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Bend, OR, US

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Dawn Rae + Rob Knoth

Adventurous bikepacking routes for families

127 km

1.420 m

Mixed gravel/paved overnight tour of the Cascade Lakes. Featuring abundant organized and dispersed camping options, world class fly fishing, a choose-your-own adventure of single track options for those wanting a spicier route, and a hidden rope swing over the mighty Deschutes.

Red = paved
Brown = gravel
Pink = bike path

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A mixed gravel/paved overnight tour of the Cascade Lakes.  Featuring abundant organized and dispersed camping options, world class fly fishing, a choose-your-own adventure of single track options for those wanting a spicier route, and a hidden rope swing over the mighty Deschutes.  Giddy up!

This route is roughly a gravel/family version of the [High Cascasdes Overnighter](https://ridewithgps.com/ambassador_routes/1883-high-cascades-overnighter).  There are multiple options throughout.  Use this route as a canvas to enjoy your own, unique, Central Oregon adventure.

The route is based out of Bend, Oregon, but can just as easily be done from Sunriver.  It's best done June (after ODOT opens the Cascade Lakes Highway past Bachelor) through October (when snow, or ODOT closes the road).  Fire is always a concern in the high desert, especially during Summer/Fall months.  Check conditions/hazards with ODOT and the Deschutes National Forest before heading out.

The route starts/stops on the West side of Bend at [Crow's Feet Mountain Collective](https://crowsfeetcommons.com/) - one stop shop for all backcountry bike/ski needs.  From there, @slice[wind through the National Forest on gravel roads](d,2024.17,24163.21), or infinite singletrack options on the Phil's Trail network.  The @slice[toughest bit of gravel/dirt heading into Swampy Lakes](d,21002.1,24244.24) can be avoided by heading stright out to Meissner SnoPark, if desired.

From here, the route joins the @slice[Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway up to Mount Bachelor](d,24244.24,33160.09).  There can be a lot of traffic on summer weekends, but the shoulder is wide.    Take your time, and savor the climb.  Once you crest and start the descent to the west side, you will have completed the bulk of the climbing on the route!

Jaw dropping scenery awaits you throughout the @slice[High Cascade Lakes area](d,34527.94,64947.7).  Great  hikes, boating, and fly fishing are abundant, if somewhat crowded in the peak season.  Ride on, and smile.

Depending on your preference, you can overnight at an established resort ([Elk Lake Resort](https://elklakeresort.net/)), managed campgrounds ([Lava  Lake Resort](https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/deschutes/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5269838)), or ample dispersed camping in the National Forest.  No matter where you choose,  please practice Leave No Trace ethics, and leave it better than you found it.

After Lava Lake, the route heads @slice[back onto gravel, for a crossing south of Sheridan](d,64947.7,82878.01) Mountain.  Enjoy some beautiful lava fields scattered through the Ponderosas.  Exiting the forest and gravel, @slice[ fly down the pavement and into the outskirts](d,82951.01,93774.)  of Sunriver.

The remainder of the route is a @slice[virtual playground of bike paths, old forest roads, singletrack](d,93774.73,127055.65).  Follow your folly and enjoy one of the most beautiful areas in Oregon.  Stop for lunch in Sunriver, or enjoy a simple picinic on the banks of the Deschutes.

Did you find the rope swing?

# Lodging & Camping
* [Elk Lake Resort](https://elklakeresort.net/) - 541-480-7378
* [Lava Lake Resort](https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/deschutes/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5269838) - 541-382-9443
* Ample dispersed camping throughout the Deschutes National Forest.  The best camps aren't marked on the map, and are only found by those using leave-no-trace ethics.
#

# More Resources
* [Oregon Departmet of Transportation](https://www.tripcheck.com/Pages/Scenic-Byways-Cascade-Lakes) - check for road conditions
* [Deschutes National Forest](https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/deschutes/home/?cid=fsbdev3_035880) - 541-383-5300
* [Crow's Feet Mountain Collective](https://crowsfeetcommons.com/) - Bikes/skis/adventure - 541-728-0066
* [Bendtrails](https://bendtrails.org/) - singletrack maps and conditions
#

# Celebrations or Departures
* [Sparrow Bakery](https://www.thesparrowbakery.net/locations/nwx/) - the best crossiant west of France, and the one and only Ocean Roll.
* [Taco Salsa](https://www.facebook.com/tacosalsarestaurant/) - Burritos make happy bikepackers.
* [Bangers and Brews](https://bangersandbrews.com/) - Enjoy a sausage and beer, and one of the best run places in town.  Reuben and family are a class act.
#

# Important Reminders

Bikes and nature go together like sausages and beer.  Enjoy them responsibly, and leave no trace.  The High Cascades area is beautiful, but fragile.  It is a high desert enviroment - very prone to fire and over-use.  If you camp, pack out all trash, avoid having a fire, don't destroy or otherwise mess it up for those who will come next.

Especially during COVID-19 times, please travel/recreate responsibly.  If you're coming from out of town, chances are you have something like this in your own backyard waiting for you to discover.  If you live here, put off that trip to Baja, and explore your own backyard!

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