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Phil’s trail is part of an extensive and growing network of trails established in the early days of mountain biking in Central Oregon. Many of the trails in the area are within riding distance from town and are typically rideable late spring through fall but should be avoided altogether when wet, as the high-desert terrain is easily damaged. Tirelessly maintained by the Central Oregon Trail Alliance, Phil’s can be ridden in either direction but note the one-way section on Lower Whoops, a finely crafted festival of table tops, doubles and banked corners. The outer loop is around 16 miles but can be shortened via numerous connector trails.
Head 3.0 miles west from Bend up Skyliners road and turn left when you see this: 
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Known locally as “The River Trail,” the easy grade and great views beckon as you wind your way along Central Oregon’s most well known and scenic waterway. A short rocky section in the first quarter mile below Meadow Picnic provides the only technical challenge to an otherwise smooth ten mile point-to-point. Route-finding can be tricky, with spider-webs of trails at each of the recreation areas. Stay close to the river and if you get off track, enjoy the view. The Blackrock trail is a great diversion for those seeking extra miles or some geologic history.
From Bend’s Westside, head 3.0 miles south from the Reed Market roundabout on Century Drive and look for the Meadow Picnic Area on your left. The trail can also be accessed on the southern end via Circle 7 in the Sunriver Resort. A Northwest Forest Pass or day-use fee ($5) is required for parking along the trail, and only leashed dogs can join the fun.
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The Peterson Ridge Trail system is some of the finest riding in Oregon. What was once a short 12 mile out-and-back has become an extensive network of high quality single-track, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Sisters Trails Alliance. Ponderosa forests, expansive views and well marked trails make this ride a real treasure. The lower portion of the trail system is smooth and fast for a quick lunch hour workout while the more technical upper sections keep strong cross-country riders happy. The ride divides at the start into East and West Trails and rides great in either direction. We prefer to climb the West leg. Numerous connector trails expand the possibilities, be sure to check out Eagle Rock Pass for a fun diversion. Start in the small town of Sisters, 22 miles West of Bend on Highway 20. Park at The Village Green Park on Elm Street (FR 16) and ride south to the trailhead on your left. The trail can also be accessed from The Five Pine Lodge if you want to add fantastic lodging and a Brew Pub to your ride.
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Built for racing, these trails beg to be ridden fast. Tiddlywinks twists and turns artfully through dense forest and wide open spaces, while Funner is more an all-mountain exercise with lots of man-made features. Both these trails split and converge frequently, giving stronger racers room to pass or the option to by-pass the more technical bits. Two short sections show direction of travel, but the rest is up to you. That said, Tiddlywinks is a tough climb. From Bend, take Century Drive west for 11.4 miles to the Wanoga Sno-park on your left. The Trailhead lies just beyond the pump track at the eastern end of the parking lot. At just 12 miles, you may want to turn this loop twice or, add the Dinah-Moe-Humm trail for a 16-mile out and back from trail marker #42. A short climb takes you around Kiwa Butte and provides stunning views of Mt. Bachelor. Like to get the climbing done first? Start at the Storm-King trailhead off Conklin Road and head up to trail marker #34. From there, climb Funner to Wanoga, and then back down Tiddlywinks. There are several other trails in the area that are in various stages of construction and once completed will offer even more loop options. Check the COTA website for up to date information regarding trail status.
These trails see races- Pickett’s Charge, Blitz to the Barrel (invitational) and the Cyclocross Super D all utilize portions of this trail system. Check the OBRA race calendar and grab your gear!
Adventure Maps makes a map of the entire area. If you are planning a Central Oregon trip, we highly recommend you pick one of these up! They are great maps and provide an excellent overview of all the local trails.
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Close to town and often avoided during the summer months due to the sandy soil composition, this loop becomes popular when the higher elevation trails are snowbound. It is perfect for those seeking a mid-winter singletrack fix with just 400’ of elevation gain, pleasantly fast rolling tread and the proximity to much longer ride options (all the way to Newberry Crater). The loop can be ridden in either direction and on clear days presents spectacular views of the mountains. This is a mixed use trail system, ranging from horseback riding to the popular FootZone Horse Butte Ten Miler trail race that takes place in the spring. Please be respectful of other users and keep these trails open to all. There are several caves in the area that currently have access restrictions but are worth seeing if you do a little planning.
Cave access information | Click here |
FootZone - http://www.footzonebend.com/
Current conditions - http://cotamtb.com/trails/
Directions to Trailhead
From Hwy. 20 head south on 27th street for 3.1 miles and turn left on Rickard road. At 1.7 miles turn right on Biladeau road. At Arnold Market road, Biladeau becomes Horse Butte road. ¼ mile past the end of the pavement turn right, around the butte and continue another ¼ mile to the trailhead and parking area.
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Beginner’s paradise, winter singletrack fix, respite from the overcrowding at Phil’s - the Swamp Wells area provides. These trails are best in early spring or after fall rains begin as the sandy nature of the soil can be downright painful midsummer (did someone say Fat Bike?). From the Horse Butte Trailhead, three parallel trails head south- our favorite long loop takes you up the Arnold Ice Cave Trail to the Horse Camp and down the Swamp Wells Trail, but many shorter loop options exist as well. If you really want some miles, have a friend drop you off at Newberry Crater and ride the Swamp Wells trail all the way back to town. Be well rested, pack enough food and water and your smile will last well into next week.
This area is popular spot for equestrians- please use courtesy and common-sense, it goes a long way towards keeping it fun for everyone. Also note that the northern slope of Kelsey Butte sees very little sun and can hold snow well into spring, but is easily bypassed on double track.
From Hwy. 20 head south on 27th street for 3.1 miles and turn left on Rickard road. At 1.7 miles turn right on Biladeau road. At Arnold Market road, Biladeau becomes Horse Butte road. ¼ mile past the end of the pavement turn right, around the butte and continue another ¼ mile to the trailhead and parking area.
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If you build it, they will come. These trails sit just 20 minutes north of Bend, and there’s a little something for everyone -from a huge terrain Park to fast rolling and technical single-track. Formally known as The East Redmond Trail Complex, the Radlands are Central Oregon’s newest trail system. In conjunction with the Redmond Area Parks and Recreation Department and the Central Oregon Trail Alliance, the goal is to create a large multi-user group trail system on par with Peterson Ridge and the Wanoga complex. An equestrian trail system is also under construction by the Oregon Equestrian Trails.
If you are interested in helping to shape the future of this ambitious project (and we know you are), check the Radlands page on the COTA website for build days. Thanks to all the local sponsors, the work parties usually include doughnuts and door prizes- you might even win a TrailRag!
We will be updating the map of the area as quickly as possible after each build day (as soon as we put our shovels down) for the duration of the project, so check back here for the latest free downloadable file. Letter sized maps are also available at the trailhead.
Getting there: From 6th street (North Redmond) head East on Maple. Stay straight when you cross NE Negus way and follow Maple to the High Desert Sports Complex and parking area on your left.
