Suttle Tie and Loop

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Very Easy
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2.5-3.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
22.1 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
111 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
9.7
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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Directions to Trailhead
Panorama of Suttle Tie Loop biking trail in Bend, Oregon

An easy bike ride in a beautiful environment, the Tie trail connects the parking lot to Suttle Lake, where the Loop Trail will bend in and bring you around the lake. A popular ride with children, or for cross country training.

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Route Description for Suttle Tie and Loop

Starting from the trailhead behind the map, begin riding along the flat single-track trail. Soon the path will change to double track, which you will follow for approximately one-third of the ‘Tie’ portion of the loop — the trail which connects the parking area to the beginning of the lake.

Though many mountain bikers scoff at double track, the double track here is quite enjoyable. This is because of the environment you are in. Surrounded by stunning pine trees, and lush plant life, you feel wholly immersed in nature.

Luckily though, you will reenter single track. Around the same time, you will also traverse through very thick shrubbery, which at times is so thick that it grabs your handle bars almost out of your hands! Take these descents slow, as it is definitely easy to have a silly crash.

Soon you will reach a road crossing. This is the access road for Suttle Lake Lodge. You will cross this road twice, and all these crossings are obvious. You will cross the road a final time and reach a bridge, with a signed junction. Continue straight here and begin along the Suttle Lake Loop.

In the summer Suttle Lake is extremely popular with campers and lake goers. The lake loop is very popular with hikers and dog walkers, so don’t go too fast and watch out for pedestrians.

The trail around the lake is quite fun, with several interesting, easy features and many undulations. You will pass by several campgrounds and docks. At the far side of the lake you will ride on the road for less than a hundred yards before rejoining the trail. Once you have circumnavigated the lake you will ride across the bridge you saw when you started, then start again on Suttle Tie to head back to your car.

Insider Hints for Suttle Tie and Loop

  • Stop in for a snack, meal, or beer at the small dockside restaurant beside the lodge. We especially enjoy the Bratwurst here!
  • In the summer time the loop trail can be super busy. Do this ride early to avoid most of the late rising lake goers.

Getting to the Suttle Tie and Loop Trailhead

From Bend take US 97 north for just over a mile, then exit onto US 20 towards Sisters. Continue along this highway for 51.5 km before turning left on NF 2060. This turnoff is just after Black Butte Ranch Resort, and is on the opposite side of the highway from Black Butte itself. The small parking area is right beside the highway, and has a map but no toilet.

Route Information

  • When to do

    Early summer, avoid huge crowds that come to the lake in middle of summer.

  • Toilets

    At lake

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Good

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Lollipop

Suttle Tie and Loop Elevation Graph

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Suttle Tie and Loop Reviews

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