level: 7 - Advanced

Winter Recreation in Oakridge, Oregon

The outdoor fun continues from December through March with cross country ski or snowshoe tours near Willamette Pass and winter bike rides on the low elevation roads or trails around Oakridge. Pair up an adventure with a stay at our cozy Oakridge Cottage and you’ve got yourself a winter getaway.

Cross Country Ski Adventures

Snow play is what we do for fun in the winter. Join Cog Wild for an outing to the un-groomed cross country trails in the Cascade Mountains east of Oakridge. Cross country ski options include day trips for individuals or small groups and prescheduled monthly excursions for the community.

Cross Country Ski Tour

Experience the magic of winter in the Cascades on a tour tailored to your private group’s fitness, skill level and interests.

  • Designed for Individuals and private groups, fit beginner to expert skiers, maximum of 10 skiers per trip
  • Starts and ends in Oakridge, skiing happens in the Snow Parks near Willamette Pass

Cross Country Ski Tour includes:

  • Snacks and warm beverages
  • Guide support and navigation, enough instruction to keep the experience fun yet safe
  • Cross country “fish scale” skis, boots & poles
  • Transportation from Oakridge to the Sno-Parks near Willamette Pass and back
  • 9 AM to 2 PM any day mid December through March
  • $235 for a solo skier, $149 per person for two or more skiers

Cross Country Group Adventure

Join like minded adventurers for a nordic ski on the backcountry, ungroomed trails in the Cascade Mountains. Meet fellow winter enthusiasts and learn new trails.

  • Individuals and groups, fit intermediate to expert skiers, max 10 skiers per trip.
  • Starts and ends in Oakridge, skiing happens in the Snow Parks near Willamette Pass
  • Rental skis available through the Willamette Mountain Mercantile.

Cross Country Group Adventure includes:

  • Snacks and warm beverages
  • Guide support and navigation
  • Transportation from Oakridge to the Sno-Parks near Willamette Pass and back
  • December 9, 2023 9 AM to 2 PM
  • January 14, 2024, 9 AM to 2 PM
  • February 24, 2024, 4 to 9 PM Full Moon Ski
  • March 9, 2024: 9 AM to 2 PM
  • $55 per person with a minimum of four skiers

Snowshoe Tours and Winter Bike Rides

Snowshoe Outings

Snowshoeing is a great activity for folks who want a bit more stability on the snow than skinny skis provide. Snowshoe tours are a peaceful way to experience winter in the Cascade Mountains.

  • Individuals and groups, max 10 participants per session
  • The guide will select a route based on the group’s fitness level, experience and the best snow conditions.
  • Meets in Oakridge, snow shoeing happens out of the Sno-Parks near Willamette Pass.

Snowshoe Tour includes:

  • Snacks and warm beverages
  • Guide support and navigation, enough instruction to keep the experience fun yet safe
  • Snowshoes
  • Transportation from Oakridge to the Sno-Parks near Willamette Pass and back
  • 9 AM to 1 PM daily from mid December through March
  • $ 225 for a solo participant and $110 per person for 2 to 10 participants.

Winter Cycling in Oakridge

When the high pressure systems roll in and the snow quality declines, we return to our cycling roots. Spin long miles on the paved and gravel roads or ride a mountain bike loop on lower elevation trails.

  • Oakridge has a wealth of lightly traveled paved and gravel roads that wind through the forest and the small communities in the region along with solid low elevation single track trails on the Willamette National Forest. Our guides know the area well; they’ll select a route based on your preferred mode of transport: (road, gravel, mountain bike or e-mtb) and combine that with your fitness & skill level to design a day ride from Oakridge.
  • The ride starts and ends at Cog Wild’s location in Uptown Oakridge.
  • Individuals and groups up to 6 riders

Winter Cycling includes:

  • Guide support and route selection throughout the ride
  • Cog Wild water bottle
  • Snacks during the ride
  • 10 AM to 2 PM any day from November 1 through April 31st annually
  • Solo rider $179 or $92 per person for 2 to 6 riders
  • Rental bikes are available through the Willamette Mountain Mercantile.

Fat Biking in Bend, Oregon

If your visit includes time in Bend, come ride fat bikes with us on groomed snow trails at Wanoga Sno-Park or other beautiful locations as snow conditions allow.

