Whether you’re an avid and experienced mountain biker, a novice rider, or are just looking for a fun and adventurous outdoor activity to do while visiting Sisters, Oregon, this blog is for you!

We love all that the Sisters, Oregon outdoor community has to offer our residents and guests, but one thing many visitors often don’t hear much about are our spectacular mountain biking trails. So, with that in mind, we decided to provide a breakdown of our top five mountain biking trails in, or near, Sisters, Oregon. Happy reading and trail riding!

1. Peterson Ridge Trail System

The most accessible and convenient trail to ride if you’re staying in Sisters, Oregon, the Peterson Ridge Trail system offers biking trail options for all riders–novices and veterans alike! With over 25 miles of newly added loops and routes, you’re sure to find a fun and picturesque course (or five) that can be ridden and re-ridden for days. This beautiful and diverse trail system also offers spectacular views of the Cascade Mountain Range and is located on the south end of town, on Elm Street across from Whychus Creek. Get more details and see all the trails Peterson Ridge has to offer via the button below.

2. The McKenzie River Trail

A 25-mile descent that is incredibly beautiful and changes terrain many times, the McKenzie River Trail is perfect for the experienced mountain biker. From lava beds to green, lush and mossy forest, this trail provides incredible variety and an epic opportunity to see beautiful wildlife and Central Oregon’s natural terrain changes. If you are an avid biker, the full 25-mile trail may be right up your alley (just make sure to take two cars for shuttling). But if you want to check out this fantastic trail and are just beginning to mountain bike, or prefer less intense terrain, you may want to stick with biking the last 15 miles of the trail–the first 15 miles are more technical and challenging. After you’re done, you can visit Belknap Hot Springs for a quick soak to ease your sore muscles! For more information on the trail, click the button below to visit their website. (Yes, it's so popular that made an entire website for one trail...welcome to Oregon!)

3. Green Ridge Trail

With a starting point on the upper Metolius River, this 10-mile loop is best for the intermediate or the advanced mountain biker. Along the biking trail, riders will get phenomenal views of the Metolius River and surrounding valley scenery. Eventually, you’ll end up in the Metolius basin, before heading back to the trailhead. The Metolius River trail system also offers lots to enjoy including extensive hiking trails, Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery and the seasonally open Hola! restaurant – best known for their margaritas.

4. Suttle Tie Trail

Five miles of fun abandoned roads and single track, this mountain biking trail travels around Suttle Lake and into Black Butte, before heading back into Sisters, Oregon. The ease of the terrain is ideal for new trail riders and family excursions. Check out the area on Bend Trails using the button below.

5. Smith Rock

If you haven’t visited Smith Rock before, this is a must see! Depending on the time of year, the dramatic rock formation, located just outside of Redmond, Oregon and about 20 miles from FivePine Lodge & Spa, is an absolutely worthwhile excursion for either hiking or mountain biking. But, this trail is not for the inexperienced mountain biker. Including lots of sharp descents, ridges, and exposed areas, the trail system at Smith Rock is perfect for experienced mountain bikers. But, don’t let that deter you! If you don’t bike it, hike it instead. Misery Trail is famous for the steep ascent, with breathtaking panoramic views at the top.