CYCLING

Gravel Cycling Sisters Country

Check out these links to this popular new sector of cycling:

Oregon's First Gravel Scenic Bikeway

Gravel Cycling Visit Bend

Gravel Routes in Sisters

Road Cycling Sisters Country

Sisters is a SILVER-level bicycle-friendly community as designated by the League of American Bicyclists. When you come to town - bring your bike and experience our unique 1880's themed downtown from a different saddle than the pioneers used so many years ago!

Sisters Country is also home to two scenic bikeways! In cooperation with the Oregon State Parks & Recreation Department, Oregon Department of Transportation, Travel Oregon, and Cycle Oregon, the State of Oregon has officially designated Scenic Bikeways. 

What is a Scenic Bikeway? Scenic Bikeways are locally initiated and state-designated cycling routes that constitute the "best of the best" in road cycling across the state known for their scenic beauty. 

Routes in Sisters Country include:

• McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway - a beautiful ~38 mile climb up and over McKenzie Pass (open seasonally) to McKenzie Bridge. Experience this exhilarating climb to the top of Hwy 242, and enjoy the 360-degree views at Dee Wright Observatory. Typically in late spring, this route is open on the East Side to bicycle traffic only up to Dee Wright Observatory. Call 541-549-0251 to confirm snow levels.

• Sisters to Smith Rock Scenic Bikeway - this ride takes you through farmland, ranches, historic places, and much, much more. Enjoy the experience of the high desert on this 42-mile ride from downtown Sisters to the amazing Smith Rock State Park.

The Sisters Trails Alliance has more road cycling routes listed on their webpage.

We encourage folks to know the rules of the road and remember - share the road!

Mountain Biking Sisters Country

Sisters Country is one of the premier mountain biking regions in the state. The best known and most popular trails include the Peterson Ridge Trail System with its trailhead within the city limits, the Suttle Tie Trail between Black Butte Ranch and Suttle Lake, and the nearby McKenzie River Trail, which is widely regarded as one of the great epic bike trails in North America.

The Peterson Ridge Trail is located at the south edge of town just across Whychus Creek on Elm Street. This gem of a trail system has been expanded to 25 miles and offers options for riders of all abilities. The system can generally be characterized as playful flowing singletrack. Easier near town and more technical further out, with spectacular views of the Cascades, this "stacked loop" system can entertain for days. East and West legs and a dozen connectors between them provide loop opportunities from one to twenty miles. For a fabulous 360-degree view, ride or hike the experts-only trail over Eagle Rock, only two miles from town. Technical (expert) alternate routes are being added regularly, including the half-mile Hawk's Flight Loop, halfway up the East leg. Recommended parking is at Village Green Park, across from the Sisters-Camp Sherman Community Fire Hall on Elm Street, where you will find restrooms and water. The trailhead is only a quarter-mile away.

The Suttle Tie Trail begins 10 miles west of town past Black Butte Ranch at the intersection of George McAllister Road and Highway 20, across from the turnoff to Camp Sherman. This easy to intermediate trail climbs through the forest to Suttle Lake, crossing bridges over a couple of small creeks along the way. Cap this pleasant forest cruise with a three-mile lap around the lake trail. Another similar trail constructed in 2009 connects Suttle Lake to Camp Sherman. Refreshments can be had at both destinations.

The closest more aerobically and technically challenging option is the 99 Trail, done either as an 11-mile loop from the upper Three Creek Sno Park located about 10 miles south of town, as a shuttle from the Park Meadow trailhead nearly 20 miles back down to town, or you can ride up to Park Meadow from the sno park and make it 25. Much of the singletrack descent follows the Metolius-Windigo Trail, parts of which get heavy horse traffic in the summer. With big trees, meadows, and creeks, some of it is steep rocky "black diamond" terrain. If you want a truly epic adventure, ride up from Bend through Happy Valley, and then down the 99 to Sisters.

Ten miles out and back with a great view from a short hike at the top, the Green Ridge Trail is another segment of the Metolius-Windigo that is popular in the spring and early summer before horse traffic makes it too soft to enjoy. This trail is accessed from Green Ridge Road that turns north off Hwy. 20 just before Black Butte Ranch. Check with the Deschutes National Forest - Sisters Ranger District (541-549-7700) for detailed directions to the trailhead.

The McKenzie River Trail, one of the most renowned rides in North America, is just forty minutes away over the Santiam Pass, a 25-mile epic descent that is usually ridden as a shuttle. The first eight miles are very technical, and the scenery is spectacular throughout. Ride the bottom fifteen miles if you don't like technical trails, and soak afterwards at one of the natural hot springs.

Contact the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce (541-549-0251), the Sisters Trails Alliance, or the Deschutes National Forest - Sisters Ranger District (541-549-7700) for more information. Of course, check out the great bike shops in Sisters Country too! 

Be courteous to other trail users and enjoy!