bend biking - EpicBend https://epicbend.com Live Your Best Life in Bend Oregon and Frederick Maryland! Sat, 19 Jul 2025 15:04:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://epicbend.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/241208-EpicTotal-Logo-1-150x150.png bend biking - EpicBend https://epicbend.com 32 32 Rimrock Trail in Bend – Hiking or Biking Without Even Leaving Town https://epicbend.com/rimrock-trail-bend/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rimrock-trail-bend https://epicbend.com/rimrock-trail-bend/#respond Mon, 14 Jul 2025 13:26:55 +0000 https://epicbend.com/?p=25899 The Rimrock Trail in Bend has several perfect loops for hiking, biking, or getting out with your dog. All without really leaving Bend.

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While technically outside the city limits, heading to the Rimrock Trail network off Cascade Lakes Highway feels like you don’t even leave Bend.

Of course, once you venture into its trail system into its diverse terrain, you feel far away from the city.

A mountain bike rests on Rimrock Trail at the edge of a rocky cliff, overlooking a forest of tall pine trees and a small river below. The sky is overcast, with bushes and shrubs lining the trail in the foreground.

The Rimrock Trail Near Bend, Oregon

Classic Central Oregon Landscape Just Outside Town

The Rimrock Trail Network near Bend offers a scenic escape for mountain bikers, hikers, or anyone who wants to talk their dog for a walk.

Whether you’re after a challenging ride or a leisurely hike, this trail delivers panoramic canyon views, diverse terrain, and a rejuvenating experience in Central Oregon’s high desert landscape.

It’s also a great way to access the Deschutes River.  There are trails that traverse down to the river, and gentle paths that follow in both directions.

The Rimrock Trail Basics

One of the best features of this trail network is how easily it is to access from Bend.  The Rimrock Trailhead is located just off Cascades Lake Highway southwest of town.

A paved path leads from the neighborhoods along Century Drive past Tetherow until you see signs directing you left towards the trailhead area.

At the Rimrock Trail trailhead, a wooden information kiosk displays maps and notices. To the left, a yellow Good Dog! station offers waste bags and a green bin. Pine trees frame the dirt path beneath a bright sky.

More details on the Rimrock Trail Network:

  • Trailhead Location: 18768 State Hwy 372, Bend, OR 97702
  • Parking:  Gravel Parking Lot (Free)
  • Permit Required:  None
  • Trail Network:  Many Possible Loops, from 1.1 to 2.8 miles
  • Elevation Gain:  Minimal, ~150 feet
  • Difficulty:  Easy to Moderate
  • Dog Friendly:  Yes, Off-Leash!  Read Below

Accessing and Parking at Rim Rock

You can ride your bike directly to the trailhead from many parts of Bend.  But if you drive, there’s ample parking at the trailhead.

A gravel parking area along Rimrock Trail sits quietly in a forest, surrounded by tall pine trees. A rustic wooden fence borders the right side, while a cloudy sky looms above, enhancing the remote and natural greenery throughout.

There are also restrooms and picnic tables at the trailhead area.  Plus maps to help you plan your route.

Biking the Rim Rock Trail System

A person rides a blue mountain bike on the narrow, rocky Rimrock Trail. Their left hand grips the handlebar as rugged rocks and green shrubs line the path under a partly cloudy sky, evoking outdoor adventure and mountain biking.

Rimrock is a multi-use area, its great for hiking, letting your dog loose, or just going for a walk down to the river.  But usually Nicole and I are there to go biking. 

We’ve done many different routes, mostly loops that are a few miles and are great for after work or when you want something fun without traveling far from town.

A blue mountain bike is parked on a dirt path by a wooden sign reading “Upper Deschutes River” beside the flowing river, with pine trees and fences nearby. The Rimrock Trail runs under a partly cloudy sky.

Our ‘normal’ route is to take the Gooddog Trail from the trailhead all the way to the Deschutes River.  You can then return via the Sirius Trail, creating about a 3-mile loop.

The trails are typical Bend single-track gravel and dirt.  There will be some rock sections and an occasional overlook.

But also sweeping descents into small canyons, and short navigations between and around boulders.

Hiking the Rim Rock Trail Network

A dirt hiking path, known as Rimrock Trail, winds through a forest of tall pine trees and sparse bushes under a cloudy sky. The ground is dry with scattered rocks and patches of grass, surrounded by green shrubs and open scenery.

If you refer to the Rimrock Trail Map, you’ll see that lots of other shorter possible loops exist, using the Rimrock Rover Trail, which make for short, easy, and enjoyable hikes.

Hiking at Rimrock is yet another reason we love Bend.  There are a plethora of long, epic hikes around Bend.

But here, you can be outdoors in the wilderness by traveling just 5 minutes outside town.

A wooden trail sign in a forest points left to Deschutes River Trail No. 2.1 and right to Rimrock Trail and Good Dog Trail Number 65. Pine trees and shrubs line the dirt path beneath a cloudy sky.

What Makes Rim Rock Great for Dogs

Pretty much anytime you visit the Rimrock area near Bend, you’ll find lots of locals with their dogs. 

A wooden signboard in a forested parking area displays three maps and informational posters about off-leash dog recreation and the Rimrock Trail in Central Oregon, with tall pine trees, parked cars, and dry, brown soil in the background.

That’s because Rimrock is a popular off-leash area for dogs, and a place for four-legged friends to run free, including down along the Deschutes River.

Wrap Up and More Information and Resources

Rimrock Trail near Bend delivers a high-desert experience complete with canyon views, sweeping ascents, mild challenges, and Deschutes River access—all minutes from town.

It’s a perfect after-work or short outdoor getaway for hiking, biking, or dog walking. 

A mountain bike rests on Rimrock Trail at the edge of a rocky cliff, overlooking a forest of tall pine trees and a small river below. The sky is overcast, with bushes and shrubs lining the trail in the foreground.

Want more info on biking, hiking, and exploring the Rimrock Area? Check these resources:

A man wearing a bike helmet, sunglasses, and a hydration pack stands in front of a Rimrock Trail sign and a pile of rocks on a dirt path, with shrubs and pine trees behind him under a partly cloudy sky.

If you are looking for more adventures in Bend, check our Best Hikes Around Bend and Best Things to Do in Bend articles!

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