Pacific Northwest - Off Road in Bend
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PlanetU
04-03-08, 10:17 PM
Hi.
Just wondering if trails are accessible (meaning snow-less) in mid-May. What are the conditions like?
Thanks in advance!
Road_Rider
04-04-08, 05:48 AM
I live in Bend, although I'm not currently a mountain bike rider. I can tell you that in May the lower elevation trails will likely be snow free, such as the trails along the stretch of Cascade Lakes Highway close to town. However, the trails going into the higher country will have snow, usually until mid July in the higher reaches. This can vary depending on the amount of snowfall for that year and how fast it melts with warmer weather. The local bike shops should have accurate current info for mountain bike trails, so give them a call when you're getting closer to coming out. And best wishes on having a good time in Bend!
Here's some phone numbers for local bike shops:
Hutch's Bike Shop (eastside), (541)382-6248; Hutch's westside, (541)382-9253; Sunnyside Sports (541)382-8018; Sagebrush Cycles (541)389-4224
The Deschutes River Trail from Sunriver towards Bend will be open by then. It's not very challenging at all, but it's fun. There wasn't a lot open before Memorial Day last year and this year's snow pack is heavier.
PlanetU
04-06-08, 02:24 AM
What are your thoughts about the McKenzie River Trail that time of year?
:-)
rnorris
04-08-08, 02:58 PM
Lots of desert rides east of Redmond and Bend with a good variety of technical and nontechnical terrain, and many can be done all year. The area around Gray Butte and Smith Rocks in the Crooked River National Grassland is one popular area for riding; also Horse Ridge and Pine Mountain off of US 20. Local bike shops have guides to these areas.