregon’s Backroad Beauty
Oregon’s official scenic bikeways are the first of their kind in the U.S – and Central Oregon is home to 6 of the state’s 11 most beautiful bike routes. An absolute summer must for road cyclists are riding the best of the best – our scenic bikeways. Every rider can find a ride to suit their style and mood, from family-friendly to adventurous.
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Camp Abbot’s Important Role During World War II
Sunriver is one of the region’s oldest and most beloved destination resorts. Since the late 1960s, Oregon families have made memories here, riding bikes to the general store, learning to golf on the courses and swimming in the river and the resort’s pools.
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The Central Oregon Adventure 6-Pack
6 ADVENTURES…1 DAY….A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES. “You should do it,” they said. “Think about how cool it’d be,” they told me. “You get to do it during the work day, ya know,” they reminded me. So I said yes.