Suttle Tie and Loop
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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.
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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