McKenzie River Trail Shuttles

McKenzie River Trail (MRT) is a very popular riding destination for locals and visitors alike. It is listed in the top 10 of many national mountain bike magazines and is easily one of Oregon's most scenic yet challenging trails.

The ride starts on a lava flow high up in the Cascade Mountains and follows the river approximately 30 miles downstream. You will ride through massive old growth trees and lava fields, past waterfalls, hot springs and the famous Tamolich Blue Pool. The beauty in this area is unparalleled.

The start of the MRT is a 1.5-hour drive from Bend, with the end of the trail an additional 30 minutes away. There are creative ways to ride the MRT with one car, but the best way to truly enjoy this epic ride is to take the Cog Wild shuttle. The experienced driver will discuss the trail highlights and share details to ensure riders don’t get lost. If skill level is of concern, Cog Wild offers different access points along the trail that you might not find on your own.

While the bottom section of the trail is not as technical as the top, many advanced riders overestimate their abilities in the beginning and burn out before the finish. We recommend expecting 5 hours to ride the entire trail and meeting up with the Cog Wild van halfway down to assess your energy level before finishing the entire ride.

Details

The MRT Shuttle is a full day affair – we leave Bend at 8am and arrive back in town close to 5pm. The shuttle also stops at Sisters Bakery on the way to the trailhead, so save room for amazing baked goods!

Cost

Minimum shuttle price is $200 per van. The shuttle is available any day throughout the biking season. Once one person or party has agreed to cover the base price, we try to fill the rest of the van, which can bring the price down to $35 per person. Advanced booking is helpful. If no others join the shuttle and the original party does not want to pay the minimum price, there is no cancellation fee.