Oakridge Region Multi-day Adventure

Oakridge is awesome. There are enough trails here to keep a person occupied for a lifetime. If you don’t have that much time, come ride with us for a few days and let us show you around our stomping grounds. We’ll do some shuttling, some adventure riding, visit the pub and relax by the river.

Day 0

Meet the group at Cog Wild Headquarters in Bend and travel to Oakridge. After setting up camp along the Willamette River, we’ll jump on a shuttle for a shakedown ride to stretch our legs and make sure the bikes are working well. Meet and greet happy hour at 5 PM, followed by dinner. We’ll continue getting to know each other around the campfire then rest for a big day of riding. Riders are welcome to meet at the campsite in Oakridge.

Mileage: 10ish miles

Day 1

Get ready for a shuttle fest! We’ll ride Hardesty, Lawler, Eula and more if you still feel strong! A refreshing dunk into the amazing swimming holes on the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Willamette will prepare our bodies for another full day of riding.

Mileage: 15 to 25 miles

Day 2

Today’s the adventure day: we’ll travel to Oakridge’s outer limits to ride high country trails. No shuttles on this one, prepare for a long day in the saddle, hike a bike sections and screaming fast descents.

Mileage: 15 to 25 miles

Day 3

After breaking camp, we’ll ride the classic Alpine Trail or ATCA if the group feels like they want more. After a farewell cheers, the van will return to Bend and we’ll return to the world refreshed and content from multiple days of riding and being in nature.

Mileage: 14 to 26 miles

A guide orients a rider to Oakridge from the look out on Dead Mountain Trail.

2023 Dates:

  • July 21-24 Camping trip
  • August 10-13 Camping trip
  • October TBD Lodge based trip
  • Contact us to set up unique dates for your group

$ 1249 per person for camping, $1495 for lodge based stays

  • 3.5 days of mountain biking in the Oakridge Region
  • Guide service & support
  • All transportation to and from Bend and during the trip
  • Three nights of camping at the same site on the Willamette River or three nights at a Lodge in Oakridge
  • All meals from from dinner the first night to lunch on the last day as well as trail side snacks
  • Beverages from Deschutes Brewery, Humm Kombucha, and Polar Seltzer
  • Badge of honor: Cog Wild patch

Price does not include:

  • Mountain bike rentals. See our bike rentals page for more information.
  • Beverages purchased at The Three Legged Crane Pub in Uptown Oakridge.
  • Camping gear such as tents, sleeping bag and pad. Bring your own, or rent them from us.
  • Optional activities such as rafting or fishing on the Middle Fork of the Willamette River.
  • Airport shuttles to and from the Redmond (RDM) Airport or Eugene Airport. Please arrange your own transportation from Redmond Airport to our headquarters, we recommend Enviro Shuttle or Redmond Airport Shuttle.
  • Trip insurance. We highly recommend purchasing trip insurance since stuff comes up.
  • Guide gratuity: If you like the ride, plan to tip your guides.

From our main office in Bend, we rent Ibis and Santa Cruz hardtail and full suspension bikes and have access to most bike brands through the many bike shops in Bend. Come early to get fitted to your bike or we can bring a rental bike to the campsite for you. Bike rentals are also available from the Willamette Mountain Mercantile/ Oakridge Bike Shop.

If you are flying in to Bend and plan to travel to Oakridge with the guides, consider adding a day in Bend before or after the tour. Cog Wild is located at LOGE Bend, where you can stay overnight and add a guided ride or shuttle.

Upper Umpqua & Timpanogas Region Multi-Day Adventure

The North Umpqua Trail has been hit hard by fire and extreme weather the past few years and it needs time to heal and lots of machine work before we’re able to ride all 79 miles of the trail again. We’ve revamped our classic Umpqua multi-day trip; now it includes the top segments of the North Umpqua Trail and our favorite high country trails near Timpanogas Lake on southern edge of the Willamette National Forest. Our campsite is situated nicely to maximize riding in both areas. This trip is best suited to expert riders who enjoy suffering through mandatory hike a bike sections and big climbs to fully appreciate long descents, technical roots and rocks, numerous stream crossings and miles of ultra-fun riding.

