Twin Bridges Scenic Bikeway

Bend, OR, US

Route Overview

Oregon Scenic Bikeways

The Best of Oregon Riding

36 mi.
1,812 ft.

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.

Route Details

Oregon Scenic Bikeways

Oregon Scenic Bikeways are a superb collection of cycling routes that inspire people to experience Oregon's natural beauty and cultural heritage by bicycle, and that offer economic and social benefits to the state's communities and residents. The program is administered by Cycle Oregon and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

Trip Planning Resources

Downloadable map and cue sheet for the Twin Bridges Scenic Bikeway.

Visit RideOregonRide for videos and photos, guide and shuttle companies, cycling events, attractions, lodging, Bike Friendly business locations, and more.

For more to see and do near this Scenic Bikeway, check out Vist Bend and Visit Central Oregon.

Information about road conditions is availabe at the Oregon Department of Transportation's TripCheck.

Route Description

The Twin Bridges Loop Scenic Bikeway 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. 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 continuously interesting.

The Bikeway starts and finishes at Drake Park in Bend. The Park has restroom facilities, parking, shaded picnic tables, and a scenic location on the Deschutes River and Mirror Pond. Leaving Drake Park, the Bikeway follows urban streets and country roads with bike lanes for more than 7 miles to the turn onto Tyler Road and passes through Shevlin 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 which has bike lanes.

The route is primarily level, with a few climbs in and out of the Tumalo Creek and Deschutes River canyons.

The route passes through the charming town of Tumalo, a good place to break before beginning the final climbs back to Bend. Beginning at Tumalo, stripped bike lanes lead back past Tumalo State Park to Drake Park in Bend.

Important Reminders

Scenic Bikeway routes often include roads with car and truck traffic. Although the Bikeways are routed on low-traffic and low-speed roads whenever possible, most are designated for cyclists who are comfortable riding in some amount of traffic.

Other routes by Oregon Scenic Bikeways