This trail follows the western side of the Deschutes River for the first 12.5 miles then crosses to the Sun River side. Heading south on this trail is traveling upstream on the river thus some elevation is gained, about 300 ft going this direction. This is a very well planned and built trail that runs through several park areas along the river that can be very busy with other users at times. Most all of these areas are accessed off of Road 41 and offer numerous starting points. Along the section between the Big Eddy Rec site and Dillon Falls (about 2.5 miles) there are a couple different routes all marked by different signage, there are also maps at all the kiosks along the way. Although the route nearest the river is always open to MTB through here it is encouraged to use the alternate MTB route during high use times- summer weekends, holidays, etc.
The trail itself is a great singletrack that climbs and descends ridges as it follows the river. There is a little technical area within the first couple miles but after that it is a fantastic novice/intermediate ride through the woods. Scenery along the way is incredible, with many waterfalls, lava rock formations and wildlife to see. As you near Benham Falls there are a couple trails heading west away from the river, these climb up to Benham Butte and beyond. Following the river trail past Benham Falls brings you to a footbridge across the river and another 2.5 miles of great trail to Sun River. A left turn after the footbridge will lead along the Blackrock trail through the lava fields 4 miles to the Lava Lands Visitor Center on Highway 97.
The bend area has some amazing trails, this one included. The view of the river is amazing, at times you feel as if you are riding on the water. There are a few fun technical sections as well, which I was not expecting. Look out for hikers, joggers, and dog walkers.
| ThankFantastic intermediate mountain bike ride. Singletracks in 90% of Trail once you're past Benham Falls from Sunriver. You can get the good to great heart drives for up to 11-13 miles out! Fast track and awesome speed. If you're coming to Bend or Sunriver, a must do.
| ThankA really nice trail with some great views of the river and so close to Phil's. The ride at the southend of the trail was great riding through the pine forest. For more information please visit Mountain Bike Arkansas - www.mtbark.com
| ThankA nice, scenic, friendly ride along the Deschutes River. I prefer to begin at the southern end of the trail near Benham Falls viewpoint. Additionally there is the Blackroot trails to the Lava Lands visitor center or to Sunriver from this point.
| ThankI rate myself as an intermediate rider. This trail is easier than I usually ride but if flows so well and passes through such a variety of great country from rapids to nearly still water, from meadows with view of snow capped peaks to trees lined trails, and is so well kept that I had to give it a high rating. Signage is poor.
| ThankThis was a very scenic trail along the river with mostly smooth, sandy trail tread with a couple of rock obstacles along the way. While this was a decent trail, all of the traffic and the fact that it was just OK make it a 3 star ride in my book. The views are pretty good, though, and it's not a bad place to go for a ride with a beginner.
| ThankGreat trail and great scenery. A must ride!
| ThankTrail has some great scenery, some fun areas that are not to tough of climbs or descents.
| ThankSweet swooping moderate singletrack amongs spectacular river side scenery. Although there are more challenging trails nearby, I alway hit the river trail when in Bend. Especially with newcomers...
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