Day 0

Meet in Bend at noon and travel to our campsite near the headwaters of the North Umpqua River. If you are driving up from the south, you are welcome to meet the group at the campsite. We’ll do a ride from camp to stretch our legs and make sure the bikes are working well. Meet and greet happy hour at 5 PM, followed by dinner. We’ll continue getting to know each other around the campfire then retire to rest up for a big day of riding.

Mileage: less than 10 miles

Day 1

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll travel to Timpanogas Lake to ride the high country trails: Sawtooth, Cowhorn and head of the Willamette. Eat well since we’re going big today: mandatory hike a bike sections to steep descents. A swim in the lake is highly recommended before returning to camp for dinner and relaxation.

Mileage: 15- 20 miles

Day 2

Today is classic PNW riding. We’ll ride sections of the Middle Fork of the Willamette, a technical river trail with miles of fun riding. Then jump back in the van for a big Moon Point shuttle, an almost all downhill 7 mile ripper going through multiple climate zones and trail types. From chunky rock to tear inducing speeds, this trail is always a crowd pleaser.

Mileage: 20-34 miles

Day 3

After breaking camp, we’ll take a big bite out of the NUT as we ride as many of the upper segments that you can handle. Start with Lemolo, Dread and Terror then Hot Springs and if you still have gas in the tank try for Deer Leap too. After a dip in the North Umpqua River and a farewell cheers, the van will return to Bend and we’ll return to the world refreshed and content from three days of fantastic mountain biking.

Mileage: 15 to 30 miles

You’ll want to cool off in Indigo Lake after descending down from the ridge.

2023 Dates:

  • August 14-17
  • September 11-14

$ 1249 per person for a 3.5 day trip includes:

  • 3.5 days of mountain biking on the North Umpqua Trail and trails in Oakridge’s “outer limits”
  • Guide service & support
  • All transportation to and from Bend and during the tour
  • Three nights of camping
  • All meals from from dinner the first night to lunch on the last day as well as trail side snacks
  • Beverages from Deschutes Brewery, Humm Kombucha, and Polar Seltzer
  • Badge of honor: Cog Wild patch

Price does not include:

  • Mountain bike rentals. See our bike rentals page for more information.
  • Camping gear such as tents, sleeping bag and pad. Bring your own, or rent them from us.
  • Optional activities such as rafting or fishing on the Middle Fork of the Willamette River.
  • Airport shuttles to and from the Redmond/ Bend (RDM) Airport. Please arrange your own transportation from Redmond Airport to our headquarters, we recommend Enviro Shuttle or Redmond Airport Shuttle.
  • Trip insurance. We highly recommend purchasing trip insurance since stuff comes up.
  • Guide gratuity: If you like the ride, plan to tip your guides.

From our main office in Bend, we rent Ibis and Santa Cruz hardtail and full suspension bikes and have access to most bike brands through the many bike shops in Bend. Come early to get fitted to your bike or we can bring the bike of your choice to the campsite.

If you are flying in to Bend and plan to travel down to the Umpqua with the guides, consider adding a day in Bend before or after the tour. Cog Wild is located at LOGE Bend, where you can get a hotel room and add a guided ride or shuttle.

Relax and tell tall tales by the campfire.

Ride and Dig

A Regenerative Mountain Biking Experience

This three day mountain bike adventure combines guided rides with trail work to promote sustainable trails and enhance recreational opportunities for others.

A partnership between Cog Wild, COTA, VisitBend and LOGE.

Experienced guides from Cog Wild will select appropriate routes for you to explore & enjoy the amazing mountain bike trails around Bend. Then leaders from the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) will explain and lead discussions about trail design, our unique high desert ecosystem, sustainable forestry, and stewardship of our recreational resources.

Our trails are built and maintained by volunteers — thank you for your interest in supporting sustainable trails in Central Oregon!

