| Deschutes national forest is a swarm of | | | | (about 16 miles out of Bend heading West on |
| Ponderosa and other evergreen trees that | | | | highway 46). They have many beginner to |
| carpet the country on the outskirts of the | | | | intermediate trails which cover an average of |
| Cascade mountain range. Not far out of the | | | | 7-9 miles with small altitude change, usually |
| short span of high-priced seasonal homes and | | | | around 500 feet difference. |
| lodging near the Bend, Oregon perimeter, you | | | | |
| can find single and double tracked mountain | | | | The Swampy Lakes Loop route 52.1 is a single |
| bike and hiking trails that disappear into | | | | track trail with manageable obstacles. You |
| the lushness of forests hills. This is a | | | | don't even have to be in great shape to take |
| little brief on some of the trails you can | | | | on this trail. It covers only about 4 miles |
| expect to find for biking in the park. | | | | and brings you through the Swampy Lakes |
| | | | meadow. |
| Deschutes National Forest Trail Runs | | | | |
| | | | Swampy Ridge Loop route 52.2 on the other |
| This forest was discovered by western | | | | hand can be troublesome. It will loop you on |
| civilization by French fur traders that were | | | | a 9 mile course that has a pretty steep climb |
| exploring the northwest. The name comes from | | | | to get up to the ridge with a just as |
| the description of the river that runs | | | | dramatic descent. It's about half single |
| through Bend today. If you would have | | | | track and half double track. It's better for |
| followed the river in those days you would | | | | intermediate riders. |
| have come across many series of waterfalls. | | | | |
| | | | Going west on highway 46 out of Bend you can |
| The tumultuous river at the time cut through | | | | find many other trail heads. Be careful |
| so much of the glacial land of central | | | | biking on these as they will often double as |
| Oregon. The waterfalls along the way gave the | | | | hiking and horse trails so, keep that in mind |
| name Riviere des Chutes, or River of Falls, | | | | as you round the bend full steam. |
| hence shortened name -- Deschutes. | | | | |
| | | | The Biking Tourist Finding Lodging in Bend, |
| The city of Bend is the start of some of the | | | | Oregon |
| trail systems. From the Deschutes River one | | | | |
| can take quick bike run along the banks that | | | | Bend is a happening town and every season |
| go on for several miles. It's something | | | | seems to bring in every type of outdoor |
| pretty easy to do for most bikers; in fact, | | | | recreationist, latte drinking Patagonia clone |
| some of the highly active citizens in Bend | | | | from California to B.C. Make sure you get a |
| take this as a breather during a lunch break | | | | booking in early before you go. Finding a |
| workout routine. | | | | hotel, or any other lodging in Bend, Oregon, |
| | | | may be tough to do last minute (some hotels |
| You can come across many trails outside of | | | | are backed up 4 months deep) so use some |
| Bend near the Swampy Lakes Sno-Park area | | | | foresight and planning. |