Oregon’s Central Cascade range features a high desert climate with a striking landscape of snow capped volcanic peaks, blue alpine lakes and forests of lodge pole and ponderosa pine. Best of all, this area also hosts a beautiful trail system. With trail elevations below 7,000 feet, this tour offers riders exceptional singletrack at moderate elevations. From our meeting point in Bend, we’ll explore the intricate trail system not far out of town and then move on to the Mt. Bachelor and Cascade Lakes area west of Bend and Sun River. All of our rides boast remarkably well maintained trails, gorgeous vistas of nearby volcanic created mountains, few fellow travelers to meet on the trails and pristine lakes with fishing opportunities for the angler/mt. biker. Join us to discover why this is our new summer favorite riding local!
Itinerary
Day 1 – 10-22 miles | 4,000-5,000 ft – Our staff will meet you in Bend, Oregon at 8:30 am at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in downtown Bend on Day 1 of your tour. Please have breakfast before meeting us - the hotel offers a good breakfast if you are staying here. We will arrange to leave your cars at the hotel or nearby for the length of the trip. After meeting and loading gear, we’ll shuttle the group to our first trailhead not far from town. Our ride today explores the lower elevation Phil’s Trails (4,000-5,000 ft) and visits Tumalo Falls for lunch. This will give you a chance to acclimate and get a sense of what the trails are like here, narrow and super fun. There are opportunities for differing mileages depending on the desires of the group, from 10-22 miles of fun, rolling singletrack and some doubletrack. After riding we’ll have a quick shuttle to our camp on the shores of Little Cultus Lake where we will spend the week amidst the forest surrounding the lake with opportunities for more exploring and swimming in the lake. Once camp is set, you’re free to kick back! Your guides will take care of the details from setting up lawn chairs with hors d’oeuvres and the drink cooler nearby, to cooking up a healthy, delicious meal. Washbasins are available for clean up and a solar shower is usually available for at least 2 nights during the trip. This is your time to relax, whether it’s lounging around camp with our library of books or setting out for a hike or ride to explore your surroundings.
Day 2 – Elevation: 4700 ft From Little Cultus Lake today our ride will explore 2 more alpine lakes, Lemish and Charlton Lakes. Today’s ride features a bit more challenging terrain with more climbing but also more descending (our reward!) The singletrack trails wind through towering ponderosas and lodgepole pine forests with occasional broad vistas of the rolling mountains around us. Elevations range between 4700 ft and 5800 ft. and mileage totals 19.
Day 3 – After a hot and hearty breakfast we’ll take a short shuttle before hitting the trail! In the shadow of Tumalo Mountain we’ll begin today’s 20- mile ride. We’ll begin with a warm up loop beneath Tumalo Mt. and then make our way along the Metolius-Windago trail to Lava Lake on the west side of Mt. Bachelor. Once at camp there are options for swimming and additional riding to see more of this beautiful area.
Day 4 – Today we’ll warm up with a climb up to Irish and Taylor Lakes, 2 secluded and picturesque lakes on the border of the Three Sisters Wilderness. You’ll enjoy a rip-roaring descent back by our camp and then a super fun rolling singletrack to Big Cultus Lake and around. This ride can be an all singletrack out and back or combined with some road riding for a loop. Mileage today ranges from 16-27 depending on which options you choose. Camp is back at Little Cultus with a delicious fireside meal prepared by your guides.
Day 5 – 12 - 25 miles | 500 ft – After a quick shuttle to the trailhead we’ll begin our final’s day put us at our high point for the day and then we’ll work our way down. No matter what anyone says it’s never all downhill and you’ll earn your right to rest and relax at the end of this fantastic adventure! At day’s end we’ll say our goodbyes or maybe enjoy a beer together in one of two fantastic brewpubs in town. Plan to spend a night in Bend to leisurely enjoy the charms and great food this mountain town has to offer. Tour Rating: Intermediate Singletrack - Physical demand is moderate to strenuous Mileage: 12 - 25 miles per day (shorter mileage days have additional mileage options) Terrain: Singletrack trails with some sections of doubletrack Technical Difficulty: Challenging sections of singletrack with tight switchbacks, narrow trails with obstacles, and short steep climbs and descents Altitude: 3500 – 6700 ft. Note: Itineraries are subject to change based on factors including but not limited to weather, road and trail conditions, camp permits, trip logistics and rider safety. Please call or e-mail with any questions or concerns! Rim Tours, Inc. 1233 S. Highway 191 Moab, Utah 84532 USA Fax: info@rimtours.com www.rimtours.com All itineraries are subject to modification. Our guides and tour managers may adjust routes, timing, and activities based on weather, trail conditions, land agency requirements, group abilities, and other factors. These adjustments are made to ensure your safety and the best possible adventure experience.