  • May 20 – 22, Friday through Sunday
  • Three days on the trail: ride, trail work, ride
  • Includes an annual membership to COTA
  • Discounted rate available at LOGE Camps for visitors
  • Santa Cruz bike rentals available for an additional fee

Pricing

  • $240 for all three days
  • Lodging special:
    • $210 per night for a room at LOGE Camps Bend
    • Up to 2 people per room
    • Add during checkout to receive this discounted rate

Friday

  • Meet at 8:30 at Cog Wild for a full-day guided ride with shuttle.
  • Includes lunch, snacks and refreshment
  • Post ride happy hour at Cog Wild to meet your crew leader to plan Saturday’s work party

Saturday

  • Trail work from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • Includes snacks on the trail, then post-work lunch & beverages back at Cog Wild
  • Free afternoon to explore Bend

IMPORTANT Trail Work Info

You will get DIRTY! Wear appropriate work clothes – long pants and closed toe shoes (work boots preferred). We provide work gloves, hard hat (required to be worn at all times by USFS), and tools.

Sunday

  • Full-day guided ride with shuttle, lunch, snacks
  • Debrief and celebrate!

Signature Series

Jumping for Oldies

For the experienced rider, age 30+, who didn’t get around to hitting jumps when youth was on their side. Two days of jump specific training

About Erika

Erika Schmid has been riding her mountain bike forever, and she continues to push herself with the more extreme parts of mountain biking as she gets older. Erika is a PMBI Level 2 certified instructor with a major in jumps and drops.

Rider Level

JFO is geared towards experienced riders who can trail ride well, has maybe attempted jumps before and now looking to push your air time and control

Terrain & Trails

Students will spend day #1 at Phil’s Trailhead mercilessly drilled in safe fundamental technique on jumps.
Day #2 has students applying their new skills at the The Lair

  • May 16th & 18th
  • June 6th & 8th
  • September 19th & 21st
  • September 26th & 28th

Sessions run from 4:30 to 6:30 PM

The class meets at Phil’s Trailhead on Day 1. On Day 2 meet at Cog Wild to ride to the Lair.

  • $175 for two days of jump progression

Mountain Bike Skills Instruction in Oakridge, Oregon

Cog Wild’s professional mountain bike coaches are trained to help you become a more confident, safer, and skilled rider. Oakridge has great terrain for skill building.

Scheduled group clinics are great ways to learn fundamentals or push your flow and technical skills. Private lessons are available daily for individuals and small groups.

Find A Skills Session

Private SkillsFundamental Skills ClinicFlow ClinicDownhill ClinicE-Bike ClinicMeet our Coaches

Private Skills Lessons

Mountain biking becomes more fun as skill improves; take a private lesson with one of our PMBI certified coaches. Choose from full or half day options for individuals and small private groups.

Our coaches have experience instructing all skill levels. Lessons focus on what the client needs, which typically includes fundamental skills or advanced skills such as technical trail riding, jumps and high speed cornering. The content from our downhill, flow or e-bike clinics can be the focus of a private lesson.

Choose 10:30 am or 12:30 pm start time. Typical duration is up to 3.5 hours.

  • Solo rider: $250
  • $185 per person for 2 or more people
  • Includes snacks, Cog Wild water bottle, transportation during the lesson and post lesson cold beverages.

9:00 start time with a duration of at least 5 hours.

  • Solo Rider: $345
  • $265 per person for 2 or more riders
  • Includes lunch, snacks, Cog Wild water bottle, transportation during the lesson and post lesson cold beverages.

Fundamental Skills Clinic

Get down with the fundamentals of mountain biking from a PMBI certified instructor. Recent converts and long time mountain bikers can benefit from a skills clinic.

  • For new riders, seniors, families, and long time riders who want to build better riding habits 🙂
  • Skills will be introduced and developed through drills and games during trail riding
  • Meets at Cog Wild
  • 9:00 AM to 3 PM
  • Includes lunch, snack, Cog Wild water bottle, post clinic beverages and transportation during the clinic.
  • May 27, 2023
  • June 17, 2023
  • July 1, 2023
  • July 8, 2023
  • August 5, 2023

$145 per person for one full day of instruction

Downhill Clinic

Dive into the nuances of riding with speed. Gain confidence to ride faster in technical situations, down fast flow trail and through tight switchbacks. 

