If you are looking for beautiful gravel routes in the United States, you don't have to look very far. Almost every one of the 50 states has beautiful routes for off-road driving. Of course, Kansas is a well-known location, especially because of its Unbound. Still, many other states will claim that they have even better routes. We went looking and ended up in Oregon and specifically in the region around Bend. The gravel routes in Bend They are here to tickle your toes. From simpler routes to more challenging ones, there is something for every gravel lover. We give you a brief introduction and before you know it you are googling flights to Oregon.
A piece of topography
The United States is a huge country. That almost automatically means that the individual states are quite ‘huge’. That also applies to Oregon. This state is located on the West Coast, north of California and adjacent to the states of Washington and Idaho. It is almost six times (!) larger than the Netherlands. The capital is Salem (not to be confused with Salem on the East Coast), but the most famous place is Portland (and the adjacent Beaverton, headquarters of Nike). Oregon has fully embraced the Douglas fir as a state symbol and the University of Oregon uses it almost everywhere. You can see this in the wider landscape as well, where green forests, combined with streams, set the tone. (There is, by the way, a whole section about the trees in Oregon.). You can find it here) About halfway into the state, three hours’ drive from Portland, you’ll find Bend.
Gravel paradise Bend
Bend, Oregon, is a paradise for gravel enthusiasts. The town of about 75,000 inhabitants has an impressive selection of gravel routes for all levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced gravel rider, the varied terrain of Bend, from smooth gravel to more technical trails, is a true paradise. The region is known for its beautiful views and offers hundreds of kilometers of gravel routes, but also singletracks and possibly routes aimed at the racing cyclist. Although still unknown in the Netherlands, the gravel routes in Bend are a must-see for anyone who has never been to the USA before. That is why I am writing about them here.
Beauty in the landscape
Gravel biking in Bend is not just about the kilometers and the distance; it’s about being in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. The gravel routes in the region are accessible all year round. That means you can see a different gravel landscape every season. Because the difference between winter and the ‘Indian summer’ is like a difference between day and night.
Gravel routes in Bend
For those just starting out on gravel or the experienced gravel rider looking for a relaxed experience, there are a number of routes to choose from such as ‘Big Red’ and the ‘Westside Tour’. These shorter routes are perfect for a quick getaway or a day of exploration.
A highlight in the Bend gravel scene is the Cascades Gravel Scenic Bikeway – a unique route in Oregon. This exceptional gravel route combines spectacular landscapes and varied terrain, leaving you completely ‘in love with Oregon’ at the end of your ride (or Bend, whichever you prefer). One of the routes I’d like to highlight is the ‘Poke the Bear’, (just the name alone).
Approximately 50 kilometers long and with 85% gravel sections, this route is perfect for an early morning or afternoon bike ride. You have quite a few hills to climb, but you get a lot of rewards for that. The incredible views over Mount Jefferson and the Three sisters, to name a few.
Useful tips and tricks
No gravel bike? No problem! Bend offers convenient gravel bike rentals. Whether you’re new to the sport or traveling without your bike, local experts are here to help. Sunnyside Sports (just because of the name alone, it’s a must-try). Project Bike The Web Cyclery is ready to help with rentals, sales, and valuable local route information.
For additional info, visit all of the gravel trails around Bend, Oregon. Dirty Freehub. They offer an extensive selection of routes, maps and tips, as well as a podcast to keep you engaged and enthusiastic about the region.
For more information about the region and about the routes, click here
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.