Flagline Trail #41

The Flagline & Metolius-Windigo Trail loop offers a challenging mountain biking experience through Central Oregon's high country, combining tough climbs with exhilarating descents. You'll traverse remote forests filled with towering old-growth trees, opening up to expansive alpine meadows and treating you to close-up views of iconic peaks like South Sister and Broken Top. This moderate 22.3-mile (36.0 km) route involves 2691 feet (820 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 40 minutes to complete.

Planning your ride requires checking for seasonal closures; specifically, Middle Flagline is closed until August 15th each year to protect elk calving grounds. The high elevation of the trails means less sandy conditions than those closer to Bend, making late summer and early fall the prime seasons for riding, ideally after some rain but before the first significant snow.

This loop is a popular choice for mountain bikers near Bend, known for its diverse terrain that transitions from tacky pine-needle-covered dirt to more technical sections with roots and rocks. While the Flagline Trail is often ridden as a shuttle, combining it with the Metolius-Windigo creates an epic all-mountain loop that demands a significant time commitment and rewards with stunning scenery.

The Tumalo Falls (Lower Viewpoint) – Tumalo Falls loop is a quintessential Bend mountain biking experience, guiding you through dense old-growth forests and alongside the rushing Tumalo Creek. You'll be treated to views of the impressive 97-foot Tumalo Falls and numerous other cascades, with glimpses of distant Cascade peaks through the trees. The trail offers a mix of challenging climbs on the North Fork Trail and exhilarating, technical descents on the Farewell Trail, making it a dynamic ride.

To plan your visit, know that the trailhead is a 14.2-mile drive west of Bend, including a stretch on a bumpy gravel road. You'll need a Northwest Forest Pass for parking, and it's important to remember that E-bikes are prohibited on these trails. The North Fork Trail is shared with hikers, so always be mindful and yield to uphill traffic and pedestrians.

This moderate 18.2 miles (29.4 km) loop, with its 2565 feet (782 metres) of elevation gain, is often completed in about 3 hours and 7 minutes, making it a substantial outing. It's considered a