  • For intermediate and advanced riders ready to progress their skill and confidence.
  • Session rock features, switchbacks and other obstacles on the way down the trail
  • Detailed, personalized feedback
  • Meets at Cog Wild
  • 9:00 AM to 3 PM
  • Includes lunch, snack, Cog Wild water bottle, post clinic beverages and transportation during the clinic.
  • 2023 dates
    • July 15
    • August 12
    • September 16
  • Available upon request as a private lesson May – October
  • $145 for one full day of group instruction

Flow Clinic

Flow trails are more fun when you feel confident in the corners, can carry momentum and know the fundamentals of riding berms, rollers and jumps.

  • For intermediate & experienced riders ready to improve flow with a focus on cornering technique and jumping.
  • Meets at Cog Wild
  • 9:00 AM to 3 PM
  • Includes lunch, snack, Cog Wild water bottle, post clinic beverages and transportation during the clinic.
  • 2023 Dates:
    • July 22
    • August 19
    • September 30
  • Available upon request as a private lesson May – October
  • $145 per person for one full day of instruction

E Bike Skills Clinic

E-bikes are similar to regular bikes, but with their extra weight and some extra pedal power, they require unique techniques.

  • For beginner and intermediate e-bike riders.
  • Learn the fundamentals of e-bike riding including bike setup, uphill riding, descending and cornering.
  • Meet at Cog Wild at 9:00am
  • Lunch, snack, a Cog Wild water bottle and post clinic beverages
  • 2023 dates
    • July 15
    • August 12
    • September 16
  • Available upon request as a private lesson May – October
  • $145 for one full day of instruction

Oakridge Mountain Bike Coaches

Eugene Cathcart

Eugene is a long time Oakridge rider and loves to ride all kinds of bikes from gravel to e-bikes. He is a talented rider and has competed in cross country, endurance events, enduro races and loves to share his passion for mountain biking with riders of all levels, including the Oakridge NICA composite team.

Qualifications

  • PMBI Level 1 Instructor
  • NICA Level 2 coach
  • Wilderness First Aid certified

Lev Stryker

Lev is Cog Wild’s head skills coach. Lev loves going fast downhill, and as a high level skills coach, he can break down the nitty gritty of becoming a faster/smoother rider.

Qualifications

  • PMBI Level 2 Instructor
  • PMBI Level 1 Coach Course Conductor
  • Wilderness First Aid certified

Dennis Sibilia Young

A major passion for Dennis is introducing people to mountain bike skills-and introducing them to the joy of riding Oakridge trails. His focus is on fundamentals and intermediate skills for new riders, families and seniors.

Qualifications

  • PMBI Level 1 Instructor
  • NICA Level 3 coach and National Trainer
  • Wilderness First Aid certified

Wade Beauchamp

Wade AKA Vulture is a legend in mountain biking. He is a kind and gentle individual who will help you discover a passion for riding bikes in beautiful places

Qualifications

  • PMBI Level 1 Instructor
  • Wilderness First Aid certified

FAQ

Can I use my own bike?

Yes! Your own mountain bike is best because you are used to it, but we can get you a mountain bike if needed.

I have been riding for a long time, what can you teach me?

Our coaches have lots of experience with all skill levels. For more advanced riders, we can work on technical trail riding, jumps and high speed cornering.

I would like more than a one-day clinic. Do you offer anything?

We recommend doing more than one skills clinic or add day tours to enhance your riding experience. If you are in town for a few weeks, check out our skills progression sessions.

Guided Mountain Bike Rides in Oakridge, Oregon

Guided rides with Cog Wild are a great way to get some epic riding and an insiders view of this bucket list mountain bike destination.

With a shuttle assisted guided ride, we figure out the logistics and take you to the goods; you spend less time grinding up, and more time shredding down. Ride the classic trails: Alpine, Dead Mountain, Hardesty and Lawler, and some of the lesser known gems including Timpanogas, Moon Point, Bunchgrass, Grasshopper, Tire Mountain, Cloverpatch and Eula.

Guided Ride Options:

Coming to Oakridge with a big group? Book a van and guide for a full or half day. Traveling solo or with four or fewer riders? Consider a half or full day guided ride to show you trails appropriate to your level and learn about what trails to ride next.

