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Swampy to South Fork

Shoulder season keeps visitor numbers low and local stoke high

Cooler temperatures bring about a favored shoulder season for local mountain bikers, as the bug-infested, moondust-laden singletrack of the busy summer makes way for the slow times and the coming storms of fall. It’s a coveted time when local trails seem more “ours,” and the often-loose soil of bikers’ volcanic tracks become compact, tacky and […]

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Mrazek Trail

A longtime local favorite singletrack bike trail

There are certain trails in the hundreds of miles of singletrack in Central Oregon that become popular not because of any one thing in particular. Maybe it’s the great views or the awesome features. Some trails hold a certain je ne sais quoi; elements that come together to form a perfect union, a vibe and […]

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Twin Bridges Loop

The “must-do” ride for roadies

Bike riders come from near and far to ride bicycles in Central Oregon, and although the suspension-needy flock to the ever-growing maze of mountain bike singletrack, those who desire the smooth roll of paved roadways also come to the region to play. Nominated by locals and sponsored by Oregon State Parks, Central Oregon hosts three […]

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Misery Ridge

Misery Ridge A classic hike for visitors, or to save for when the crowds subside Touted as the home of sport climbing in the United States, Smith Rock State Park is a gem of Central Oregon proportions. The aptly named Crooked River carved a natural moat between the vertically fissured canyons and the vast and […]

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Flagline Trail open Aug. 15

Flagline Trail consists of three sections in the upper ramparts of Bend’s mountain bike trail system, exploring the Alpine environment of the High Desert. Ripping downhill sections through old growth forest, quaint meadows and creek crossings give Flagline a uniquely Alpine feel. Upper and Lower Flagline, and the Flagline Tie trail, are used to skirt […]

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Pole Creek

A trailhead less traveled

Bend has an iconic landscape, which includes the volcanic monuments known as the Three Sisters. North, Middle and South Sisterโ€”also referred to as Faith, Hope and Charityโ€”fill our western horizon and are seemingly within arms reach. Access points to the Three Sisters are sparse, however, as they lie in the designated Three Sisters Wilderness area. […]

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Phil’s Trail

The tried and true for Bend mountain biking

It’s where it all startedโ€”all 400 miles of itโ€”the most famous and popular single track in Bend. Named after Phil Meglasson, one of the insightful few who built trails for locals back in the 1980s, the Phil’s complex is ground zero for the “fast and flowy” nature of Central Oregon mountain bike trails. Phil’s Trail […]

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Canine First Aid Clinic

Owning a dog is a basic part of the Central Oregon lifestyle. Have you ever wondered what you would do in a medical emergency for your dog out in the backcountry? Dr. Alan Kelley, owner of Alpine Veterinary Clinic, is hosting a class to help Central Oregonians learn Canine First Aid. “You love your dog […]

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Mt. Bachelor Bike Park

13 miles of downhill bliss

Mt. Bachelor is probably best known for ripping powder on bluebird days, but in the summer, the bike park has some sick downhill as well. It’s been nearly 20 years since I rode downhill at Mt. Hood’s Ski Bowl, but after the first lap at Bachelor, and some excellent tips from my co-riders, I’m instantly […]

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