The Oregon Timber Trail -
Deschutes Tier

Flowy singletrack among lakes, volcanoes, and the eastern slope of the Cascade Range - this is one of the most accessible sections of the Oregon Timber Trail.

Deschutes County, OR

Molalla, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Klamath, Kalapuya, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, and Tenino lands

9,500'

ELEVATION GAIN

Summer to
fall

riding season

3-6

days out

5

PHYSICAL challenge (1-10*)

-

women's FKT

130

miles

6

TECHNICAL challenge (1-10*)

11:40

men's FKT -
Carl Decker
(2020)

Stewarded by the Oregon Timber Trail Alliance

Managed by the deschutes National Forest

* Following the bikepacking Roots rating scale

route map and download

Disclaimer: This route and associated information is just a starting point for your preparation, and your safety is your own responsibility. Although this route, its GPS track and waypoints, route data, and the route guide were prepared after extensive research, their accuracy and reliability are not guaranteed. Check for current conditions, route updates, detours, use common sense, obey local laws and regulations, and travel with alternative means of navigation. The Backcountry Bike Challenge and its creators and contributors will in no way be responsible for personal injury or damage to personal property arising in conjunction with following this route or utilizing any of the route resources provided on this website or via RWGPS.

Download GPX files

Click for download instructions

General route description

In the words of the Oregon Timber Trail Alliance, “the Deschutes Tier takes you over to the dry, volcanic eastern flank of the Cascade Range. Bend is famous for its large network of world-class mountain bike trails and the Oregon Timber Trail takes advantage of them as it leaves Waldo Lake and winds its way through the Cascade Lakes region and around Mt. Bachelor.” This section of trail, like the entirety of the Oregon Timber Trail, is recommended to be ridden from south to north.

Instead of rehashing how spectacular this route is, we’ll refer you over to the Oregon Timber Trail Alliance’s very detailed page about the Deschutes Tier. 

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Photos by Gabriel Tiller

additional route information

  • The longest stretch between water is 15 miles.
  • The longest stretch between services is 37 miles.
  • Sisters is the only town with services on route, but additional lodges exist along the way. See the OTTA’s guide for more details. 
  • Virtually the entirety of this route is on public lands.
  • Scenic dispersed camping opportunities can be found frequently along the route.
  • None of note for this route
  • Nothing beyond typical backcountry safety concerns.

  • This route follows multi-use trails. Please practice Leave No Trace, be courteous to all trail users. Bikes always yield to horses and hikers. 

  • Rides can be started from either end, but south-to-north is the recommended direction.
  • Sections of this route will likely change in the coming years as the Oregon Timber Trail evolves to include more trail, particularly in the Bend area.
  • Wildfire closures also frequently affect the Oregon Timber Trail. Please keep an eye on the Oregon Timber Trail website for any route updates.
  • You must ride 100% of the current route in accordance with the FKT rules.
JOIN/GIVE TO OTTA