The best cycling routes around Tumalo

There are over 35 touring cycling routes around Tumalo, offering a diverse range of experiences for different skill levels. These include 7 easy routes, 20 moderate routes, and 9 difficult routes.

Yes, Tumalo offers several easy touring cycling routes. A great option for a short, relaxed ride is the Pine Nursery Park Path, which is 1.6 miles long and takes about 8 minutes to complete. Another easy route is the Drake Park – Farewell Bend Park loop from Blockbuster, which is about 8.9 miles long.

Tumalo's touring cycling routes showcase a unique high desert terrain. You'll experience open meadows, mixed coniferous woodlands, and stunning views of the Deschutes River and the Cascade Mountains. The landscape transitions from dry-land vegetation like sagebrush to Ponderosa Pines and Manzanita bushes as you head towards the mountains.

Yes, many routes in the Tumalo area are designed as loops. For example, the Drake Park – Drake Park loop from Bend is a moderate 20-mile path offering scenic views along the Deschutes River. Another option is the Farewell Bend Park – Drake Park loop from Summit High School, a moderate 21.4-mile route.

The Tumalo area offers several scenic spots. You can enjoy views of the Deschutes River, especially along routes near Drake Park or First Street Rapids Park. For panoramic vistas, consider routes that offer glimpses of Pilot Butte or the distant Three Sisters mountains. Tumalo Falls, a dramatic 97-foot waterfall, is also a short drive from Bend and accessible via some trails, though some sections are uphill-only for mountain bikes.

The touring cycling routes in Tumalo are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.6 stars from over 11 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from easy park paths to more challenging loops through woodlands and high desert, and the stunning views of the Deschutes River and Cascade Mountains.

While many touring routes are primarily paved, the region also offers options that combine different surfaces. The Twin Bridges Loop Scenic Bikeway, accessible from Tumalo, features paved surfaces with bike lanes but also includes some short sections on Highway 20. For those interested in gravel, the Tumalo Reservoir Loop near Sisters combines forest service roads, dirt singletrack, and paved connectors.

Many routes in the Tumalo area start from parks or trailheads that offer parking. For example, routes originating from Drake Park in Bend or near Phil's Trailhead often have designated parking areas. Tumalo State Park also serves as a base camp with parking for various outdoor activities.

While the touring cycling routes themselves may not directly pass by major waterfalls, Tumalo Falls is a prominent natural attraction nearby. The Tumalo Creek Trail offers a scenic 6-mile out-and-back ride from Skyliner Trailhead to Tumalo Falls, providing breathtaking Cascade views and access to the waterfall area.

Tumalo's high desert climate generally offers good cycling conditions for much of the year. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summers are typically warm and dry, ideal for early morning or late afternoon rides. While winter can bring snow, many lower elevation routes may still be accessible, though conditions can vary.

For those seeking a longer and more challenging ride, the Drake Park – Phil's Trailhead loop from Bend is a moderate 27.6-mile trail. It leads through varied terrain, including woodlands and high desert, and typically takes around 3 hours and 42 minutes to complete.