Level: Intermediate
Length: 25 mi (40.2 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Other
Elevation: +1,290/317 ft
Total: 84 riders
Mountain Biking Peterson Ridge Loop
#15 of 300 mountain bike trails in Oregon
#505 in the world
X-country riders will love this system. Basically this is an 18 mile loop with no less than 12 ‘connector’ trails running between the two sides, PT West & PT East- the ride lengths and different configurations here are almost endless. The local bike shop boasts 28 miles of trails, I guess so if you were to ride them all. The local bike shops and the Forest Service office have free maps available. Like the neighboring systems in Bend all the intersections are marked by a post with a number on it, these correspond with the maps- as you are riding along these #’s are not necessarily in order so having a map, at least for the first time here is kind of important.
Although not direction specific I chose to ride the loop counter-clockwise (turning right at every intersection) and for the first 2.5 miles the trail was just a twisty, flat ride through the woods, great for the novice riders. After that there was a slight elevation gain and some semi-technical spots mainly in the form of small rock gardens. The views from the ridge of the surrounding mountains are spectacular. At intersection #28, about 8.5 miles from the start you will want to turn left onto PT East, turning right here leads to the Upper Metolius trail- it is possible to ride singletrack from here all the way to the numerous trail systems in Bend. Back on the loop the trail turns very fast and winds its way back down the ridge towards Sisters. Take a left at intersection #2 near the end as going right will take you to the Five Pine Resort (this is plainly marked). There are several FS roads running through this area and you will cross them frequently, however this trail is all singletrack and if you find yourself riding on a road you somehow missed a turn-
These are very well planned and built trails and the signage is some of the best I have ever seen on a system this size.
First added by AK_Dan on Jan 1, 2003. Last updated Apr 30, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
- Drinking water: unknown
- Lift service: unknown
- Night riding: yes
- Pump track: unknown
- Restrooms: unknown
- Fat bike grooming: unknown
- E-bikes allowed: unknown
- Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
In Sisters turn south on Elm st and drive about six blocks. Just after a small bridge turn left onto Tyee st and park near the trailhead.
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Awesome XC in beautiful Terrain. If youre riding in the middle of the summer bring plenty of water.
| ThankGreat 20 mile loop with aprox. 800ft of elevation gain. Occasional rock garden but most of the trail is packed dirt and loam. Some of the corners are banked do to use so the ride back is fun and flowy.
| ThankGood XC set of trails. Nothing too difficult, though the short advance rider loops have challenging stout climbs and rocky sections. Bend will get all the raves but these trails are in better condition, have less traffic and superior scenery. Bend does have better breweries. Trails are well marked and maps are available at the Sisters Chamber of Commerce or the trailhead.
| ThankRode this trail and really enjoyed it. Not a difficult ride at all but a good way to take in some central Oregon scenery. Would definitely ride it again.
| ThankThese trails were well marked & offered the ability to ride as long or as little as you liked without repeating sections. Some parts weren't particularly exciting, though it offered a good workout & some nice views about halfway out on the big loop.
| ThankThis is one of the better mountain bike trail systems that I've come across whether in Oregon or elsewhere. The views are spectacular from Peterson Ridge you can see the three sisters all the way to Black Butte and Mt. Jefferson. We could actually see cars going up Santiam Pass. The system is very close to downtown Sisters. The start of the trail is quite flat and is a good warmup from the trails farther away from the trailhead. This is a must visit on a Oregon mountain bike tour similar to Phil's Trail in Bend.
| Thank"Stacked loop" system, 100% singletrack, with some moderate technical sections beyond the flats near town. Lots of options and variety using the dozen connectors. Several more challenging tech sections, most notably Eagle Rock 2 miles from town. Great views, big trees. Aerobically and technically moderate. Great beginner system in the flats near town, six or seven miles of smooth flat trail.
| Thank