Twin Bridges Scenic Bikeway

The Twin Bridges Loop is the most popular countryside riding loop from Bend. Beginning and ending in historic Drake Park in downtown Bend, the route is one of the premier scenic cycling routes in Oregon. Featuring 36 miles of rolling intermediate terrain, the Twin Bridges Loop offers cyclists breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains, rolling forests, and inspiring high desert terrain. It takes approximately two to three hours to complete depending on riding pace.

Photo by Jim Moore

The Twin Bridges Loop derives its name from the two bridges along the route that cross the Deschutes River, both showcasing the river’s middle section with lovely wetlands and surrounding ranches. The route passes through the charming town of Tumalo, a good place to break before returning back to Bend.

From Drake Park, ride over the Deschutes River/Mirror Pond on Galveston Avenue and follow the route west. Four miles into the route, cross Tumalo Creek at Shevlin Park. Full of old-growth ponderosa pines, the 652-acre, mostly undeveloped park is a natural haven and a perfect location for hiking, jogging, fishing, cross-country skiing and picnicking. The explorer John C. Fremont and his party camped in Shevlin Park in 1843.

Photo by Whit Bazemore

Be ready for the corresponding climb and enjoy the rest at the top of the hill as you head north and west to Tyler Road for huge breathtaking views of the Cascades. You’ll pass by horse pastures and climb a short hill just before stopping and turning directly west on Tumalo Reservoir Road and through the rural county landscape. Your right turn onto Collins Road will bring you more mountain views. Look for the llama farm and chickens in the hayfields before turning right, or east onto Couch Market Road.

Photo by Jim Moore

After turning right on Couch Market, ride approximately one-quarter mile, then turn left on Tweed Road. At the end of Tweed Road, turn left on Highway 20 for .3 miles, before turning right on Innes Market Road.

After you stop at Cline Falls Highway, as you continue straight, the road name changes to Marsh Road. As you swing around to the right onto White Rock Loop you’ll be heading south and then west before taking the left onto Twin Bridges Road and heading down the hill to cross the Deschutes River (CAUTION: REDUCE YOUR SPEED ON TWIN BRIDGES ROAD AND BEWARE OF HEAVY MULTI-USE TRAFFIC).

At the top of the road, head right on Swalley Road. Turn right down the hill onto Tumalo Road, across the flats and across the Deschutes River just before the stop at Cline Falls Highway/Cook Avenue. Turn left into the charming town of Tumalo.

In Tumalo, take a rest stop at one of the several cafes, coffee shops, fruit stand or convenience store/gas station. You’ll feel refreshed as you turn right on 7^th Street in downtown Tumalo and cross Highway 20 using the bike/pedestrian crossing median. After you cross Highway 20, continue straight on Bailey Road and climb gradually for .9 miles to Tumalo Reservoir Road, where you turn left. After you turn left on Tumalo Reservoir Road, enjoy a fast descent to the intersection with Johnson Road. Turn right on Johnson Road and climb up the long hill on Johnson Road. At the 2-mile mark of the gradual climb, you’ll recognize the “Y” at Tyler Road where the route rejoins. Stay left on Johnson Road and cycle back to Downtown Bend (continuing straight as Johnson Road becomes Shevlin Road, then changes names again to Newport Street). As you approach downtown Bend, turn right onto Brooks Street at mile 35.7, then continue .2 miles into Drake Park where you started.

Download a turn-by-turn cue sheet for this route: Twin Bridges SB Cue Sheet

Download a detailed overall map of the route: Twin Bridges SB Map

Download an inset map of the start/finish in Bend: Bend Inset Map

Order a free copy of the Oregon Scenic Bikeway map, which details the nine official Oregon Scenic Bikeways as of August 2012.