Half Day Guided Ride

  • Get to know the trails around Oakridge with a guided ride. Accessible for all skill levels, the guide will select a route based on your skill, fitness and interests. For individuals up to groups of 4.
  • Around 3 hours
  • Shuttle included, routes may include Dead Mountain or Alpine, TBD based on rider input.
  • Solo rider $179, or $92 per person for 2 – 4 riders

Full Day Guided Ride

  • Immerse yourself in the glory of mountain biking in Oakridge. Best suited for strong intermediate to advanced riders; you’ll still climb thousands of feet even with a shuttle. For individuals up to groups of 4.
  • Around 5-6 hours
  • Shuttle included, routes may include the full ATCA or a shuttle fest on Hardesty, Lawler and Eula.
  • Solo rider $275, or $149 per person for 2 – 4 riders.

Van and Guide for a Half Day

  • For your crew up to 12 riders. Best suited for fit intermediate to expert riders
  • Up to 4 hours
  • Full sag & logistical support with an experienced guide and driver. Ride the regular shuttles routes around Oakridge or have a guide show you Moon Point, Eula, Sawtooth and other gems.
  • $745 per group

Van and Guide for a Full Day

  • For your crew up to 12 riders. Best suited for fit intermediate to expert riders
  • Up to 8 hours — ride all the goods!
  • Full sag & logistical support with an experienced guide and driver. Ride all the regular shuttle routes around Oakridge or go for an adventure near Timpanogas, Middle Fork, Moon Point or Grasshopper.
  • $1200 per group

Oakridge Region Multi-day Adventures

Let us host you on our home trails in the West Cascades for a few days. We’ll maximize the shuttle runs and explore some lesser known gems. Choose camping or lodge based stays from our list of preset dates or set your own dates and bring your riding crew for a private adventure.

  • Strong intermediate to expert riders
  • June – October
  • Open meadows, old growth forests, fast descents, swimming holes, Oakridge Pub
  • Camping or lodging options
Learn More

What to Expect

Oakridge has trails that are suited for strong beginners to expert riders. If you are new to mountain biking, consider riding in Bend instead of Oakridge.

Narrow, fast, slow, smooth, rocky, rooty, steep and beautiful describe all the trails in Oakridge. You’ll ride through a wide variety of ecosystems and habitats – old-growth stands, second growth Doug Fir forests, recent clear cuts, giant ferns, wildflower filled meadows, cold creek crossings, log bridges, exposure and rock outcroppings.

  • Hydration pack or backpack for carrying water, extra food and clothing. Bring a rain shell if rain is forecasted.
  • Helmets are required for all rides.

During the reservation process please be ready to share the following for each rider:

  • Age of minors
  • Each rider’s mountain bike skill land fitness levels: beginner, intermediate or advanced and any additional details you would like your guide to know about you & your group.
  • Allergies, dietary or medical restrictions for each rider
  • Do you need a rental bike or are you bringing your own bike?

The Willamette Mountain Mercantile rents Santa Cruz and Ibis bicycles. Check out their website or call 541-782-1800. Please check that they have a rental bike available for the day you’d like before booking a guided ride.

Guided Mountain Bike Rides in Bend, Oregon

Cog Wild has been guiding mountain bikers in Oregon since 2006. We’re deeply rooted in the bike community and ready to share our love of place to help you have a great experience. There are so many reasons to ride with a guide: camaraderie, safety and mechanical support, suggestions on routes for your next ride.

All guided rides include a guide, a shuttle, so you have a gravity assisted ride, snacks, water bottle, and post ride beverages from Deschutes Brewery, Polar Seltzer and Humm Kombucha. Full day rides also include a seriously good sandwich from Nancy P’s Bakery.

Demo bikes from Santa Cruz and Ibis are available to rent and come with helmets and gloves.

Half Day Guided Ride

Sample Bend, Oregon’s famous mountain bike trails with a guide. Accessible for all skill levels, the guide selects a route based on your skill, interest and fitness to maximize flow on the trail. Time on trail is approximately 3 hours.

Half Day Ride details

Full Day Guided Ride

Ride from the high country back to Bend with a guide. Best for experienced riders who enjoy multiple hours on trail. Explore more terrain and enjoy lunch on the trail with your guide. Time on trail is approximately 4 – 6 hours.

Full Day Ride Details

Old Cascade Crest Adventure Day

Have an adventure on the high country trails in the Old Cascade Crest. These lightly guided rides take you to majestic views, mandatory hike a bike sections and awe inspiring descents.

