If you prefer to travel on two wheels, May is the month to strap on your helmet, grab your bike besties, and race over to Sisters, Oregon for National Bike Month. This pedal-perfect paradise has earned its stripes as a silver-level biking community by the League of American Bicyclists, and the area offers bucket list-worthy trails, scenic bikeways, sponsored races and exclusive routes for cyclists of all speeds and sizes. Gear up and join the wheely awesome adventure as we explore all the best biking trails this charming western-themed town has to offer.
Mountain Biking
As one of the premiere mountain biking regions in the state, Sisters offers a variety of mountain trails to challenge even hardcore cyclists. You can pioneer a path of your own, or wet your wheels on one of the area’s most popular mountain biking trails:
The Peterson Ridge Trail System offers over 20 miles of mountain trails for all ages and abilities. The ladder-system loop features a series of linear trails, the PRT East and PRT West routes, with short bridge connectors that allow riders the chance to design a unique biking experience at each new pass. The Eagle Rock to Outlook trail is a popular easy route that rewards you with a panoramic view of the Three Sisters and the larger Cascade Mountains range. The main trailhead is located approximately ½-mile south of downtown Sisters just below the Whychus Creek bridge.
The Paulina Plunge is a safe and fun family mountain bike tour that’s perfect for all peddlers. Your expert guide will help your group descend over 2,000 feet, making stops along the way at six impressive waterfalls and two natural waterslides. Mountain bikes, helmets, and a day pack are provided to each tour group.
The McKenzie River Trail is one of the most renowned mountain biking treks in all of North America. This deceptive 25-mile descent is typically ridden as a shuttle and requires “black-diamond” level skills to successfully complete. If you can manage the ride, you’ll be treated to stunning scenes of the river, surrounding forests, and Tamolitch Pool.
If you prefer a smooth and scenic ride, the Sisters region offers several great road routes that combine stunning scenery and stress-free surfaces. Each route varies in length and difficulty, but the well-maintained asphalt and chip seal roads make them a perfect trip for even novice riders. Some of the most popular road routes in the area include:
McKenzie Pass, a moderate 30-mile out and back ride west from Sisters to McKenzie Pass on Hwy 42. Known as one of the most scenic rides in the state, this route winds through old-growth forests and windswept lava flows as you climb to mountain pass vistas and along thrilling switchbacks. Late spring rides are especially rewarding as the road is closed to motorized traffic until mid-June.
Three Creeks Lake is a tough out and back ride south of Sisters and along Three Creek Rd. After about 3,000 feet in steep elevation gain, you’ll be rewarded with wide mountain views and a thick stretch of forest cover.
Ride the Oregon Scenic Bikeways
The Oregon Scenic Bikeways are official state-designed bike routes that showcase some of the best scenes in the state - and two of them begin right in downtown Sisters:
Sisters to Smith Rock Scenic Byway is a moderate 37-mile ride that begins in Sisters and winds through forests and valleys, along the gentle curves of the Deschutes River, and near the stunning Cascade Mountains before ending with the dramatic cliffs of Smith Rock State Park.
McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway is an extreme 38-mile journey along the stunning McKenzie Pass on Highway 242 - but the reward is more than worth the work. You’ll follow an 1860s wagon route, traveling through lush lodgepole and fire forests until you emerge at Windy Point and the pass’s unique windswept lava flows. After a challenging five-mile ascent you’ll reach Dee Wright Observatory, a unique mountain overlook that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Race the Sisters Stampede
Join us on Memorial Day weekend to participate in the largest annual mountain bike race in the Pacific Northwest - the Sisters Stampede! This year’s event happens on May 26, 2024 and offers 33 racing categories across two challenging routes that explore the scenic Peterson Ridge Trail System. Test your wheels across 14 or 27 miles as you battle fellow racers for the top spot and a $500 cash prize (among other great swag).
Book your Sisters Stay Today!
After your ride, Sisters Vacation Rentals can help you retire to relaxation. We offer a variety of rentals in the city of Sisters, putting you close to many of the city’s major biking trails. Our cozy Pine Street Cottage is just 2 blocks from Three Creek Rd., giving you easy access to major trailheads and all the convenience of downtown Sisters. Book your stay today!
