Deschutes national forest is a swarm of Ponderosa and other evergreen trees that carpet the country on the outskirts of the Cascade mountain range. Not far out of the short span of high-priced seasonal homes and lodging near the Bend, Oregon perimeter, you can find single and double tracked mountain bike and hiking trails that disappear into the lushness of forests hills. This is a little brief on some of the trails you can expect to find for biking in the park.
Deschutes National Forest Trail Runs
This forest was discovered by western civilization by French fur traders that were exploring the northwest. The name comes from the description of the river that runs through Bend today. If you would have followed the river in those days you would have come across many series of waterfalls.
The tumultuous river at the time cut through so much of the glacial land of central Oregon. The waterfalls along the way gave the name Riviere des Chutes, or River of Falls, hence shortened name -- Deschutes.
The city of Bend is the start of some of the trail systems. From the Deschutes River one can take quick bike run along the banks that go on for several miles. It's something pretty easy to do for most bikers; in fact, some of the highly active citizens in Bend take this as a breather during a lunch break workout routine.
You can come across many trails outside of Bend near the Swampy Lakes Sno-Park area (about 16 miles out of Bend heading West on highway 46). They have many beginner to intermediate trails which cover an average of 7-9 miles with small altitude change, usually around 500 feet difference.
The Swampy Lakes Loop route 52.1 is a single track trail with manageable obstacles. You don't even have to be in great shape to take on this trail. It covers only about 4 miles and brings you through the Swampy Lakes meadow.
Swampy Ridge Loop route 52.2 on the other hand can be troublesome. It will loop you on a 9 mile course that has a pretty steep climb to get up to the ridge with a just as dramatic descent. It's about half single track and half double track. It's better for intermediate riders.
Going west on highway 46 out of Bend you can find many other trail heads. Be careful biking on these as they will often double as hiking and horse trails so, keep that in mind as you round the bend full steam.
The Biking Tourist Finding Lodging in Bend, Oregon
Bend is a happening town and every season seems to bring in every type of outdoor recreationist, latte drinking Patagonia clone from California to B.C. Make sure you get a booking in early before you go. Finding a hotel, or any other lodging in Bend, Oregon, may be tough to do last minute (some hotels are backed up 4 months deep) so use some foresight and planning.