Family Guided Ride

Similar to the half day ride, but with a focus on your family. Let the us sweat the details while you enjoy quality time with your people. Appropriate for families of all configurations: reunions, young kids, teens. Your guide will design the ride based on your skill and interests.

Family Ride Details

Guided Experiences for Private Groups

Bend is the perfect place for family reunions, wedding parties and corporate retreats. Call on Cog Wild to create a mountain biking adventure for your specific group. 

Private Group Ride

Gravel Ride

Central Oregon forest roads are prime for gravel rides. Our gravel guides are on the forefront of the scene and know the road and trail systems well. 

Guided Gravel Ride

Winter Fat Bike Ride

Explore central Oregon’s winter landscape on a fat bike.

Winter Fat Bike Ride Details

FAQ

I have already done the Bachelor to Bend tour? Should I do it again?

Yes! There are several different ways to ride from Mt. Bachelor to Bend, and we can take you on a different route each time, with few trail repeats. This means that you will see new trails each time.

My friends and I want to do this tour together, but some of us ride faster/slower than the rest of the group. Is this a problem?

Not at all! The trails in Bend are not very technical, which is what slows most people down in other places. Once we have details about all the riders we will choose a route that will help keep everyone together. Depending on the size of the group, we will have more than one guide to allow everyone to be able to ride at their own pace without getting too far ahead or left behind.

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes, of course! If you are traveling with your mountain bike, we ask that it is in good working order. Hard tails, full suspension, 27” and 29er bikes are all appropriate for our trails.

How much water should I have with me?

Cog Wild will provide each rider with one water bottle for you to keep after the ride. However, we recommend carrying at least a few water bottles or a full hydration bladder for your full day ride. There is not a place to refill water along the trail, so you will need to start the ride with all of your water for the day.

Traveling with an E-bike? Please read:

The Deschutes National Forest does not allow e-bikes on the non-motorized trails. This includes the vast majority of mountain biking trails that we guide and shuttle.

Mountain Bike Skills Instruction Bend, Oregon

A of mountain bikers poses for a group picture with a the cloudy sky in the background.

Cog Wild offers a variety of mountain bike skills instruction from private instruction to multi-week group instruction, after school and summer camp skills for youth and advanced skill instruction at Mt. Bachelor’s Bike Park.

Our PMBIA certified coaches work with you to become a more confident and skilled rider. Everyone benefits from mastering the fundamentals, getting personalized feedback, and working with the coaches to enhance your skills!

Private Skills Lesson

Our PMBI certified skills coaches are available for you, your family or small group for full or half day lessons. For riders of all abilities.

Private Skills Lesson INFO

Progression Sessions

Join like minded Bend locals for multiple levels of our crowd favorite Progression Sessions: three weeks of skills progression with the same cohort.

Progression Session Info

Jumping for Oldies

For the experienced rider, age 30+, who didn’t get around to hitting jumps when youth was on their side.

Jumping for oldies Info

Mt. Bachelor Bike Park Lessons

For experienced riders, our PMBI certified skills coaches are available for you or your small group to work on advanced skills at the bike park.

Bike Park Skills Info

Junior & Youth

Check out Cascadia Junior Cycling for junior-specific summer camps, mountain bike clubs & race teams.

Cascadia Junior Cycling

FAQ for Skills Instruction

Can I use my own bike?

Yes! Your own mountain bike is best because you are used to it and you’ll likely ride it after the lesson. If you’d like to try a different bike we have DEMO BIKES for rent.

If doing a downhill lesson at Mt. Bachelor, please contact Mt. Bachelor directly to reserve a rental.

What can you teach me?

Our coaches have lots of experience with all skill levels: beginners and intermediate riders really learn a lot from our skills lessons and tours. For more advanced riders, our instructors ensure your fundamentals are solid, then move into more advanced skills like drops and jumps, and maneuvers on technical terrain like rock gardens and higher speed corners.

I would like more than a one-day clinic

For locals, we recommend our Progression Sessions and Signature Series for multi-week clinics. Additionally, we can schedule multiple private lessons or full day tours with a guide or skills instructor to enhance your riding abilities.

