Twin Bridges Scenic Bikeway

The Twin Bridges Scenic Bikeway takes in some of the most sublime scenery in Central Oregon – snow-capped mountains peer over your shoulder as you roll through rimrock canyons, past high-desert pastureland and across the tranquil (here, anyway) Deschutes River several times. While it has some up-and-down, there are no extended climbs, and it’s a great way to enjoy a few hours on a bike.

Photo by Jim Moore

The route is described in detail on the route page linked to the left, but here are a few key attributes to know:

• The starting point, Drake Park, has restroom facilities, parking, shaded picnic tables, and a scenic location on the Deschutes River/Mirror Pond.
• Bike lanes continue out to Tyler Road, and resume in Tumalo and back to Bend/Drake Park.
• Rural roads generally have low traffic volume but cyclists must beware of farm equipment and multi-use roadways (horses, farm tractors/trailers, recreational river access, etc.).
• The route travels a short distance on Highway 20 and ODOT has installed a bike lane along this section for safe cycling.
• Views of the Cascade Mountains are continuous throughout the ride.
• Ever changing scenery with native, high desert landscape, hobby farms, hay fields and wildlife make this ride ever-changing and continuously interesting.
• The route is primarily level, with a few climbs in and out of the Tumalo Creek and Deschutes River canyons.
• The town of Tumalo is located immediately before the final climbs back to Bend. Water, food and restrooms are available.
• This route is usually rideable from late February through the end of November, depending on the weather.

Photo by Whit Bazemore