McKenzie River Trail Mountain Bike Trail Guide
The McKenzie River Trail is one of the most spectacular mountain bike trails in Oregon, and the United States as a whole. The trail meanders through incredible old growth forest along the banks of the McKenzie River and past some epicly clear lakes. The McKenzie River mountain bike trail is typically ridden in from north to south, making the trail mostly downhill, although there is still a lot of pedalling. Don’t get too distracted by the unreal Pacific Northwest scenery, however, there are some volcanic rock sections that interrupt the mostly smooth trail.
After a forested start, riders an opt for the very technical and challenging eastern (left) route around Clear Lake, or the easier route western route. From here, the trail is a bit technical but not too difficult after clear lake, as it winds past a couple falls. Some riders will cut off the first three miles around the lake, avoiding some technical section in favor of the picturesque smooth singletrack. The lower sections of the McKenzie River Trail, below Tamolitch Pool, are easier, rated intermediate. Starting near the Tamolitch Pool yields a 13 mile ride. There are several access points along the way, making a partial ride of the McKenzie River mountain bike trail possible. Good riders can complete the entire trail in four hours or less, however, it’s totally worth it to take the trail slowly and enjoy the scenery.
After a forested start, riders an opt for the very technical and challenging eastern (left) route around Clear Lake, or the easier route western route. From here, the trail is a bit technical but not too difficult after clear lake, as it winds past a couple falls. Some riders will cut off the first three miles around the lake, avoiding some technical section in favor of the picturesque smooth singletrack. The lower sections of the McKenzie River Trail, below Tamolitch Pool, are easier, rated intermediate. Starting near the Tamolitch Pool yields a 13 mile ride. There are several access points along the way, making a partial ride of the McKenzie River mountain bike trail possible. Good riders can complete the entire trail in four hours or less, however, it’s totally worth it to take the trail slowly and enjoy the scenery.
| Total Trails | 1 | Difficulty | Advanced, Intermediate |
| Total Distance | 25 miles | Style | Cross Country |
| Climb (North to South) | 1,894' | Descent | 3,616' |
Our Favorite Mountain Bike Gear for the McKenzie River Trail
Most mountain bikers will ride the McKenzie River Trail from North to South with a shuttle to return to the northern trailhead. Both the upper and lower trailheads are located on Highway 126. Driving, the upper trailhead is 70 minutes from Bend, 80 minutes from Eugene, and two and a half hours from Portland. There are a couple companies that offer shuttle services for the McKenzie River Trail.
Mckenzie River Trail Shuttles:
Mckenzie River Trail Shuttles:
Our Favorite Bikes for the McKenzie River Trail
The McKenzie River trail is typically rideable from late May when the snow melts to the middle of November, when the snow returns. The trail is mostly shaded and in the forest making it less prone to be dusty and dry than some of the mountain bike trails in the area.
Lodging Information
If you're looking for a place to stay and recreate In Bend, don't miss our partner LOGE Camps (pronounced "Lodge") and their LOGE Entrada location. We've partnered with LOGE to fully outfit their Bend location with performance mountain bike demos, on-site evo retail, and other gear amenities for mountain bikers, skiers, and snowboarders to make the most of your trip. LOGE Entrada offers:
- Directly on hike and bike trail system
- 20 minute drive to Mt Bachelor
- 15 minute bike ride to downtown Bend
- Dog-friendly
- Pool & hot tub
- evo retail and demo center
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