Bend, Oregon Mountain Bike Shuttles

Starting Oct 2: 9 AM (weekends only) and 10:30 & Noon (everyday)

and upon request for groups of 4 or more

Cog Wild shuttles are a great way to maximize your time on the bike. With about 3,000′ of elevation gain between town and Mt. Bachelor, visitors and locals can take advantage of a shuttle ride to access higher elevation terrain and ride single track all the way back to Bend.

Meet at Cog Wild on the edge of town. Jump on the shuttle, which travels up the Cascade Lakes Highway to Wanoga, Swampy or Dutchman Trailheads.

Shuttle riders need to be self sufficient: bring a map and have a route in mind, have a tool kit and first aid kit. Carry enough food, water and clothing to support your time in the woods.

Bend Trails and Trail Forks are great sites for researching trails and ride options. Maps are available to purchase at Cog Wild and we are happy to look at the map with you and suggest routes.
Please stay off middle Flagline until August 15 to give the elk ample time to raise their babies.

Daily Bend Shuttles

Park at Cog Wild for a shuttle up Century Drive to these locations:

  • May 1 – October 31
  • Multiple runs each day
  • Park at Cog Wild, shuttle up and ride the trails all the way back to your car
  • Riders must be self-sufficient

Wanoga

Our first regular stop is at Wanoga trailhead. These blue and black trails can be challenging for newer or younger riders.

  • Access to: Funner, Tiddlywinks, Tyler’s Traverse & more
  • Average ride 13 – 20 miles
  • Minimum 1,700 feet of descending
  • $17 per person

Swampy Lakes

The middle stop is at Swampy Lakes trailhead. Generally less technical trails than Wanoga with fewer miles and less climbing than Dutchman.

  • Access to: South Fork, Swede Ridge, Upper Whoops, entire Phil’s Trail Network & more
  • Average ride 19 – 25 miles
  • Minimum 2,500 feet of descending
  • $17 per person
A mountain biker on trail in Oregon.

Dutchman Flat

The last stop is across the road from Mt. Bachelor Ski Area and Bike Park. These high elevation trails usually open in July but Flagline remains closed until Aug 15 to protect the elk.

  • Access to: Metolius-Windigo, Bachelor Bike Park, Flagline (closed until Aug. 15) & more
  • Average ride 25 – 35 miles
  • Minimum 3,600 feet of descending; most routes have sustained climbs.
  • $22 per person

Newberry Crater / Paulina Peak Shuttle

Ride from Paulina Peak down to Horse Butte Trailhead, east of Bend. This is a full day adventure option for strong intermediate to advanced riders who want an adventure ride out of Bend.

Dates: August 5, September 2 & 16 and upon request for groups of 4 or more

NEWBERRY SHUTTLE Details

Dutchman to Sisters Shuttle

Ride the high country trails on the east side of the Cascades from Dutchman Flat and end up in Sisters. Available when Trail 99 is fully clear, usually in the fall.

Fall 2023: October 7 and upon request for groups of 4 or more

Private or Custom Shuttles

Private transportation for any outdoor endeavor! Book a van to transport your private group to the trailhead of your choice.

  • For your private group
  • Hourly service
Custom Shuttle Details

Bend Shuttle Season Pass

Take advantage of shuttles with Cog Wild’s shuttle season pass. With unlimited Bend shuttles, ride as much as you can. Like riding in Oakridge too? Purchase our new combo pass for unlimited Bend and Oakridge shuttles.

Bend Shuttle Season Pass
Combo Shuttle Season Pass

Ride with a Guide

Cog Wild offers full or half day guided rides for families and all levels of riders from beginner to expert. Let us manage the logistics so you can just show up and ride.

Guided Rides

Hone your Skills

Cog Wild’s professional, certified instructors will help you master the basics of mountain biking or get you to the next level of skill.

Skills instruction

McKenzie River Trail Shuttle

Available upon request for larger groups in Bend. Small groups, please contact our friends at Horse Creek Lodge. They are based in McKenzie Bridge and run daily shuttles.

Horse creek lodge

Traveling with an E-bike? Please read:

The Deschutes National Forest does not allow e-bikes on the non-motorized trails. This includes the vast majority of mountain biking trails that we guide and shuttle.