Mountain Bike Ride, Skyline Forest

Get out and explore your Land Trust Community Preserves! Photo: Rane Johnson.
Get out and explore your Land Trust Community Preserves! Photo: Rane Johnson.

Join the Deschutes Land Trust and Milena Johnson for a mellow 6-7 mile mountain bike ride in Skyline Forest. This ride is open to beginner/intermediate-level* riders who want to explore the crowd-free riding of Skyline Forest at a mellow pace, while learning about the potential trail network that could connect Bend and Sisters. From freshwater springs to historic lumber mills, riders will experience firsthand why the Land Trust is working to protect Skyline Forest, Bend's backyard. Registration is required and opens 1 month prior to the event. This outing will only proceed if pandemic conditions allow.

*Beginner/intermediate-level riders are riders in good physical condition and comfortable riding on singletrack and dirts roads. Riders should be able to ride over loose gravel and small obstacles in the trail such as roots and vegetation. This ride does not take place on smooth, well-packed trails. It is a mix of logging roads and trails with some climbs and descents. We will make frequent stops to take in the scenery.

COVID-19 Guidelines: We take the health and safety of our volunteers and staff seriously. After careful consideration, we have implemented COVID-19 Walk + Hike Guidelines to promote the health and wellbeing of volunteers and staff. Please read and be ready to adhere to these guidelines so everyone can have a safe experience.

  • Outing Details + Route

    Ride Rating: This is a beginner/intermediate, 6-7 mile mountain bike ride on old logging roads and some trails. You should be comfortable riding singletrack, but be ready for fun stops to smell the roses. Be ready to ride over loose gravel and small obstacles in the trail on a mix of logging roads and trails with some climbs and descents.

    Route: Route details to be announced.

    Elevation gain/loss: There is moderate elevation gain/loss on this ride.

  • What to Bring

    Your bike, helmet, a bike repair kit, plenty of water, snacks/dinner, face coverings (homemade is fine), hand sanitizer. Dress for the weather.

  • About the Property

    Skyline Forest is a privately-owned forest between Bend and Sisters, Oregon. This 33,000 acre tree farm was historically known as the Bull Springs Tree Farm, and the Deschutes Land Trust has been working for a decade to conserve the forest for the local community. Surrounded by state and federal lands, Skyline Forest contains important wildlife habitat, tremendous recreation opportunities and protects the scenic green foothills that set off the Central Oregon Cascades.

  • Accessibility

    The Land Trust is working to make our Walks + Hikes as accessible as possible. Please let us know (541-330-0017) at least one week in advance if there is something we can do or provide to support you in participating in this outing to the fullest and we will accommodate as possible.