The best road cycling routes around Seventh Mountain

There are over 60 road cycling routes available around Seventh Mountain, offering a wide range of experiences from easy riverside paths to challenging mountain byways. The komoot community has explored more than 1400 of these routes.

The terrain around Seventh Mountain is diverse, ranging from rolling sections with panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains to significant climbs, especially on routes accessing the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. You'll find routes through ponderosa pine forests and near high alpine lakes, offering varied elevation gains suitable for different fitness levels. For example, the difficult Sisters to Smith Rock and Twin Bridges Loop includes nearly 900 meters of elevation gain.

Yes, there are several easy road cycling options suitable for families. Routes like the Farewell Bend Park – Rimrock Trailhead loop from Drake Park Neighborhood Historic District offer a gentler ride with less elevation, often following the Deschutes River and connecting to urban parks. The Deschutes River Trail also provides a relaxed cycling option.

Absolutely. The region is known for challenging rides, particularly those that venture onto the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. Routes like the Sisters to Smith Rock and Twin Bridges Loop and the Shevlin Park – Tumalo Reservoir loop from Rimrock Trailhead are rated as difficult, featuring significant distances and elevation gains through varied landscapes.

Central Oregon benefits from approximately 300 days of sunshine annually, making it ideal for outdoor pursuits. Spring, summer, and fall are generally excellent for road cycling. During spring, certain sections of the Cascade Lakes Highway are closed to vehicle traffic, creating a unique car-free cycling experience. Winter conditions can affect higher elevation routes, but lower elevation paths may still be accessible.

Yes, the region is rich with natural beauty. Cyclists can enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks like Mt. Bachelor, South Sister, and Broken Top along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. Other notable features include the otherworldly lava-rock moonscape near the summit of the McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway. You can also find highlights like the Trail of the Molten Land and the Newberry Volcanic Monument: Lava Lands, or scenic spots like Dillon Falls and the Active Fire Lookout Lava Butte.

Yes, many road cycling routes around Seventh Mountain are loops, offering diverse scenery without retracing your path. Popular loop options include the Shevlin Park – Tumalo Reservoir loop from Rimrock Trailhead and the Bend Brewing Company – Shevlin Park loop from Drake Park Neighborhood Historic District. The Twin Bridges Loop is also a well-known 36-mile loop from downtown Bend.

Parking is generally available at various trailheads and access points for road cycling routes. For routes starting closer to Bend, you can often find parking in urban areas or near parks like Drake Park. Specific trailheads like Phil's Trailhead also serve as starting points for many cycling adventures.

The road cycling experience around Seventh Mountain is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 17 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, stunning views of the Cascade Mountains, and the variety of routes available for all ability levels.

While popular routes can see more traffic, especially during peak season, exploring some of the less-traveled sections or riding during off-peak hours can offer a more serene experience. The vastness of the Deschutes National Forest and the numerous route options mean you can often find quieter roads, particularly on longer, more challenging rides away from urban centers.

Many routes, especially those that pass through or near Downtown Bend, offer access to numerous cafes, breweries, and restaurants for refreshments. For example, the Bend Brewing Company – Shevlin Park loop starts near a popular brewery. On longer routes, it's advisable to carry sufficient water and snacks, as amenities may be sparse in more remote sections of the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway or Deschutes National Forest.

Beginners can enjoy several easy routes around Seventh Mountain. The Rimrock Trailhead – Farewell Bend Park loop from Drake Park Neighborhood Historic District is an easy 17.4 km route with minimal elevation gain. The Deschutes River Trail also offers a relaxed, paved option, connecting to urban parks and providing scenic river views.

Yes, during spring, certain sections of the renowned Cascade Lakes Highway are closed to vehicle traffic, providing a unique opportunity for a car-free cycling experience. This allows cyclists to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains and high alpine lakes in a peaceful environment.